Sangay
Sangay (also known as Macas, Sanagay, or Sangai) is an active stratovolcano in central Ecuador. It exhibits mostly strombolian activity. Geologically, Sangay marks the southern boundary of the Northern Volcanic Zone, and its position straddling two major pieces of crust accounts for its high level of activity. Sangay's approximately 500,000-year-old history is one of instability; two previous versions of the mountain were destroyed in massive flank collapses, evidence of which still litters its surroundings today.
| Sangay | |
|---|---|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 5,286 m (17,343 ft) |
| Prominence | 1,588 m (5,210 ft) |
| Listing | Ultra |
| Coordinates | 2°0′9″S 78°20′27″W |
| Naming | |
| English translation | The Frightener |
| Language of name | Quechua |
| Pronunciation | [saŋˈɡaj] |
| Geography | |
Sangay Location of Sangay in Ecuador | |
| Location | Ecuador |
| Parent range | Andes |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Stratovolcano |
| Volcanic arc/belt | North Volcanic Zone |
| Last eruption | 1934 to 2024 (ongoing) |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 4 August 1929 |
| Easiest route | Rock/Snow climb |
Due to its remoteness, Sangay hosts a significant biological community with fauna such as the mountain tapir, giant otter, Andean cock-of-the-rock and king vulture. Since 1979, its ecological community has been protected as part of the Sangay National Park. Although climbing the mountain is hampered by its remoteness, poor weather conditions, river flooding, and the danger of falling ejecta, the volcano is regularly climbed, a feat first achieved by Robert T. Moore in 1929.