The latest volcanic eruption in news is the Tungurahua (ECUADOR) that started on 30th Jan, 2014 and is spreading to affect one third of Ecuador`s provinces. Tungurahua is located very close to the equator, in the mountainous terrain, at an elevation of 5023 meters. With the ash column rising another 4-5 km, the area of influence becomes massive and is extending up to 40,000 feet above mean sea level.
The hazard has prompted authorities to suspend schools and temporary closure of regional airport. This volcano had last erupted between 6th Oct – 13th Nov, 2013 and posed similar exigencies , activating the state machinery at a short notice. In addition to the common public, such eruptions are a big threat to the aeroplanes, if flying in that area, particularly powered by the jet engines which intake a large volume of ambient air. The ash, if ingested, may melt in the engine due to extremely high temperatures and damage turbines resulting in seizer of engines.
Structure of volcano is difficult to comprehend and most complicated to explain. Therefore, it suffices to say that volcanoes are generally found where tectonic plates are converging or diverging. The United States Geological Survey closely monitors all the volcanic eruptions and issues advisories. Their National Weather Agency at Omaha (Nabraska) also tracks and records salient aspects for research and development purposes.
India is relatively free from the threat of this natural hazard. The only active volcano is located at Barren Islands in the Andaman Sea. It has erupted twice in the recent past: once in 1991 and again in 1994-95. Prior to this, the volcano had remained dormant for 177 years.
Photograph by Steve Jurvetson