Volcanic Activity and Hazards in Guatemala: History, Impact, and Mitigation

Volcanic Activity and Hazards in Guatemala: Assessing their History, Impact and Mitigation
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Volcanic Activity and Hazards in Guatemala: Assessing their History, Impact and Mitigation Introduction             Guatemala is located in Central America in an area full of volcanic landscapes that provide a worthwhile scenic view while also being a hazard for the communities living there. Active volcanoes have both primary and secondary hazards, including the alteration of hydrological structures, pyroclastic density currents, and ashfall that result from the eruption. More so, these volcanoes further increase the risks of landslides due to the instability of the pyroclastic material deposited in the surrounding areas (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2017). Despite this, Guatemala remains a popular tourist destination providing tourist sites such as the Mayan ruins, pristine beaches and climbing activities along its volcanoes. Therefore its rich culture and landscape promote adventure for individuals seeking unique experiences.             With the country sitting on two major faults, it lies in a region prone to tectonic shifts. Such faults have given rise to the numerous volcanoes in the region that continue to be active and shift from time to time (British Geological Survey, 2018). As a result, this has significantly impacted the level of volcanic activity experienced in the region. The three most active volcanoes of the 37 located in the country include the Pacaya, Fuego, and Santiaguito, each with frequent activity and occasional eruptions (Guimarães et al., 2021). This paper will analyze the volcanic activity and hazards in Guatemala with the aim of understanding its impact on the country and recommending strategies to assist with mitigation efforts. Geological Characteristics and Historical Eruptions of Volcanoes in Guatemala             Guatemala’s location in the Pacific Ring of Fire is majorly known for its high volcanic activity, with the most notable volcanoes being the Pacaya, Fuego, and Santiaguito. Due to its volcanic history, Guatemala has experienced frequent volcanic activity that has not only resulted in damages to property and the surrounding environment but also loss of lives to members of communities living around the volcanoes. Fuego Volcano             The Fuego Volcano is located along the western region of Guatemala near Antigua, with a height of 3,763m. Being a relatively young basaltic stratovolcano, it is perceived to have been active for over 200,000 years, with low-level activity experienced constantly (Charbonnier, et al., 2023). The volcano is mainly made up of andesite and dacite, which result from subduction activity. The eruptions of the Fuego volcano are characterized by effusive and explosive activity.             The most recent eruptions of the Fuego volcano occurred in 2018, where 190 people were reported dead, with damages occur...