Authorities say a volcano in northwest Costa Rica erupted on Monday, sending a massive column of smoke into the air in what might be the volcano's largest outburst in years.

Early Eruption

In the early hours of the day, the almost three-minute eruption of the Rincon de la Vieja volcano belched a cloud of smoke about two kilometers (1.2 miles) high, spreading ash on nearby regions but inflicting no damage or casualties.

The volcano, which erupted without causing any evacuations, is located in a national park in Guanacaste province, some 200 kilometers from San Jose, Costa Rica's capital.

Maarten de Moor, a specialist at Costa Rica's Volcanological and Seismological Observatory, described the eruption as "quite energetic" (Ovsicori).

Despite the fact that the volcano has a history of regular eruptions (1,400 in the previous year alone), this "may be the largest since the 1990s," he noted.

The National Commission for Risk Prevention and Emergency Management said it has dispatched a team to assess the situation and advised people to stay away from the area.

There are five active volcanoes in Costa Rica.

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Details of Rincon de la Vieja's Eruption

The volcano's tremendous explosion is still going on.

According to the nearby observatory OVSICORI-UNA, a powerful phreatic explosion erupted from the summit crater at about 05:42 local time this morning. The volcano ejected a taller and denser column of gas and steam, with some ash thrown in for good measure.

The plume rose to a height of 12,900 feet (3,900 meters) and drifted north-northwest. The conflagration lasted around three minutes.

Lahars (mud flows) were produced by the eruption and proceeded in a northerly direction via the drainage system.

Costa Rican Volcanoes

Costa Rica, which is part of the Pacific Ring Fire Circle, contains over 200 volcanic formations that date back over 65 million years.

Only around 100 of them show any evidence of volcanic activity today, and only five are designated as active volcanoes.

The majority of Costa Rica's volcanoes are found in the northern section of the nation and in the Central Highlands.

Tourist Hotspot

These volcanoes are a major element of Costa Rica's amazing natural variety. They are considered one of the country's top tourist attractions since they grab the attention of both visitors and experts worldwide.

This is because they were instrumental in the creation of the region's beautiful terrain.

Costa Rica's soil is rich in numerous minerals and highly fruitful, thanks to millennia of volcanic eruptions.

This fertility has resulted in lush, green forestation, which supports a diverse range of bird and animal species and countless tropical and exotic plants and trees.

Aside from their natural beauty and fertility, Costa Rica's volcanoes provide excellent opportunities for hiking, whitewater rafting, sportfishing, surfing, boating, swimming, kayaking, horseback riding, camping, mountain biking, and exploration.

Though many of Costa Rica's volcanoes are considered "new," having developed within the previous 2 million years or so, they each have a unique set of features that make them stand out.

Volcan Iraz, for example, is noted for its incredible green, blue lake in one of its craters, while the Poás Volcano has a boiling acid lake within one of its craters.

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