Tungurahua volcano, Ecuador
Elevation: 16,475 ft. (5023 m)
Tungurahua is an active stratovolcano also known as the “The Black Giant.” It has a 600 ft. (183 m) wide crater. Most of the volcano is covered by snow. Its causes many tremors in the nearby city of Banos. Tungurahua’s lava is mostly composed of basalts. Tungurahua has had at least seventeen eruptions in historical times, its most recent occurring in 1944 when it erupted explosively from its central crater. Located about 25 miles (~40 km) west of Tungurahua is the largest volcano in Equador, Chimborazo and to the north about 50 miles(~80 km ) is Cotopaxi volcano.
General view of erupting Tungurahua volcano, 17 January 2008, seen from the proximity of the Ecuadorean city of Banos. Tungurahua volcano has increased in activity this week, forcing the evacuation of more than 700 villagers living near the crater. EPA/JOSE JACOME