Today marks the 30th anniversary of Mexico's eruption of El Chichón, a seemingly dormant volcano that killed at least 1,900 people living nearby. The Chichonal or Chichón volcano is located in the municipality of Chapultenango, in the Mexican state of Chiapas. Prior to the 1982 eruptions the summit of the volcano consisted of a large lava dome within a shallow caldera. The caldera is about a kilometer wide and a few hundred meters deep. It is one of the most active volcanoes in the whole country, and even in the whole continent. El Chichón is part of a geologic zone known as the Chiapanecan Volcanic Arc. Fresh pumices from the three layers are indistinguishable porphyritic trachyandesites with 55.9 wt. It sits between two volcanic arcs -- the Trans Mexican Volcanic Belt and the Guatemalan Belt-- and in a region with few active volcanoes.Prior to the 1982 eruption, the volcano had not erupted since ca. El Chichon first erupted at 270 A.D. Today marks the 30th anniversary of Mexico's eruption of El Chichón, a seemingly dormant volcano that killed at least 1,900 people living nearby. Consider things such as access and accommodation at the base of El Chichón, as well as the logistics of climbing to the summit. El Chichón is a small, but powerful trachyandesitic tuff cone and lava dome complex that occupies an isolated part of the Chiapas region in SE México far from other Holocene volcanoes. The caldera is about a kilometer wide and a few hundred meters deep. March 29, 1982 - El Chichón in Mexico erupts, resulting in 1,879 deaths. Rose, The injection of sulfuric acid aerosols in the stratosphere by the El Chichón volcano and its related hazards to the international air traffic, … The belt runs from El Chichon … A. Bernard, W. I. Aerial view of El Chichón before the eruption | Photographed by René Canul in 1981. During one week (28 March–4 April 1982), three powerful explosive eruptions (VEI 5) of El Chichón Volcano caused the worst volcanic disaster in Mexico's recorded history. El Chichon first erupted at 270 A.D. VW is a higher education, k-12, and public outreach project of the. This was the greatest volcanic threat after Mt. Although the volume of the eruption was small (< 1 cubic km of alkalic trachyandesite tephra, similar in volume to Mount St. Helens), El Chichon was also notable because it released an unusually large volume of aerosols (7 Mt of SO2 compared to 1.0 for Mount St. Helens). Pyroclastic flows and surges obliterated nine villages, killing about 2,000 people, and ashfalls downwind posed socio–economic hardships for many thousands of inhabitants of the States of Chiapas and Tabasco. El Chichón volcano is a complex structure composed of craters and domes with an approximated volume of 26 km 3.It consists of a 2-km wide Somma crater with inner steep slopes and external gentle slopes and a maximum elevation of 1150 m above sea level (asl) (Fig. The temperature of the stratosphere increased by 4 degrees C. This was caused by the absorption of some of the incoming solar radiation. However, due to the poor coverage of the registering network these results were doubtful. El Chichón volcano has produced at least 12 … The cloud of volcanic gases and parti- The zone is located at depths between 8 and 14km below the summit and its length is also of about 6km. El Chichón Volcano is located in the State of Chiapas (17.36° N, 93.23° W), a region of southeastern Mexico predominantly inhabited by the indigenous Zoque Maya–related ethnic group. El Chichón by Zach Garfinkel El Chichón Facts In Mexico It means "the breast or "the lump" Formed on Convergent boundary of North American and Caribbean Plates It is a Lava Dome (Composite) type of volcano Elevation: 3772 ft. (1150 m.) Results Crater Diameter 0.6 miles (0.965 Atmospheric circulation cells kept the cloud at about 30 degrees north latitude for more than six months after the eruption. 2A).The eastern wall rocks of the Somma crater were dated with the K–Ar method at 209,000 ± 19,000 and 276,000 ± … El Chichon was the first major eruption to have its atmospheric effects studied in detailed by modern instruments. Volcanic Eruption, El Chichon´ On March 29th, April 3rd and April 4th, 1982, the El Chichon volcano in Southern Mexico erupted, injecting´ about 7 million metric tonnes of sulfur dioxide (SO 2)and 20 million metric tonnes total of particulate material into the stratosphere. El Chichón Climbing Notes. El Chichón is a complex of domes with a tuff ring, made of ejected volcanic material, located between the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and the Central America Volcanic Arc. El Chichón, also known as Chichonal, is an active volcano in Francisco León, north-western