HYDROTHERMAL VENTS DEVILS CAULDRON LAVA DOME
Channel: Jose Baires
Date: 2024-02-07

VolcAnalysis: ILOPANGO CALDERA LIQUID'S
PORTRAIT DIRECTLY FROM THE MAGMA CHAMBER.
VolcAnalysis: MAGMA CHAMBER TALES.

Venturing into Fire and Water: The Secrets of Ilopango Caldera. Let's embark on a journey into the mesmerizing realm of volcanic calderas; Ilopango is a well-kept secret, waiting to be discovered.

To underscore this perspective, I turn to esteemed voices in the realm of science, such as Iván Sunyé-Puchol, Jerry Aguirre, Ed Gutierrez, Walter Hernandéz, Henry Barraza, Marlon Escamilla, Robert Dull, Charles Pullinger, Chris Begley, Carmen López Moreno, Ben Henriquez, and Rob Gallardo to mention some. These experts shed light on the history and significance of Ilopango, a treasure unlike any other in the world.

El Salvador proudly ranks among the top 20 countries with the highest number of volcanoes within their borders. Tonga, El Salvador, and Japan emerge as the top three considering land area versus number of volcanoes with El Salvador's 20 volcanoes standing out as a remarkable distinction. It's no wonder that during Colonial times, the Spaniards referred to El Salvador as The Hammock’s Valley.

Ilopango Caldera, one of the oldest active volcanoes globally, it has been a part of the world's most devastating eruptions. It offers a unique opportunity to dive into an Intra-Caldera Lake Volcano, lava domes are testament of this unique environment.

In 2017, a field expedition to Ilopango Caldera with Professors Iván Sunyé-Puchol and Jerry Aguirre offered insights into its volcanic activity. Professor Sunyé scuba dived to inspect the underwater volcanic landscape.

On May 30, 2019, a significant earthquake reshaped the underwater topography of the caldera. This dynamic environment showcases the ongoing changes within Ilopango.

Iván Sunyé-Puchol, a prominent figure in the scientific community, encourages travelers with this quote: “A good invitation to encourage you to travel to El Salvador to dive in the lake of an active caldera.”