A Volcanic Landscape in Focus: Ahuachapán, El Salvador

A satellite image acquired on November 25, 2024, by Landsat 8 captures the geologically active region around Ahuachapán, El Salvador—part of an arc of volcanoes stretching over 1,000 km along the Pacific coast.

Santa Ana: El Salvador's Tallest Volcano

Dominating the landscape at 2,381 meters, Santa Ana volcano features crescent-shaped ridges and an acidic crater lake. It remains active; the most recent significant eruption was in 2005.

Izalco: The “Lighthouse of the Pacific”

Formed on Santa Ana's southern flank in 1770, Izalco volcano had frequent eruptions until 1966. This relentless activity earned it the nickname “Lighthouse of the Pacific.”

The Apaneca Range: Geothermal Activity Below the Surface

While the Apaneca Range shows no Holocene eruptions, the area exhibits significant geothermal activity—including fumaroles, hot springs, and steam vents.

A steam eruption in October 1990 near Laguna Verde caused fatalities. A 2025 steam eruption near hot springs led to evacuations and damage.

Power from the Earth

The Ahuachapán Geothermal Power Plant has operated since 1975, using groundwater heated to approximately 250°C. By the early 1980s, it was producing 40% of El Salvador's electricity.

The image and story were produced by NASA Earth Observatory.