Although the eruption of Nevado del Ruiz (or Mount Ruiz) on November 13, 1985, was relatively small, the ensuing mudslides caused by melting ice and snow resulted in the the death of 23,000 people and the destruction of the town of Armero. Most of the residents would have survived had they moved to higher ground. This eruption brought attention to the fact that growing numbers of people live within the danger zones of the world's volcanoes.
Nevado del Ruiz Volcano is located approximately 140 kilometers to the northwest of Colombia’s capital, Bogotá. Covering over 200 square kilometers, Nevado del Ruiz is a large stratovolcano built from successive layers of lava, ash, and pyroclastic flow deposits. The volcano is fed by magma generated above the boundary between the subducting Nazca and overriding South American tectonic plates. The historical record of eruptions at the volcano extends back to 1570, but the most damaging eruption in recent times took place in 1985.
To mark this anniversary, the LRC has put together a display. The following links also provide you with more information about the 1985 eruption and devasting lahar plus information about the volcano and eruptions throughout its history.
BBCNEWS On this Day
How Volcanoes Work (Nevado del Ruiz
Earth Observatory
Nevado del Ruiz eruption history.
Nevado del Ruiz Eruption and Lahar 1985 (USGS)
