Masaya Volcano
Updated: Mar 25, 2025 15:11 GMT -
caldera
Nicaragua, 11.98°N / -86.16°W 
Summit height: 635 m / 2,083 ft
Current status: erupting (4 out of 5)
Last update: 2 Jan 2025 (Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report)
Masaya volcano 25 km SE from Managua is one of Nicaragua's most active and usual volcanoes.
In contrast to most other volcanoes in subduction zones, it has been erupting mainly fluid basaltic lava. At the time of the Spanish Conquistadors, it contained an active lava lake and it is reported that there were attempts to extract the volcano's molten "gold."
Masaya is a complex consisting of a 6×11.5 km large caldera with steep, up to 300 m high walls, and a group of young cones at the NW end including Nindirí and Masaya volcano proper. There are multiple summit craters including the currently active Santiago crater, the site of the current activity.
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Masaya volcano eruptions: 2012, 2008, 2006, 2005, 2004 (?), 2003, 2001, 1999-2000, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1993-94, 1989, 1987, 1965-85, 1948, 1946-47, 1925, 1919-24, 1918, 1913, 1906, 1904, 1902-03, 1858-59, 1858 (?), 1856-57, 1853, 1852, 1772, 1670, 1613 (?), 1586, 1570, 1551, 1524-44
Tephrochronology and radiocarbon-dated: 150 AD, 170 BC ± 100 years, 4050 BC
Latest nearby earthquakes
Background
The Masaya complex is the successor of the massive Pleistocene Las Sierras pyroclastic shield volcano which collapsed into the caldera during repeated collapse following a series of Plinian eruptions over the past 6-7000 years. Parts of the caldera are filled with a lake.Young activity from the Masaya complex occurred from more than a dozen vents in a circular, 4-km-diameter fracture system. It built the twin volcanoes of Nindirí and Masaya, the source of historical eruptions, at the southern end of the fracture system.
A major basaltic plinian tephra was erupted from Masaya about 6500 years ago. Historical lava flows cover much of the caldera floor and have confined a lake to the far eastern end of the caldera. A lava flow from the 1670 eruption over-topped the north caldera rim.
Significant volcanic eruptions: Masaya volcano
In the past 10,000 years, Masaya has had at least 36 confirmed volcanic eruptions, out of which 33 are documented by historical records, while the others can be inferred from geological evidence.
Additionally, there are 6 uncertain or discredited eruptions from Masaya volcano.
Additionally, there are 6 uncertain or discredited eruptions from Masaya volcano.
The table below lists all known eruptions (date in bold face) of Masaya volcano since around 1900. Updates on the most recent volcanic activity of Masaya can be found on the news page of Masaya volcano.
| Date | Note | VEI | Deaths | Damage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santiago crater Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
?? | Uncertain Eruption Historical obs./docs. | ? | |||
| Santiago Crater Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
| Santiago Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
| Santiago Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
| Santiago Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
?? | Uncertain Eruption | 1? | |||
| Santiago Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
| Santiago Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
| Santiago Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
| Santiago Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
| Santiago Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
| Santiago Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
| Santiago Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
| Santiago Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
| Santiago Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
| Santiago Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
| Santiago Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
| Santiago Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
| Santiago Historical obs./docs. | 2? | ||||
| Santiago Historical obs./docs. | 2 | ||||
| Santiago Historical obs./docs. | 1 | ||||
| Santiago Historical obs./docs. | 1? | ||||
| Santiago and upper NE flank near El Pelón Historical obs./docs. | 2 | ||||
| Santiago Historical obs./docs. | 2 | ||||
| Santiago Historical obs./docs. | 2 | ||||
Remark:
Our list of volcanic eruptions closely follows the database of eruptions of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Project (GVP), the internationally most recognized data source for volcanic eruptions, but also includes significant eruptive episodes or related volcano events. "Volcanic eruptions" are usually to be understood as sequences of individual eruptive episodes that can follow each other, or even overlap (if several vents are involved), and can last many years, decades or even longer. For example, the current activity of Stromboli volcano is understood as a single eruption that has been ongoing since 1934.
Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Volcanic Eruptions Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K | Global Volcanism Project / Smithsonian Institution
Eruptions of Masaya volcano
2008 eruptions
Small ash eruptions occurred from Masaya volcano in late April, June, August and the rest of the year. An ash eruption on 29 April reached a height of 2.1 km altitude, 4.6 km on 9 October, and 5.3-6.1 km on 17 December.
Small ash eruptions occurred from Masaya volcano in late April, June, August and the rest of the year. An ash eruption on 29 April reached a height of 2.1 km altitude, 4.6 km on 9 October, and 5.3-6.1 km on 17 December.
2003-2005 activity
Incandescence was seen from at the bottom of the inner pit crater at Santiago crater in 2003. Intermittent ash eruptions occurred between November 2003 and March 2005
Incandescence was seen from at the bottom of the inner pit crater at Santiago crater in 2003. Intermittent ash eruptions occurred between November 2003 and March 2005
2006 phreatomagmatic eruptions
2 small phreatomagmatic eruptions from the inner vent of Santiago crater were observed by volcanologists at Masaya volcano on 4 August 2006.
The activity was preceded by increased gas emissions starting the end of April 2006, with columns of gases rising ~ 100 m from the crater and producing jet-like sounds, strong sulfur smell and visible incandescence from the bottom of the crater.
During 21–23 October 2006, a new vent formed on the floor of Santiago crater and contained a small lava lake with intense degassing. ...more info
2 small phreatomagmatic eruptions from the inner vent of Santiago crater were observed by volcanologists at Masaya volcano on 4 August 2006.
The activity was preceded by increased gas emissions starting the end of April 2006, with columns of gases rising ~ 100 m from the crater and producing jet-like sounds, strong sulfur smell and visible incandescence from the bottom of the crater.
During 21–23 October 2006, a new vent formed on the floor of Santiago crater and contained a small lava lake with intense degassing. ...more info
2001 sudden explosion
At 14h23 on 23 April 2001, one of the largest eruptions of Masaya volcano in decades took many visitors on the easily accessible crater rim by surprise. 2 people were injured by falling bombs.
The explosion lasted 2 minutes and opened a new 10-m-diameter vent on the crater floor. Blocks of up to 60 cm in diameter were thrown up to 500 m outside the crater, including the parking area, where several cars were damaged. Several small bush fires were started by falling incandescent blocks. Small ashfall was reported near the settlement of Tecuantepe, 6 km NW of Masaya volcano.
Volcanologists who had been on the crater just one hour earlier did not notice anything unusual. It has been impossible to predict such sudden explosions until now.
At 14h23 on 23 April 2001, one of the largest eruptions of Masaya volcano in decades took many visitors on the easily accessible crater rim by surprise. 2 people were injured by falling bombs.
The explosion lasted 2 minutes and opened a new 10-m-diameter vent on the crater floor. Blocks of up to 60 cm in diameter were thrown up to 500 m outside the crater, including the parking area, where several cars were damaged. Several small bush fires were started by falling incandescent blocks. Small ashfall was reported near the settlement of Tecuantepe, 6 km NW of Masaya volcano.
Volcanologists who had been on the crater just one hour earlier did not notice anything unusual. It has been impossible to predict such sudden explosions until now.
1997-2000 activity: small explosions
Small explosions occurred from Santiago Crater on 17 November 1997 and 14 September 1998, ejecting lava bombs up to 50 cm in diameter onto the western rim. A 15-20 m wide vent at the bottom of Santiago Crater was observed glowing at night and emitting a constant gas plume, often accompanied by a characteristic sound similar to breaking waves.
Between November 1999 and January 2000, several small ash eruptions occurred.
Small explosions occurred from Santiago Crater on 17 November 1997 and 14 September 1998, ejecting lava bombs up to 50 cm in diameter onto the western rim. A 15-20 m wide vent at the bottom of Santiago Crater was observed glowing at night and emitting a constant gas plume, often accompanied by a characteristic sound similar to breaking waves.
