Abstract
After 138 years of apparent silence, the Cotopaxi volcano awoke on August 14th of 2015 with a sequence of eruption events and the emission of both fine-grained volcanic material and gases. Four samples of the very first eruption were collected at different sites within the fallout area. The analysis of such samples, by using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) as well as Electron Diffraction Scattering (EDS) techniques, allow us to determine the geochemical and mineralogical composition. On the basisthe presence of juvenile magma at the proximity of the crater has been categorically excluded. Therefore major eruptions and the subsequent generation of far-reaching lahars can be discarded for the duration of this volcanic stage.
Highlights
The Cotopaxi volcano, located at the northern Andes in central Ecuador, is considered one of the most dangerous active volcanoes in the world [1]
The optical inspection of the fine-grained material has determined that the mineral composition of the ejected material corresponds to a typical andesitic to dacitic component and rarely rhyodacitic composition
The chemical analysis obtained by Electron Diffraction Scattering (EDS) measurements determined that the samples are rich in sulfur and contain abundant concentrations of iron, magnesium and manganese
Summary
The Cotopaxi volcano, located at the northern Andes in central Ecuador, is considered one of the most dangerous active volcanoes in the world [1]. To understand the origin of this eruption and with the aim to assess if the event is a minor sporadic event or a potential catastrophic volcanic eruption, we have collected and analyzed the first material ejected by the Cotopaxi volcano the day of its reactivation [4]. Four samples from the very first eruption in the morning of the 14th of August 2015 were collected at different sites in the proximity of the Results XRD analysis
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call