Nicaragua’s Momotombo volcano, known for its recent eruption in February 2016, has been observed spewing toxic gas clouds for several years following the eruption. An astronaut aboard the International Space Station captured an image of the volcano on July 10, 2018, showing a large cloud of toxic gas emanating from its summit.
Momotombo, a stratovolcano located on the northern shore of Lake Managua in western Nicaragua, has a turbulent history. It earned the nickname “the smoking terror” in 1902, according to NASA’s Earth Observatory. The volcano, approximately 4,500 years old and standing at 4,167 feet above sea level, has experienced significant eruptions over the past five centuries. The most notable eruption occurred in 1610, causing an earthquake that destroyed the nearby city of León, which was then rebuilt into the modern city it is today.
The recent eruptive phase of Momotombo began with major eruptions in November 2015 and February 2016, following a long period of dormancy since 1905. However, there has been no significant volcanic activity reported since 2021. The volcano is part of the Central American Volcanic Arc, a chain of volcanoes extending from Mexico to Panama along the continent’s west coast. Momotombo is surrounded by other volcanoes, including Momotombito, a smaller stratovolcano located in Lake Managua.
The image captured by the astronaut shows the volcano emitting a cloud likely composed of water vapor and toxic gases, such as hydrogen sulfide, which has discolored the summit over time. Lava fields at the base of the volcano, remnants of past eruptions where molten rock flowed down its flanks, are also visible in the photo.
The area around Momotombo is characterized by fumaroles, openings through which volcanic gas and steam escape to the surface. In 1983, a geothermal plant was established in the region to harness the underground activity for electricity generation. Despite its tumultuous history, Momotombo has remained relatively quiet in recent years.
The volcano serves as a reminder of the powerful forces at work beneath the Earth’s surface and the potential impact of volcanic activity on the surrounding areas. Monitoring and studying volcanoes like Momotombo are essential for understanding and predicting volcanic behavior, ensuring the safety of nearby communities and the environment.
