The volcanic alert traffic light indicates that the Colima Volcano is on alert for passive degassing. The National Meteorological Service (SMN) will maintain uninterrupted surveillance of the colossus, to promptly report changes in its activity that require greater attention.
Weather forecast in the area of the volcano
Mostly clear sky, with visibility towards the volcano area, which would facilitate observation in the event of an exhalation of water vapor, gas and/or ash, (Image 1). The volcano is in the passive degassing stage.
Manzanillo Colima Atmospheric Radiosonde, 06:00 am local time, December 11, 2024: At 5000 m: South wind of 19 km/h. Between 5000 and 7000 m: Southwest wind of 17 km/h. Above 7000 m: West-southwest wind of 37 km/h.
SMN analysis
There is no cloud cover over the volcano area, which would allow satellite detection in case of any activity (Image 2). The satellite estimate of rainfall does not show accumulated precipitation in the volcano area in the last three hours, this with a cutoff at 12:00 h today, local time (Image 3).
Ash trajectory
In the event of any exhalation of volcanic ash, gas and/or water vapor, the trajectory forecast of the Hysplit (Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory) model, executed at CONAGUA-CGSMN with a possible emission height of 500 meters above the volcanic cone which is 3,839 meters AMSL “above mean sea level” (2,745 meters AGL “above ground level”), indicates trajectories to the north, changing to the northeast (simulating exhalation every next hour, 6), as it passes through the northeast area of the state of Colima and the south, center, center-east and center-north of the state of Jalisco, for the first 12 hours of the forecast, (14:00 to 02:00 local time of the following day). Subsequently, for the last 12 hours of the forecast (02:00 to 14:00 local time of the following day), the trajectories will continue over the central-eastern, central-northern and northeastern areas of the state of Jalisco; the northwestern area of the state of Guanajuato and the southern area of the state of San Luis Potosí. These trajectories predict the main direction of emissions of the plume of gas, water vapor and/or volcanic ash, coming from the Volcano of Fire of Colima.
Beyond a dangerous volcano
The Colima Volcano National Park, located on the border between Jalisco and Colima, is famous both as a federal Protected Natural Area and for its spectacular Volcanic Complex, which includes the Volcano of Fire and the Nevado de Colima, covering a total of 6,554.75 hectares. This natural space was declared a National Park on September 5, 1936, by President Lázaro Cárdenas and is characterized by its varied landscape that ranges from hillsides with pine forests and oak forests to semitropical areas at its lowest levels, hosting a rich biodiversity that positions it as an invaluable natural museum of flora and fauna.
The protection regulations for the Nevado de Colima Volcano National Park emphasize its uniqueness, which is due to the diversity of ecosystems and species it houses, a wealth derived from its volcanic origin, the diversity of its relief, the elevation of its peaks, its separation from other mountain ranges and its proximity to the Pacific Ocean; elements that together generate a unique habitat.
Although the Colima Volcano is known for its high activity, it is Popocatépetl that is classified as the most dangerous for nearby communities due to its destructive potential. The Colima Volcano is classified as a stratovolcano, composed of alternating layers of hardened lava, with a geological structure formed by Jurassic rocks, Cretaceous limestones, as well as marine sedimentary rocks and granite formations, the latter from the Cretaceous to the Quaternary.
Thanks to its status as a protected area, the park offers the opportunity to engage in recreational activities such as observing the volcano from specific points, camping and hiking, allowing visitors to enjoy its natural surroundings and the beauty of the volcanic landscape.
Source: infobae
