Volcano Poised for 'Great Eruption'
Volcanic Blasts
In Ecuador
The Tungurahua volcano in Ecuador, erupting on Thursday, has been releasing a high level of energy since Dec. 22, but a U.S. expert predicts a "great eruption" looming ahead.
Children walk to school as the Tungurahua volcano throws ashes near the village of Cotalo on Thursday.
The Tungurahua volcano erupts Tuesday morning. Volcanologist Patricia Mothes believes a great eruption could trigger blasts of volcanic material "that descend at high speeds and burn everything in their way."
A woman walks along a road as the volcano tosses up ash. Ten villages have been evacuated from the volcano's western slope.
The 16,575-foot volcano, located 80 miles southeast of Quito, has been active since 1999.
The Tungurahua volcano in Ecuador, erupting on Thursday, has been releasing a high level of energy since Dec. 22, but a U.S. expert predicts a "great eruption" looming ahead.