Characteristics and management of the 2006–2008 volcanic crisis at the Ubinas volcano (Peru)

Abstract

Ubinas volcano is located 75km East of Arequipa and ca. 5000 people are living within 12km from the summit. This composite cone is considered the most active volcano in southern Peru owing to its 24 low to moderate magnitude (VEI 1-3) eruptions in the past 500years. The onset of the most recent eruptive episode occurred on 27 March 2006, following 8months of heightened fumarolic activity. Vulcanian explosions occurred between 14 April 2006 and September 2007, at a time ejecting blocks up to 40cm in diameter to distances of 2km. Ash columns commonly rose to 3.5km above the caldera rim and dispersed fine ash and aerosols to distances of 80km between April 2006 and April 2007. Until April 2007, the total volume of ash was estimated at 0.004km3, suggesting that the volume of fresh magma was small. Ash fallout has affected residents, livestock, water supplies, and crop cultivation within an area of ca 100km2around the volcano. Continuous degassing and intermittent mild vulcanian explosions lasted until the end of 2008. Shortly after the initial explosions on mid April 2006 that spread ash fallout within 7 km of the volcano, an integrated Scientific Committee including three Peruvian institutes affiliated to the Regional Committee of Civil Defense for Moquegua, aided by members of the international cooperation, worked together to: i) elaborate and publish volcanic hazard maps; ii) inform and educate the population; and iii) advise regional authorities in regard to the management of the volcanic crisis and the preparation of contingency plans. Although the 2006-2008 volcanic crisis has been moderate, its management has been a difficult task even though less than 5000 people now live around the Ubinas volcano. However, the successful management has provided experience and skills to the scientific community. This volcanic crisis was not the first one that Peru has experienced but the 2006-2008 experience is the first long-lasting crisis that the Peruvian civil authorities have had to cope with, including attempts to utilize a new alert-level scheme and communications system, and the successful evacuation of 1150 people. Lessons learned can be applied to future volcanic crises in southern Peru, particularly in the case of reawakening of El Misti volcano nearby Arequipa.