Servicio Geológico Colombiano’s (SGC) Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Manizales reported that during 8-14 March seismicity at Nevado del Ruiz was characterized by long-period earthquakes, episodes of continuous tremor, and pulses of volcanic tremor associated with gas-and-ash emissions. A gas, steam, and ash plume rose 1.8 km and drifted SW on 8 March. The next day an episode of volcanic tremor was associated with an ash emission recorded by the webcam and observed by National Park officials. Seismicity increased during 12-13 March. The largest earthquake was recorded at 0233 on 12 March; it was a local M 3, NW of Arenas Crater at a depth of 5.6 km. Significant amounts of water vapor and gas rose from the crater during the week. The Alert Level remained at III (Yellow; "changes in the behavior of volcanic activity").

Geological Summary. Nevado del Ruiz is a broad, glacier-covered volcano in central Colombia that covers more than 200 km2. Three major edifices, composed of andesitic and dacitic lavas and andesitic pyroclastics, have been constructed since the beginning of the Pleistocene. The modern cone consists of a broad cluster of lava domes built within the caldera of an older edifice. The 1-km-wide, 240-m-deep Arenas crater occupies the summit. The prominent La Olleta pyroclastic cone located on the SW flank may also have been active in historical time. Steep headwalls of massive landslides cut the flanks. Melting of its summit icecap during historical eruptions, which date back to the 16th century, has resulted in devastating lahars, including one in 1985 that was South America's deadliest eruption.

Source: Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC)