Volcano Type: Stratovolcano
Volcano Status: Holocene
Last Known Eruption: Unknown
Summit Elevation: 3760 m 12,336 feet
Latitude: 14.465°N 14°27’53″N
Longitude: 90.743°W 90°44’35″W
The symmetrical, forested Volcán de Agua stratovolcano forms an impressive backdrop to the historic former capital city of Antigua Guatemala, opposite the twin volcanoes of Fuego and Acatenango. The 3760-m-high basaltic-andesite to andesite Agua volcano has an isolated position that makes it a prominent landmark from all directions. A small, 280-m-wide circular crater is breached on the NNE side. Six small pit craters are located on the NW flank, and two small cones lie on the south flank. Agua’s symmetrical profile implies a relatively young age, although currently no dated Holocene tephra deposits are known. Agua has had no historical eruptions, but its name (the water volcano) originates from a devastating mudflow on September 11, 1541. The mudflow destroyed the first Guatemalan capital city established by the Spanish Conquistadors, which is now known as Ciudad Vieja. The catastrophe prompted the establishment of a new capital city at nearby Antigua.
Agua is a symmetrical volcano located in southern Guatemala. The volcano contains six small pit craters on the NW flank. The summit contains a circular, 250 m diameter crater, which is breached towards the NNE. The crater walls are vegetated. No historical eruptions have occurred at the volcano.
Agua Volcano is an inactive volcano that rises to an elevation of 3760 m. It’s located a few minutes away from La Antigua Guatemala, which makes it a characteristic landmark visible from any part of the city. Its shape is that of a symmetrical cone covered with vegetation. It’s name derives from a mudflow that destroyed the first Guatemala capital in 1541, when one side of the crater collapsed releasing the water inside it. As a result of this disaster, most of the city’s buildings where demolished. After the catastrophe, the capital was moved to the current La Antigua Guatemala.
Originally posted 2010-08-25 03:50:43.
