Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano (Spanish: Volcán Arenal) is an active andesitic stratovolcano in north-western Costa Rica around 90 km (56 mi) northwest of San José, in the province of Alajuela, canton of San Carlos, and district of La Fortuna. The Arenal volcano measures at least 1,633 metres (5,358 ft) high. It is conically shaped with a crater 140 metres (460 ft) in diameter. Geologically, Arenal is considered a young volcano and it is estimated to be less than 7,500 years old. It is also known as "Pan de Azúcar", "Canaste", "Volcan Costa Rica", "Volcan Río Frío" or "Guatusos Peak".
| Arenal Volcano | |
|---|---|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,670 m (5,480 ft) |
| Coordinates | 10°27′48″N 84°42′12″W |
| Geography | |
Arenal Volcano Costa Rica | |
| Location | Alajuela Province, Costa Rica |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | 7,000 years old |
| Mountain type | Stratovolcano |
| Last eruption | 1968 to 2010 |
The volcano was dormant for hundreds of years and exhibited 2 craters at its summit, with minor fumaroles activity, covered by dense vegetation. In 1968 it erupted unexpectedly, destroying the small town of Tabacón. Due to the eruption three more craters were created on the western flanks but only one of them exists today. Arenal's eruption from 1968 to 2010 is the tenth longest duration volcanic eruption on Earth since 1750. Since 2010, Arenal has been dormant.