Reconstruction of the 29th December 2013 eruption of San Miguel volcano, El Salvador, using video, photographs, and pyroclastic deposits

San Miguel (or Chaparrastique) volcano, El Salvador, erupted on the 29th December 2013, after almost 40 years of quiescence. Initial vent-clearing explosions ejected ballistic blocks and produced a pyroclastic density current (PDC) that flowed down upper flanks. Plume rise speeds peaked at 50–70 m s-1 declined over time. The main phase VEI 2 eruption Subplinian plume dispersed 106 m3 ash >20 000 km2 across Salvador in to Honduras. structure was complex due strong wind shear contributions from co-PDC ash. Tephra fall deposits westwards include basal white layer ash-coated clasts aggregates, grey fine layer, coarse lapilli-grade scoria. provides useful case study understand range volcanic activity volcano refine hazard maps.