Instituto Geofísico – Escuela Politécnica Nacional, the Ecuadorian Seismology and Volcanology Service

Abstract

Ninety-eight Quaternary volcanoes have been identified in the Ecuadorian Andes and the Galápagos Islands, from them, nine experienced at least one eruption in the last twenty years. Additionally, about 35 % of the Ecuadorian population live in areas that could be affected by future volcanic eruptions. The Instituto Geofísico of the Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG-EPN) monitors and evaluates Ecuador’s volcanic hazards: nineteen volcanic hazard maps and hundreds of related articles have been published as a result of its research. The monitoring networks include eighteen volcanoes, with more than 266 stations, which also form the basis for early warning systems at several volcanoes. Volcanic activity is widely communicated by the IG-EPN through periodic information published in different media (website and social networks). Ecuadorian volcanoes will erupt in the future and, therefore, the IG-EPN continuously updates its monitoring and hazard assessment practices and improves communication channels and protocols to successfully fulfil its responsibilities.