Volcanic event management in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Abstract

The volcanoes of Galápagos, Ecuador, are among the most active in the world, with an average of five eruptions per decade. Monitoring and communication of their activity are essential for timely management of events. In this context, the Instituto Geofísico de la Escuela Politécnica Nacional carries out constant surveillance of Galápagos volcanoes using geophysical monitoring, remote sensing, and field campaigns with the support of the Dirección del Parque Nacional Galápagos. Collaborations with national emergency agencies and international scientists have been key to ensuring the protection of the population, economic activities, and endemic fauna of Galápagos. Since 2010, there have been numerous changes in the way volcanic unrest and eruptions are detected and communicated to decision-makers and the general public. This paper summarizes six eruptions and one period of unrest from different Galápagos volcanoes that occurred in the last decade to illustrate and discuss the evolution of surveillance and hazard communication.