The colossus is one of the most dangerous in the country, which is why it is continuously monitored by the authorities.
The volcanic alert traffic light indicates that the Colima Volcano is on yellow alert. The National Meteorological Service (SMN) will maintain uninterrupted surveillance of the colossus to timely warn of changes in its activity that require more attention.
Meteorological forecast in the volcano area
Mostly cloudy skies, with no visibility towards the volcano area, which would make it difficult to observe in case of an event of water vapor, gas, and/or ash exhalation. The volcano is in a stage of passive degassing. The Volcanic Alert Traffic Light for the Colima Fire Volcano is YELLOW.
SMN Analysis
There is cloudiness in the volcano area, which would obstruct satellite detection in any case of activity. The satellite estimation of rain does not show accumulated precipitation over the volcano area in the last three hours, as of 12:00 pm today, local time.
Ash trajectory
In case of any exhalation of volcanic ash, gas, and/or water vapor, the trajectory forecast of the Hysplit model (Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory), executed at CONAGUA-CGSMN with a possible emission height of 500 meters above the volcanic cone which is at 3,839 meters AMSL “above mean sea level” (2,745 meters AGL “above ground level”), indicates trajectories towards the west, changing to west-northwest (simulating exhalation every following hour, 6), passing through the northeast and northwest area of the state of Colima and the south, southwest, and west-southwest area of the state of Jalisco, for the first 12 hours of the forecast, (14:00 to 02:00 local time). Subsequently, for the last 12 hours of the forecast, (02:00 to 14:00 local time the next day), the trajectories will continue over the southwest, west, and west-northwest area of the state of Jalisco and over the Pacific Ocean. These trajectories predict the main direction of emissions from the gas plume, water vapor, and/or volcanic ashes from the Colima Fire Volcano.
Nevado de Colima Volcano National Park
Under the government of Lázaro Cárdenas, on September 5, 1936, the Nevado de Colima Volcano National Park was created, which has an area of 6,554.75 hectares. In this park is located the Colima Volcanic Complex, formed by the Fire Volcano and the Nevado de Colima, the former being one of the most active volcanoes in Mexico.
This park is of great relevance as a federal Protected Natural Area, not only because of its volcanic activity but also because of its diversity of ecosystems, which is due to a series of factors such as its volcanic origin, complex topography, high altitudes, isolation from other mountains, and proximity to the Pacific Ocean.
The Colima Volcano is classified as a stratovolcano due to its structure formed by several layers of solidified lava and marine sedimentary rocks, among others, and has an impressive geological history. Studies indicate that its composition contains rocks from the Jurassic and limestones from the Cretaceous, as well as granitic formations that span from the Cretaceous to the Quaternary.
The Colossus and the Popocatépetl: A Tale of Volcanoes and Conservation
The Colossus, also known as the Colima Volcano, is renowned for its frequent activity. However, it’s the nearby Popocatépetl that holds the title of Mexico’s most dangerous volcano. Despite this, the Colima Volcano resides within the protected boundaries of the Nevado de Colima Volcano National Park.
Visitors can observe the Colima Volcano from strategically placed viewpoints within the park. Activities such as hiking, camping, and volcano watching are permitted, allowing people to connect with this unique ecosystem. The park serves not only to safeguard its rich biodiversity but also to provide future generations with the opportunity to appreciate and learn from this natural wonder.
The landscape of the park features forested slopes adorned with pine and oak trees, creating a striking contrast with the lower-altitude semi-tropical areas. Within this diverse range of ecosystems, numerous endemic plant and animal species thrive, emphasizing the importance of preserving these natural spaces.