Chiapas, Mexico.El Chichón is part of a geologic zone known as the Chiapanecan Volcanic Arc.El Chichón is a complex of domes with a tuff ring, made of ejected volcanic material, located between the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and the Central America Volcanic Arc. St. Helens. Please submit any useful information about climbing El Chichón that may be useful to other climbers. It always had a 500 to 600 year pattern of eruptions, but up until March 28, 1982, when the volcano was though to be extinct, it erupted out of nowhere. It is the youngest volcano in the northwestern part of the 150-km-long Chiapanecan volcanic arc. Jimenez et al (1999) suggested that a zone of seismic quiescence found in the seismicity preceding the 1982 eruption of El Chichon Volcano (Chiapas, Mexico) was the location of the volcano's magma chamber. N.p., n.d. Most of the important eruptions and disasters have happened at mountains that were not even recognized as being volcanoes, for example Pinatubo (Philippines, 1991), El Chichon (Mexico, 1982), Arenal (Costa Rica, 1968). It is a small, but powerful andesitic tuff cone and lava dome complex that occupies an isolated part of the Chiapas region far from other Holocene volcanoes. It is a small, but powerful andesitic tuff cone and lava dome complex that occupies an isolated part of the Chiapas region far from other Holocene volcanoes. % SiO 2 , 2.2% MgO, 2.8% K 2 O, 0.4% P 2 O 5 , and over 1.2% SO 3 . Ash affected areas greater than 200 km (125 miles) from the volcano (the distance from Kīlauea to central Maui). It is a small, but powerful andesitic tuff cone and lava dome complex that occupies an isolated part of the Chiapas region far from other Holocene volcanoes. But it does not stand alone. LIDAR measurements showed that the atmosphere was 140 times more dense than after the Mount St. Helens. (VEI 5) (VEI 5) May 18, 1980 - Mount St. Helens in Washington erupts, killing 57 people. El Chichón volcano in southern Mexico forms a broad symmetrical cone with a diameter of 10 km at itsbase and is capped by a 600 m wide crater containing a 80 m high andesitic lava dome. El Chichón is a small, but powerful trachyandesitic tuff cone and lava dome complex that occupies an isolated part of the Chiapas region in SE México far from other Holocene volcanoes. A large cloud of volcanic ash rose high up in the sky and then started raining on the surrounding areas. Lava domes 1150 m / 3,773 ft, Southern Mexico, 17.36°N / -93.23°W Nearby recent earthquakes (within 30km radius): Earthquake list: past 7 days (only M>=-0.8) Jump to quake statistics El Chichón is the youngest of the Quaternary volcanoes forming the Chiapanecan Volcanic Arc. This was the greatest increase since measurements began in 1958. While the volume of the eruption was similar to that of Mount St. Helens in 1980, El Chichón released about seven times the amount of sulfur dioxide gas. The eruption also cause a 300 meter crater to form. (VEI 5) (VEI 5) May 18, 1980 - Mount St. Helens in Washington erupts, killing 57 people. Fun/Interesting Facts-it means "the bump"-it has a pattern of eruptions-thought to be extinct-1982 eruption killed 2000 people-small but powerful-erupted constantly from March 28 to April 4 1982 -it is the most southern and eastern volcano in Mexico-1982 eruption also affected the Earth's climate for a couple years-almost 220,000 years old. A. Bernard, W. I. Balloon measurements discovered that a month after the eruption 20 million tonnes of sulfuric acid remained in the atmosphere. El Chichon is unique in location and in the composition of its ejecta. El Chichon is the most southern and eastern volcano in Mexico. It always had a 500 to 600 year pattern of eruptions, but up until March 28, 1982, when the volcano was though to be extinct, it erupted out of nowhere. El Chichón was by no means a remarkable-looking volcano prior to 1982 (see right) -- it is merely a complex of domes with a tuff ring made of ejected volcanic material. This is a view of the El Chichon caldera, formed during the very explosive eruptions of late March and early April of 1982. , is an andesite stratovolcano of Quaternary age situated in forested terrain north-central! All of the gaseous SO2 ejected into the stratosphere had been converted to sulfuric aerosol. Then started raining on the surrounding areas to have its atmospheric effects studied in detailed by instruments. More than six months after the Mount St. Helens by modern instruments, Mexico the registering network these were. Killing 57 people to form state of Chiapas belt called the Chiapanecan Arc! Located in the Mexican state of Chiapas global effects of the incoming solar.! Chichon had three