Eruption of the Nevado Del Ruiz Volcano, Colombia, on 13 November 1985: Tephra Fall and Lahars
Abstract
A small Plinian eruption of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano in Colombia ejected 3.5 × 1010 kilograms of mixed dacite and andesite tephra on 13 November 1985, with a maximum column height of 31 kilometers above sea level. Small pyroclastic flows and surges, generated during the initial stage of the eruption, caused surface melting of approximately 10% of the volcano's ice cap, leading to meltwater floods. The erosive floods incorporated soils and loose sediments from the volcano's flanks and developed into lahars, which claimed at least 25,000 lives.
- Publication:
-
Science
- Pub Date:
- August 1986
- DOI:
- 10.1126/science.233.4767.961
- Bibcode:
- 1986Sci...233..961N