Ecuadorian Andes volcanism: A review of Late Pliocene to present activity

This article provides background information about Ecuador's general volcanic setting, as an introduction to the numerous articles in this Special Issue of the Journal dealing with the many facets of Ecuadorian volcanism. It also provides a brief description of Ecuador's physiography, as well as its geodynamic setting. A comprehensive bibliography is included as a guide to further reading.The Ecuadorian Andes contain at least 20 volcanoes active during the Holocene. Several reach altitudes of 5000+ to 6000 m and are glacier-clad. Eleven have erupted in pre-Columbian and historic times and have greatly affected local populations and caused fatalities.