Overview of Pacaya Eruption History
Pacaya is a complex volcano located in Guatemala at latitude 14.382° N and longitude -90.601° W, reaching a summit elevation of 2,569 meters. Positioned in a subduction zone tectonic setting on continental crust thicker than 25 kilometers, the volcano has a recorded database of 32 confirmed eruptions cataloged by the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program.
The earliest documented eruption in the historical record dates to approximately 400 CE (with an estimated start year uncertainty of 50 years), determined via uncalibrated radiocarbon (14C) isotopic testing. Historical coverage extends from this early record through modern direct observations. The volcano profile records 2021 as its last known eruption year, corresponding to an eruptive episode that began on June 7, 2015, and concluded on August 13, 2021.
Eruption Chronology Across Centuries
Pacaya's 32 confirmed eruptions span ten separate centuries in the historical record. Documentation frequency varies over time, reflecting both volcanic behavior and changes in record-keeping techniques:
- 4th century CE: 1 eruption (~400 CE)
- 9th century CE: 1 eruption
- 12th century CE: 1 eruption
- 14th century CE: 1 eruption
- 16th century CE: 1 eruption
- 17th century CE: 12 eruptions
- 18th century CE: 1 eruption
- 19th century CE: 3 eruptions
- 20th century CE: 4 eruptions
- 21st century CE: 7 eruptions
The 17th century CE displays the largest concentration of historical events in the database with 12 recorded eruptions, while the 21st century CE has recorded 7 confirmed eruptive periods.
Explosivity and Representative Eruption Records
The maximum magnitude recorded for Pacaya on the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) scale is 3.0. The VEI measures relative explosive size based on ejected volume and eruption height, though it does not serve as a complete measure of ground impact, economic damage, or ongoing danger.
The table below details representative records from the volcano's catalog, demonstrating different evidence methods, specific activity areas, and event durations across its historical timeline.
| Start Date | End Date | VEI | Activity Area | Evidence Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 400 CE (±50 yrs) | Unspecified | 2.0 | Unspecified | Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated) |
| 1664 CE | Unspecified | 3.0 | Unspecified | Observations: Reported |
| 1699-06-29 CE | Unspecified | 2.0 | Unspecified | Observations: Reported |
| 2006-03-09 CE | 2010-10-26 CE | 3.0 | MacKenney Cone | Observations: Reported |
| 2015-06-07 CE | 2021-08-13 CE | 1.0 | MacKenney Crater | Observations: Reported |
Recent Activity and Eruptive Centers
Modern observation of Pacaya identifies specific localized eruptive centers. An eruption period starting March 9, 2006, and ending October 26, 2010, was centered at MacKenney Cone and registered a maximum VEI of 3.0. A subsequent eruptive period began on June 7, 2015, located at MacKenney Crater, with a VEI of 1.0.
While June 7, 2015, marks the start date of the latest entry in the structured eruption sequence, the episode continued over several years until ending on August 13, 2021. This ongoing activity accounts for the volcano profile's listed last known eruption year of 2021.
Frequently asked questions
How many confirmed eruptions are recorded for Pacaya?
The Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program records 32 confirmed eruptions for Pacaya, dating from approximately 400 CE through 2021.
What is the largest recorded VEI for Pacaya?
The largest recorded Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) for Pacaya is 3.0, documented in multiple historical and modern events, including eruptions in 1664 CE and 2006 CE.
When did Pacaya's most recently cataloged eruption end?
The cataloged eruption that began on June 7, 2015, ended on August 13, 2021, centered at MacKenney Crater, establishing 2021 as the volcano profile's last known eruption year.
Sources and further context
Official datasets support the event-specific facts.