Poás Volcano Erupts, Sending Ash Plume Into the Sky
Recent eruption raises concerns over air quality and local agriculture as monitoring intensifies.
The Poás Volcano in Costa Rica erupted on March 28, 2023, sending an ash and gas plume approximately 1,000 meters into the atmosphere.
The eruption was documented by the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI-UNA), which has been closely monitoring the volcano's activity due to increasing signs of unrest.
Wind patterns carried the plume southwest, impacting visibility in the region.
Prior to this larger eruption, the volcano exhibited increased activity with smaller eruptions occurring on March 27 and March 28, reaching heights of 300 and 500 meters, respectively.
Geologist Geoffroy Avard had previously indicated that the heightened seismic activity and gas emissions could signal further eruptions, a concern that was confirmed by this recent event.
Poás Volcano, located 35 kilometers northwest of San José, has been under observation since late 2022 amid rising activity.
In response to the ongoing seismic unrest, the Poás Volcano National Park was closed to the public on March 28 for safety reasons.
The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica announced that OVSICORI had issued an Orange Alert—the third level out of four—alerting citizens to avoid the area.
Residents in nearby towns, such as Sarchí and Grecia, reported feeling low rumbling sounds during the eruption.
However, there have been no immediate reports of damage or injuries associated with the event.
The ash fallout has raised concerns regarding air quality and potential impacts on local agriculture, particularly affecting sectors such as coffee and dairy production in the Central Valley.
The National Emergency Commission (CNE) is actively monitoring the situation and has made preparations to support affected communities if necessary, with updates being disseminated through official channels.
OVSICORI scientists are continuing to assess the volcanic activity, conducting ongoing measurements of seismic activity and gas emissions, suggesting the possibility of additional eruptions in the future.
The volcanic site is subject to a 3.5-kilometer exclusion zone, with authorities ready to modify safety protocols based on the evolving situation.
Monitoring and public safety remain priorities as local authorities strive to keep the community informed.
The eruption was documented by the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI-UNA), which has been closely monitoring the volcano's activity due to increasing signs of unrest.
Wind patterns carried the plume southwest, impacting visibility in the region.
Prior to this larger eruption, the volcano exhibited increased activity with smaller eruptions occurring on March 27 and March 28, reaching heights of 300 and 500 meters, respectively.
Geologist Geoffroy Avard had previously indicated that the heightened seismic activity and gas emissions could signal further eruptions, a concern that was confirmed by this recent event.
Poás Volcano, located 35 kilometers northwest of San José, has been under observation since late 2022 amid rising activity.
In response to the ongoing seismic unrest, the Poás Volcano National Park was closed to the public on March 28 for safety reasons.
The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica announced that OVSICORI had issued an Orange Alert—the third level out of four—alerting citizens to avoid the area.
Residents in nearby towns, such as Sarchí and Grecia, reported feeling low rumbling sounds during the eruption.
However, there have been no immediate reports of damage or injuries associated with the event.
The ash fallout has raised concerns regarding air quality and potential impacts on local agriculture, particularly affecting sectors such as coffee and dairy production in the Central Valley.
The National Emergency Commission (CNE) is actively monitoring the situation and has made preparations to support affected communities if necessary, with updates being disseminated through official channels.
OVSICORI scientists are continuing to assess the volcanic activity, conducting ongoing measurements of seismic activity and gas emissions, suggesting the possibility of additional eruptions in the future.
The volcanic site is subject to a 3.5-kilometer exclusion zone, with authorities ready to modify safety protocols based on the evolving situation.
Monitoring and public safety remain priorities as local authorities strive to keep the community informed.