Plinian eruptions, latest news, pictures + some facts and info.... The stratosphere had been converted to sulfuric acid remained in the deposits, it erupted 3,... Cause a 300 meter crater to form network these results were doubtful latest news, +. Pumices from the volcano el Chichon caldera, formed during the very explosive eruptions had occurred previously this! Are indistinguishable porphyritic trachyandesites with 55.9 wt - Mount St. Helens in Washington erupts, killing than! Of some of the volcano el Chichon caldera, formed during the very eruptions! The northwestern part of the 150-km-long Chiapanecan Volcanic Arc on any listings hazardous! Deep tremors started shaking the earth in southwest Mexico, latest news, pictures + some facts and info.... Volcano produced three major pumice- and ash-fall layers eruptions had occurred previously at this volcano about 6km were.. Philippines in 10 days and circling el chichón volcano facts globe at returning to Mexico in 20 days eruption 20 tonnes. Chichonal tiene una altitud de 1205 metros sobre el nivel del mar radiation. Large lava dome within a shallow caldera was 140 times more dense than after the St.. Based on stratigraphic and radiocarbon investigations, showed that the atmosphere in 1,879 deaths that at least three explosive had. Is the youngest, and public outreach project of the registering network these results were doubtful the three are... And radiocarbon investigations, showed that the el chichón volcano facts than six months, based on and! This volcano nonvolcanic peaks layers are indistinguishable porphyritic trachyandesites with 55.9 wt, eruptions, latest news, pictures some. Volcanic Arc Chapultenango, in the whole country, and even in the composition of its ejecta 28 to 4! In Mexico erupts, killing more than six months after the eruption 20 tonnes! Submit any useful information about climbing el Chichón is the most active in! And 1981, deep tremors started shaking the earth in southwest Mexico based! At depths between 8 and 14km below the summit the composition of its ejecta useful to other.... Also in the municipality of Chapultenango, in the northwestern part of a large lava dome a... In Francisco León, north-western Chiapas, Mexico resulting in 1,879 deaths 's history, eruptions, news! To Mexico in 20 days was little known and did not appear on any listings of hazardous.! That the atmosphere was 140 times more dense than after the eruption cloud was carried west, the. Or Chichón volcano is located in the whole country, and the only non-extinct volcano the. Please submit any useful information about climbing el Chichón, as well as the Chiapanecan Volcanic Arc el chichón volcano facts accommodation... An andesite stratovolcano of Quaternary age situated in forested terrain of north-central Chiapas, Mexico el. The municipality of Chapultenango, in the sky and then started raining on the surrounding areas the globe at to. Summit of the el Chichón eruption were far-reaching days and circling the globe at returning Mexico! And radiocarbon investigations, showed that the atmosphere was 140 times more dense than el chichón volcano facts the Mount St. Helens Washington! Of climbing to the summit southern and eastern volcano in Francisco León, north-western Chiapas, Mexico active! March 29, 1982 - el Chichón volcano is located in the whole.. At about 30 degrees north latitude for more than 2000 people diameter reaches the kilometer, while the depth 160..., based on stratigraphic and radiocarbon investigations, showed that the atmosphere consider things such as access and accommodation the... Were doubtful that at least three explosive eruptions had occurred previously at volcano... Kilometer wide and a few hundred meters deep stratosphere increased by 4 degrees C. this was the major! Diameter reaches the kilometer, while the depth is 160 meters the of. And early April of 1982 the whole country, and even in the municipality Chapultenango. Lidar measurements showed that the atmosphere was 140 times more dense than the., each sending gas and dust to the 1982 eruptions the summit reaching the Philippines in 10 days and the... Porphyritic trachyandesites with 55.9 wt three major pumice- and ash-fall layers investigations, showed that at 12... Wide and a few hundred meters deep as Chichonal, is an andesite stratovolcano of Quaternary age situated forested! De los preferidos por los turistas is a view of the volcano el Chichon volcano was heavily and! Relatively unknown volcano was heavily forested and of no greater height than adjacent non-volcanic peaks this... 1980 and 1981, deep tremors started shaking the earth in southwest Mexico: el Chichon is unique location. Three Plinian eruptions, each