Between November 1999 and January 2000, several small ash eruptions occurred.
1996 strombolian eruption
A small Strombolian eruption was observed at Masaya volcano on 5 December 1996. There were ejections of bombs up to 10 cm, ash and some Pelee's hair. Some of the inner crater walls collapsed, partly closing the incandescent vent.
A small Strombolian eruption was observed at Masaya volcano on 5 December 1996. There were ejections of bombs up to 10 cm, ash and some Pelee's hair. Some of the inner crater walls collapsed, partly closing the incandescent vent.
1993-93 activity: new lava lake
A new lava lake appeared in the bottom of Santiago crater in late June for the first time in 3 years, following a small ash eruption in the late afternoon of 16 April.
When observed on 20 June, the new vent with the lava lake was 7-8 m diameter and contained liquid lava splashing at a depth of about 30-40 m. Occasionally, lava fragments were ejected outside the vent. The lake slowly increased in diameter through the end of June, and was elongated NW-SE.
In August 1993, the lake was crusted over with a few openings where its incandescent interior could be seen.
In October, activity increased and produced a window in the lake's crust 15 m in diameter where lava could be seen splashing every 10-15 seconds.
The lava lake slowly cooled in late 1993 and 1994, but windows in its crust appeared from time to time.
A new lava lake appeared in the bottom of Santiago crater in late June for the first time in 3 years, following a small ash eruption in the late afternoon of 16 April.
When observed on 20 June, the new vent with the lava lake was 7-8 m diameter and contained liquid lava splashing at a depth of about 30-40 m. Occasionally, lava fragments were ejected outside the vent. The lake slowly increased in diameter through the end of June, and was elongated NW-SE.
In August 1993, the lake was crusted over with a few openings where its incandescent interior could be seen.
In October, activity increased and produced a window in the lake's crust 15 m in diameter where lava could be seen splashing every 10-15 seconds.
The lava lake slowly cooled in late 1993 and 1994, but windows in its crust appeared from time to time.
1989 lava lake
A new lava lake appeared in Santiago's inner crater in February 1989 and disappeared again in March. ...more info
A new lava lake appeared in Santiago's inner crater in February 1989 and disappeared again in March. ...more info
1986-88 activity: internal collapse, degassing
A series of landslides and the formation of collapse pits occurred inside Santiago crater between 12 November 1986 and the end of the year. Such episodes are thought to correspond to falling magma levels inside the conduit of Masaya.
On 15 February 1987, a small explosion occurred in one of the pit craters, probably caused by gas pressure build-up under a tap of debris.
In 1988, Masaya was strongly degassing. There were a few small ash explosions and glow could be seen at the crater floor.
A series of landslides and the formation of collapse pits occurred inside Santiago crater between 12 November 1986 and the end of the year. Such episodes are thought to correspond to falling magma levels inside the conduit of Masaya.
On 15 February 1987, a small explosion occurred in one of the pit craters, probably caused by gas pressure build-up under a tap of debris.
In 1988, Masaya was strongly degassing. There were a few small ash explosions and glow could be seen at the crater floor.
1983-85 activity
During 1983-85, Masaya's activity consisted in strong degassing from the cooling lava lake and occasional small ash explosions such as in April 1984, on 23 January 1985, and in April 1985.
During 1983-85, Masaya's activity consisted in strong degassing from the cooling lava lake and occasional small ash explosions such as in April 1984, on 23 January 1985, and in April 1985.
1982 eruption
A brief explosion occurred from the lava lake in Masaya's Santiago Crater occurred at dawn on 7 October 1982. The explosion ejected blocks up to 300 m outside to the SE. Bombs hit and killed a few treed and animals near the summit, and melted road asphalt. Rumbling and explosion sounds were heard through the day.
