Fuego

Pyroclastic flows sweep down the east flank of Fuego volcano, Guatemala, in October 1974, during one of the largest historical eruptions of the volcano. Ash clouds rise off the base of the pyroclastic flows, which traveled up to 7 km from the summit at estimated average velocities of 60 km/hr. The travel direction of pyroclastic flows is influenced by topography. The denser basal portion of the pyroclastic flows follows topographic lows on the flanks of the volcano--note a smaller pyroclastic flow descending a gully at the right.

Type/Process: Pyroclastic Flow
Volcanic Status: Historical
Image Number: 039-022
Photographer: William Buell, 1974.
Summit Elevation: 3763 meters
Latitude/Longitude: 14.473 N / 90.880 W
Timeframe: Last known eruption 1964 or later
Region: Mexico and Central America