Night view of one of many explosive events at Tungurahua Volcano, Ecuador, that occurred during the continuous extrusion of lava in the summit crater in November and December. In this time-lapse photograph, glowing lava fragments can be seen blasting into the air and falling onto the upper flanks of the volcano. When the hot fragments hit the ground, they typically continue rolling down the steep sides of the volcano, creating a glowing collar around the summit area.

Tungurahua is a steep-sided stratovolcano that towers 3 km above its northern base. Historical eruptions from the summit crater have included strong explosions and sometimes lava flows, lahars, and pyroclastic flows that reached populated areas at the volcano's base. The volcano's complex historical record includes sudden, violent eruptions.