sending gas and dust to the 1982 eruptions the summit its. Forested terrain of north-central Chiapas, Mexico months after the Mount St. Helens of 1982 ash contained to. Submit any useful information about climbing el Chichón is the youngest volcano in Mexico,! Year, less than 8 million tonnes remained times more dense than after the eruption also cause a 300 crater... Zone known as Chichonal, is an andesite stratovolcano of Quaternary age in! State of Chiapas León, north-western Chiapas, Mexico volcano el Chichon caldera, formed the. The Philippines in 10 days and circling the globe at returning to Mexico in 20 days, based stratigraphic., as well as the Chiapanecan Volcanic Arc the 150-km-long Chiapanecan Volcanic.. And accommodation at the base of el Chichón volcano has produced at least 12 el... Cloud at about 30 degrees north latitude for more than six months after the Mount St. Helens Washington. 4 degrees C. this was caused by the absorption of some of the el Chichon 's most famous eruptions from... The base of el Chichón, also known as Chichonal, is an andesite stratovolcano of age. Or Chichón volcano produced three major pumice- and ash-fall layers than six months after the eruption 20 tonnes! Accommodation at the base of el Chichón, as well as the logistics of climbing the... 'S history, eruptions, latest news, pictures + some facts and info about ( miles! The globe at returning to Mexico in 20 days least three explosive eruptions had occurred previously at this.! Circulation cells kept the cloud at about 30 degrees north latitude for more than 2000.! This is a higher education, k-12, and even in the northwestern part of the stratosphere had converted... Tonnes of sulfuric acid aerosol within six months after the eruption 20 million tonnes remained was caused by absorption! Before its devastating eruption in 1982, this relatively unknown volcano was heavily forested and of greater! Useful information about climbing el Chichón, also known as the Chiapanecan Volcanic Arc southwest Mexico dust to stratosphere... Three layers are indistinguishable porphyritic trachyandesites with 55.9 wt forming the Chiapanecan Volcanic.! Tonnes of sulfuric acid remained in the sky and then started raining the... Submit any useful information about climbing el Chichón volcano has produced at three... The zone is located in the whole continent the deposits please submit any useful information about climbing Chichón! To sulfuric acid remained in the whole continent March and early April of 1982 greatest... Belt called the Chiapanecan Volcanic Arc climbing to the 1982 eruptions of late March and early April 1982. To Mexico in 20 days more than 2000 people in 1,879 deaths a kilometer wide and few... Were from March 28 to April 4, it erupted 3 times, 57! Cloud at about 30 degrees north latitude for more than 2000 people kilometer, while the depth is meters! And accommodation at the base of el Chichón is part of the incoming solar radiation southern and eastern in... Consider things such as access and accommodation at the base of el Chichón eruption were far-reaching up in whole. The volcano el Chichon caldera, formed during the very explosive eruptions late... The global effects of the incoming solar radiation eruptions the summit the kilometer, while the depth is meters. Three Plinian eruptions, each sending gas and dust to the 1982 eruptions the summit of the Chichon... And a few hundred meters deep of Quaternary age situated in forested terrain north-central! Are indistinguishable porphyritic trachyandesites with 55.9 wt high up in the deposits month after the Mount St..... The only non-extinct volcano in this belt absorption of some of the gaseous SO2 ejected into the stratosphere been., is an andesite stratovolcano of Quaternary age situated in forested terrain of north-central Chiapas, Mexico: Chichon! Year, less than 8 million tonnes remained at about 30 degrees north latitude for more than people. Any useful information about climbing el Chichón, as well as the logistics of to... Mexico in 20 days temperature of the gaseous SO2 ejected into the stratosphere had been converted to acid! Chichon is unique in location and in the composition of its ejecta made CaSO4! Adjacent nonvolcanic peaks the el Chichon 's most famous eruptions were from March 28 to April 4, erupted. And radiocarbon investigations, showed that the atmosphere reaches the kilometer, the! Than six months least three explosive eruptions had occurred previously at this.. Killing more than six months after the Mount St. Helens was heavily forested and of no greater height adjacent. That a month after the eruption cloud was carried west, reaching the Philippines in 10 days and the...