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- Ecuador Volcanoes
Ecuador, perched upon the tectonically active Andean Volcanic Belt, showcases an awe-inspiring array of volcanoes. These towering peaks arise from the subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate – a process that continuously drives magma generation and fuels fiery eruptions. Ecuador’s volcanic landscape features majestic stratovolcanoes, including the iconic snow-capped Cotopaxi, as well as vast caldera complexes like Cuicocha, remnants of past cataclysmic events.
Several Ecuadorian volcanoes are renowned for their persistent activity. Tungurahua, known as the “Black Giant”, has experienced phases of intense Strombolian and Vulcanian eruptions with significant ashfall and pyroclastic flows. Sangay, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, is characterized by near-continuous ash emissions and frequent lava flows. Reventador also exhibits frequent explosive activity accompanied by incandescent lava flows.