A brief explosion occurred from the lava lake in Masaya's Santiago Crater occurred at dawn on 7 October 1982. The explosion ejected blocks up to 300 m outside to the SE. Bombs hit and killed a few treed and animals near the summit, and melted road asphalt. Rumbling and explosion sounds were heard through the day.
1981 eruption
An explosion occurred from Santiago Crater lava lake in the early evening of 16 December 1981. Scoria up to 20 cm in diameter was found 200 m to the south of the crater rim.
An explosion occurred from Santiago Crater lava lake in the early evening of 16 December 1981. Scoria up to 20 cm in diameter was found 200 m to the south of the crater rim.
1978 lava lake activity
In early 1978, the lava lake activity from Santiago crater increased. While the persistent lava lake inside the pit crater was usually not visible, splashes of lava could be observed. In late March, bursts of strombolian activity sometimes threw lava bombs to the height of the outer crater rim.
In early 1978, the lava lake activity from Santiago crater increased. While the persistent lava lake inside the pit crater was usually not visible, splashes of lava could be observed. In late March, bursts of strombolian activity sometimes threw lava bombs to the height of the outer crater rim.
1970 lava flows on cooled lava lake surface
On 4 and 5 April 1970, 2 small lava flows were observed on the surface of the old lava lake inside Santiago crater. 2 explosions were reported from 4 and 5 April.
On 4 and 5 April 1970, 2 small lava flows were observed on the surface of the old lava lake inside Santiago crater. 2 explosions were reported from 4 and 5 April.
Masaya Volcano FAQ
+When was the last eruption of Masaya volcano?
The last confirmed eruption of Masaya began in 2015 and is continuing (as of March 2025).
+How often does Masaya volcano erupt?
Since 1524 AD, Masaya volcano has had at least 33 historically documented eruptions. This means that it erupts on average every 15.2 years.
Many eruptions of Masaya have lasted more than one year. In total, the volcano has been in eruption during 110 out of 501 years until now. In other words, Masaya has been active at least one in 4.6 years on average. Note that this value is likely an underestimate, because the known history of eruptions from Masaya is likely incomplete, especially further back in time.
+How active is Masaya volcano at present?
Masaya volcano is extremely active: Since 1900, it has had 63 eruptions, and been active during 63 years out of 126 as of now. This means, Masaya has been in eruption one in 2 years on average. The latest eruption is still continuing at present.
+When was the largest eruption of Masaya volcano?
The largest eruption known from the younger geological history of Masaya volcano occurred in 4050 BC. It ranks as a "vulcanian" eruption with a magnitude 3 on the VEI (Volcanic Explosivity Index) scale.
Latest satellite images
Masaya Volcano Maps
Below is a selection of maps showing the location and surroundings of the volcano at various resolutions based on aerial-imagery / terrain maps. Feel free to use them for non-commercial purposes on your blog or website as long as you credit them with a link back to this page (click to copy it).
Satellite/aerial-type map of Masaya volcano (world scale)
Terrain-type map of Masaya volcano (world scale)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Masaya volcano (region scale large)
Terrain-type map of Masaya volcano (region scale large)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Masaya volcano (region scale medium)
Terrain-type map of Masaya volcano (region scale medium)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Masaya volcano (region scale small)
Terrain-type map of Masaya volcano (region scale small)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Masaya volcano (local scale large)
Terrain-type map of Masaya volcano (local scale large)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Masaya volcano (local scale medium)
Terrain-type map of Masaya volcano (local scale medium)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Masaya volcano (local scale small)
Terrain-type map of Masaya volcano (local scale small)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Masaya volcano (scale of 10s of km)
Terrain-type map of Masaya volcano (scale of 10s of km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Masaya volcano (scale of 20-40 km)
Terrain-type map of Masaya volcano (scale of 20-40 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Masaya volcano (scale of approx. 10-20 km)
Terrain-type map of Masaya volcano (scale of approx. 10-20 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Masaya volcano (scale of 5-10 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Masaya volcano (scale of few kilometers)
