The Recent Geological Evolution and Current Activity of Galeras Volcano, Narino Colombia (South America)

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This Science and Developing Countries award will support Professor Stanley Williams of Louisiana State University (LSU) at Baton Rouge in a research collaboration with Ms. Marta Lucia Calvache and other scientists at the Colombian Geological Survey (IN- GEOMINAS). The researchers propose to study the geology and volcanology of the most recent cone of the Galeras volcano, in northwestern Colombia. In addition, they will compile the historic data concerning activity of this very dynamic volcano, and they will continue monitoring of the geochemical evolution of the summit fumaroles during the present cycle of increased activity. This monitoring paid off when, in February 1989, anomalous degassing and seismic activity clearly increased and small lithic ash-bearing explosions began. At the present time, a growing sense of alarm surrounds the continuing activity of Galeras. Samples of the most recent cone developed at Galera will be examined at LSU for mineralogical and geochemical variations. Pyroclastic rocks will be analyzed for grain size variations. With data from present-day monitoring of fumarolic gases and compilation of the historic records of activity, the investigators intend to assemble a model of the activity of the Galeras volcano that could serve as a basis for an assessment of potential hazards associated with future eruptions. Because of the continued involvement and contribution of Colombian scientists and the possibility for the work under this award to have a high social impact, this project fully advances the objectives of the Science in Developing Countries Program.