Arenal Volcano

Costa Rica - Dec, 2008

Arenal is the most active volcano in Costa Rica and has been in a state of almost continuous eruption since 1968. It is common for the mountain to be cloaked in thick cloud and spotting the summit during the rainy season is not easy. I was able to get up onto the slopes of Arenal, into the dangerous prohibited area with an international group of volcanologists and geologists who were installing an array of seismometers on the volcano.

Approaching the volcano	Avalanches of lava blocks tumble down the side of Arenal. Climbing the volcano is not advised.

The view of Arenal from the nearby town of Fortuna.	At the end of the track, unloading scientific instruments and getting ready for the hike up the side.

On the flank of the volcano. Scientists lay out the seismometers, GPS antennas and cabling to be installed.	Burying and aligning one of the seismometers. These sensitive instruments measure tremors on the mountain. The rocks here were deposited by an eruption in 2000 that killed 2 people.

Looking uphill and seeing a brief glimpse of an eruption through the clouds. When we heard it, we all stopped for a moment to make sure nothing was headed our way.	A closer look at the summit from Fortuna.

 

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