IG reported that ash plumes from Tungurahua rose to an altitude of 7 km (23,500 ft) a.s.l. on 29 August; clouds inhibited visual observations during 30 August-4 September. Ashfall was reported during 29 August-3 September in areas to the W. On 31 August, lahars were observed in drainages to the NNW and disrupted the road to Baños. Explosions rattled windows in Baños (8 km to the N) and at the Tungurahua Observatory (OVT) in Guadalupe, 11 km N. On 1 September, ashfall was also reported from areas in the SW and NW. Incandescent blocks were propelled from the summit and observed from the OVT. Roars and "cannon shots" were heard during 29 August-1 September and 3 September. On 4 September, incandescence and rolling blocks on the E and N flanks were noted.

Geological Summary. Tungurahua, a steep-sided andesitic-dacitic stratovolcano that towers more than 3 km above its northern base, is one of Ecuador's most active volcanoes. Three major edifices have been sequentially constructed since the mid-Pleistocene over a basement of metamorphic rocks. Tungurahua II was built within the past 14,000 years following the collapse of the initial edifice. Tungurahua II collapsed about 3,000 years ago and produced a large debris-avalanche deposit to the west. The modern glacier-capped stratovolcano (Tungurahua III) was constructed within the landslide scarp. Historical eruptions have all originated from the summit crater, accompanied by strong explosions and sometimes by pyroclastic flows and lava flows that reached populated areas at the volcano's base. Prior to a long-term eruption beginning in 1999 that caused the temporary evacuation of the city of Baños at the foot of the volcano, the last major eruption had occurred from 1916 to 1918, although minor activity continued until 1925.

Source: Instituto Geofísico-Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG-EPN)