This results in crustal deformation inland within the Andes mountains, pushing a tectonic block within the South American plate northeast.

The region hosts shallow crustal earthquakes associated with thrust and strike-slip faulting within the mountain range.

[2] Reports of large landslides at Carihuairazo suggest an epicenter on the western flank, implying a magnitude of 7.2, but no active fault has been mapped in that area.

Earthquakes along this fault are characterized by their moderate magnitudes (Mw  5.7 ± 0.2), suggesting the system is highly segmented.

[4] The towns of Ambato and Latacunga were totally destroyed; Riobamba suffered partial destruction.

The landslides were deposited in the Chiquicahua, Pataló, Quichibi, Terremoto, Yacutoma, Quintuco, Catequilla and Olalla ravines along the volcano.

Ambato was located at convergence of many small riverbeds where the landslides traveled, causing debris to spill on both banks.