Lithosphere Hazard Maps

Prudencio 1

(Significant Eruptions 4360 BCE-2013 CE)

Volcanoes in Colima, Mexico

CAPTION: Volcanoes are mountains that open downward to the earths surface where molten
rocks, gases, and debris are released. According to National Geographic, When thick magma
and large amounts of gas build up under the surface, eruptions can be explosive, expelling lava,
rocks and ash into the air. Volcanoes are known as Lithosphere hazards that can destroy
everything in its path and are usually located near the tectonic plates. In addition, Volcanic
Explosivity Index (VEI) scale is used to measure the volume and height of a volcanic eruption.
These volcanoes range from 0-7+ in the VEI scale, 0 is categorized to be the less harmful,
because less to no little material is ejected, while 7+ is categorized as the most dangerous
because they produce more ejecta. This map specifically shows the significant volcanic
eruptions in Colima, Mexico. As you can see, the volcano is named Nevado de Colima and is
rated from 2-3 in the VEI scale, which is described to be explosive and severe. Nevado de
Colima is part of the Colima Volcanic structure, which includes three volcanoes, Volcan de
Fuego, El Cantaro, and Nevado de Colima.

Volcanoes in Mexico

Lithosphere Hazard Maps

Prudencio 1

CAPTION: From a regional scale, you can see that there is a significant pattern of Volcano
eruptions. The pattern shows that the majority of the volcanic eruptions occur along the boundary
plates, The Cocos Plate, and the North American Plate. According to Tectonics Observatory,
these volcanic eruptions take place because Mexico is located on one of Earth's subduction
zones, where the ocean floor of the Cocos tectonic plate is forcing its way down ("subducting")
beneath the continental edge of the North American plate. This motion causes the oceanic
temperature and pressure to increases. As heat and pressure start to rise, the earths mantle then
begins to melt which subsequently promotes magma to travel towards the surface causing
volcanoes to form and lava to eject.

Volcanoes in North America

Lithosphere Hazard Maps

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CAPTION: From a global view, volcanic eruptions occur mainly around the North Pacific
Ocean, this is also known as the ring of fire, because this is where most tectonic plates meet,
(subduction zones). These tectonic plates often collide, slide, or move apart from each other,
creating different plate boundaries such as convergent (collides), divergent (moves apart), and
transform boundaries (slides parallel). Moreover, National Geographic states that, About 90
percent of all volcanoes exist within the Ring of Fire along the edges of the Pacific Ocean.
According to history the biggest volcanic eruption recorded occurred on April 10, 1815 in
Indonesia (Mount Tambora), 92,000 people were killed. This volcano eruption also caused global
temperatures to drop, which resulted an additional 100,000 people to die, mainly in Europe.
Further, during a volcanic eruption it is best to follow evacuation orders from the media or
authorities. Low laying areas should be avoided, long clothing and goggles should be worn at all
times to protect oneself from falling ash.

Work cited

Lithosphere Hazard Maps

Prudencio 1

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"Ring of Fire." National Geographic Education. N.p., 06 Jan. 2015. Web. 17 Apr. 2016.
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<http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-disasters/volcanoprofile/>.
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<http://volcano.oregonstate.edu/deadliest-eruption>.