Pacaya volcano has been persistently active since 1961. It has produced hundreds of basaltic lava flows from the summit and also from multiple points on the active cone. Sometimes there are explosions from the summit and simultaneously, one or more lava flows. Occasionally Pacaya has more violent, dangerous eruptions. Pacaya also has the potential to collapse catastrophically to the west as it has done in the past, which would threaten thousands of people.
Scientists are tracking the activity of Pacaya to better understand its long-term behavior. The aim of this work is ultimately to inform the hazard assessment. Because Pacaya's activity is so varied, we are asking for the help of citizen scientists in monitoring the volcano. Data from visual observations helps with interpreting real-time geophysical signals used for monitoring. Please consider taking a few minutes to contribute to this effort.