Cotopaxi Volcano



GPS site on the side of Cotopaxi volcano in Ecuador, located at an altitude in excess of 4000 m. The GPS network on Cotopaxi monitors deformation on this large and hazardous volcano, which is situated just south of Quito. The glacial cap is visible just below the cloud line, and has retreated several hundred meters in the last few decades due to global warming. The antenna and its mounting hardware is located in the center-left of the photo; solar panels that provide power for the site are located in the foreground, covering partially buried hardware that includes the GPS receiver and a battery bank. This installation is one of a series in Ecuador that is part of collaboration between the Instituto Geofisico in Ecuador and the University of Miami Geodesy Laboratory.