Masaya Volcano, located in Nicaragua, is a basaltic shield volcano complex known for its persistent degassing and occasional lava lake activity. The volcano comprises a series of nested calderas and craters, with the currently active Santiago crater being the primary source of volcanic emissions. Masaya’s gas plume, rich in sulfur dioxide and other volcanic gases, has significant impacts on local air quality and vegetation
| Location: | Masaya, Nicaragua |
| Coordinates: | 11.984479, -86.167659 |
| Volcano Type: | Caldera |
Masaya’s Location:
Masaya’s Latest Status
2024: Incandescence within the Santiago crater of Masaya Volcano (Nicaragua) has been observed on webcam images and via satellite. Previously, Masaya hosted a persistent lava lake, which was obscured following a landslide on March 2nd.
Masaya’s Eruptive History
| Year | Eruptive Activity |
|---|---|
| ~6,000 years ago | Plinian eruption, producing the Masaya Triple Layer deposits, widespread ashfall, and pyroclastic flows |
| ~2,100 years ago | Another significant Plinian eruption, ashfall, and pyroclastic flows |
| 1670 | Effusion of a large lava flow from Nindiri crater, overflowing the caldera rim |
| 1772 | Major lava flow eruption from a fissure on Masaya cone’s flank |
| 1852 | Formation of a new vent and lava lake within Santiago crater |
| 1902 | Lava lake activity, Strombolian explosions, and ash emissions |
| 1946 – 1959 | Period of increased activity, including lava flows, ash emissions, and Strombolian eruptions |
| 1965 | Strong explosive eruption, ash column, and pyroclastic flows |
| 1979 | Formation of a new lava lake in Santiago crater |
| 1980s – 1990s | Intermittent lava lake activity, gas emissions, and occasional ash plumes |
| 2001 | Lava lake activity and vigorous gas emissions |
| 2008 | Powerful gas eruption, ash plume, and increased seismicity |
| 2012 | Lava lake reappears in Santiago crater |
| 2015 – 2016 | Sustained lava lake activity, intermittent ash emissions, and Strombolian explosions |
| 2018 | Gas eruptions, increase in lava lake level, and occasional ash plumes |
| 2020 | Small explosions, ash emissions, and increased gas release |
| 2023 | Small explosion in Santiago crater, creating a new vent and ejecting rock fragments. The explosion also ignited dry vegetation near the crater. |
| 2024 | Landslides in the Santiago Crater covered the active lava lake with debris, blocked volcanic gas release, and increased the potential for moderate explosions. |
Masaya Monitoring
INETER: The Nicaraguan Institute of Territorial Studies (INETER) is responsible for monitoring Masaya’s activity.
Masaya Images
