Turrialba volcano could remain active and belching ash for two years

October 29th, 2014: Experts collect samples as Turrialba rains ash after its largest eruption in 150 years. (Photo courtesy of the RSN)

December 10^th, 2014 (InsideCostaRica.com) The Turrialba volcano could remain active and belching ash for two years, one of Costa Rica’s most well known volcanologists, Gino Gonzalez of the National Seismological Network (RSN) said on Tuesday.

Speaking on the radio program, Nuestra Voz on Radio Monumental, Gonzalez said that activity at the Turrialba volcano following its October 29^th eruption would likely mimic activity that was recorded after the last comparable eruption 150 years ago because both eruptions share similar characteristics.

The last eruption comparable to the October 29^th eruption occurred some 150 years ago, and the volcano remained active and “constantly” ejecting ash for a period of two years, Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez said that he and other volcanologists advise the public to not be alarmed and learn to live with the volcano.

Late Monday night, Turrialba sent ash falling over many areas of the Central Valley, in some cases up to 50 kilometers away from the volcano.