Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP) reported that an average of 13 low-to-medium intensity explosions per day occurred at Sabancaya during 22-28 July. Gas-and-ash plumes rose as high as 2.3 km above the crater rim and drifted NE, E, and SE. There were eight thermal anomalies identified in satellite data. The report noted that the public should not approach the crater within a 12-km radius. Single explosions on 1 and 5 August produced an ash plume that drifted more than 30 km E and W, respectively.

Geological Summary. Sabancaya, located in the saddle NE of Ampato and SE of Hualca Hualca volcanoes, is the youngest of these volcanic centers and the only one to have erupted in historical time. The oldest of the three, Nevado Hualca Hualca, is of probable late-Pliocene to early Pleistocene age. The name Sabancaya (meaning "tongue of fire" in the Quechua language) first appeared in records in 1595 CE, suggesting activity prior to that date. Holocene activity has consisted of Plinian eruptions followed by emission of voluminous andesitic and dacitic lava flows, which form an extensive apron around the volcano on all sides but the south. Records of observed eruptions date back to 1750 CE.

Source: Instituto Geofísico del Perú (IGP)