Espíritu Santo (volcano)

Espíritu Santo is a stratovolcano located in the Quetzaltenango department of western Guatemala. It is part of the Sierra Madre volcanic range and lies within a relatively remote and rugged area. The volcano is characterized by its steep slopes and dense vegetation cover, making detailed geological studies challenging.

Its summit reaches an elevation of approximately 3,840 meters (12,600 feet) above sea level. The Espíritu Santo volcano displays evidence of past explosive eruptions, including pyroclastic flows and ashfall deposits. However, the exact eruption history is not fully understood due to the limited accessibility and research conducted in the region.

Currently, Espíritu Santo is considered potentially active, although there is no recorded history of recent eruptions. Volcanic monitoring is conducted periodically by Guatemalan authorities (e.g., INSIVUMEH) to assess any changes in activity and to mitigate potential hazards to nearby communities, though monitoring is less intensive than for more frequently active volcanoes in the country. The main hazards associated with Espíritu Santo include potential ashfall, pyroclastic flows, and lahars (mudflows), particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.