In a rural area of the Mexican state of Michoacán, authorities and experts will begin investigations to determine the origin of a geothermal phenomenon that surprised residents of the municipality of Ixtlán de los Hervores. The appearance of a powerful expulsion of water, mud, and steam within a small pig farm led to the precautionary evacuation of a family and the temporary closure of a nearby educational institution.
The State Civil Protection Coordination reported that the event occurred on Monday night in the community of El Salitre, an area where geothermal activity has historically been recorded due to subsurface conditions.
According to Amuravi Ramírez, the state Civil Protection coordinator, specialists from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the National Center for Disaster Prevention (Cenapred) will travel to the site to conduct technical studies to accurately identify the nature of the phenomenon.
“The observed phenomenon presents characteristics similar to those of a geyser, due to the eruptive expulsion of water and steam; however, to scientifically confirm whether it is formally one, specialized studies and continuous monitoring will be necessary,” explained Ramírez.
Authorities indicated that the analyses will include temperature and pressure measurements, as well as assessments of the frequency of the eruptions. Tests will also be conducted on the water and gases emitted, along with geological and geophysical studies focused on the behavior of the hydrothermal system underground.
The mayor of Ixtlán de los Hervores, Enoc Tamayo, stated that the family residing on the property was relocated as a preventive measure. A security perimeter of approximately 30 meters was also established to prevent risks to residents and visitors who approach to observe the activity.
Local authorities also suspended classes at a kindergarten near the site while the technical and safety assessments are underway.
According to the report issued by the municipal administration, in the early hours the phenomenon reached expulsions of up to eight meters in height, consisting of water, mud, and gases. However, by Tuesday morning the intensity had decreased, and it was reduced to constant bubbling in a muddy pool.
Ixtlán de los Hervores is known in Michoacán for its geothermal activity and for being home to a natural geyser that reaches over 30 meters in height. Since the 1990s, this attraction has boosted tourism in the region due to its hot springs and the mud, which locals attribute to medicinal properties.
Source: eluniversal
