How the eruption of Nevado del Ruiz resulted in the deaths of 22000 people?
All-told, these mudflows, called lahars, killed more than 23,000 people. Although it wasn't considered a large eruption, heat melted snow and ice from a glacier capping the volcano and unleashed three lahars — a mixture of rock, volcanic debris, mud and water.
What caused the 1985 eruption of Nevado del Ruiz?
Abstract. A complex sequence of pyroclastic flows and surges erupted by Nevado del Ruiz volcano on 13 November 1985 interacted with snow and ice on the summit ice cap to trigger catastrophic lahars (volcanic debris flows), which killed more than 23,000 people living at or beyond the base of the volcano.
What happened at Nevado del Ruiz?
On the November 13, 1985, an explosive eruption at the Arenas Crater (image center) melted ice and snow at the summit of the volcano. Mudflows (lahars) swept tens of kilometers down river valleys along the volcano's flanks, killing at least 23,000 people.
How did the Nevado del Ruiz melt?
THE NEVADO DEL RUIZ VOLCANO During the volcanic outbursts of 1595, 1845, and 1985, large volumes of meltwater were derived from melting of the ice pack by hot pyroclastic flows erupting at the summit.
Is Nevado del Ruiz still active?
Colombia's broad, glacier-capped Nevado del Ruiz has dated eruptions going back 8,600 years, including observed activity since 1570. Ruiz remained quiet for 20 years after the deadly September 1985-July 1991 eruption until new explosive activity occurred from February 2012 into 2013.
When did mount Ruiz last erupt?
2016Nevado del Ruiz / Last eruption