Jaraguay Volcanic Field
Volcanic field · 960m · Mexico
About Jaraguay Volcanic Field
Jaraguay Volcanic Field is a volcanic field rising to 960 meters (3,150 feet) in Mexico's Eastern Pacific Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Jaraguay Volcanic Field is located in Mexico, within the Gulf of California Rift Volcanic Province of the broader Eastern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 29.33° N, 114.50° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subtropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 960 meters above sea level, Jaraguay Volcanic Field is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a cluster, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Jaraguay Volcanic Field is situated along a rift zone, where tectonic plates are pulling apart. As the crust thins and fractures, magma rises to fill the gap, creating volcanic activity. Rift volcanism typically produces more fluid lava flows rather than explosive blasts, which means communities near Jaraguay Volcanic Field in Mexico generally face slower-moving hazards like lava flows and ground fissures rather than sudden pyroclastic events. However, rift volcanoes can still generate significant ash emissions and gas releases that affect local air quality. The dominant rock type is andesite / basaltic andesite, a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that forms from rapidly cooling, low-viscosity lava. Basaltic eruptions tend to be less explosive and produce fluid lava flows that can travel long distances. While less immediately dangerous than explosive eruptions, basaltic lava flows can destroy structures and infrastructure in their path, and volcanic gases released during these eruptions can affect air quality over a wide area.
GVP Reference Summary
The Jaraguay Volcanic Field is the northernmost of a group of large young alkalic volcanic fields in Baja California. Located primarily on the Pacific Ocean side of northern Baja between Jaraguay and Arroyo San José, the field contains numerous youthful-looking cinder cones and associated basaltic and basaltic andesite lava flows. Some lava flows are less vegetated than flows of the San Quintín Volcanic Field to the north. Several lava flows were erupted near the south side of Arroyo San José at the SW end of the Jaraguay volcanic field.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Jaraguay Volcanic Field.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Jaraguay Volcanic Field
Is Jaraguay Volcanic Field an active volcano?+
Jaraguay Volcanic Field is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in prehistoric times, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
How high is Jaraguay Volcanic Field?+
Jaraguay Volcanic Field has a summit elevation of 960 meters (3,150 feet) above sea level. At 960 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Jaraguay Volcanic Field?+
Jaraguay Volcanic Field is classified as a Volcanic field. Volcanic fields consist of clusters of small volcanic vents and cinder cones spread across a region. Rather than a single central vent, eruptions can occur at many points across the field.
Where is Jaraguay Volcanic Field located?+
Jaraguay Volcanic Field is located in Mexico, in the Eastern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Gulf of California Rift Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 29.330° latitude, -114.500° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Jaraguay Volcanic Field?+
Jaraguay Volcanic Field can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Mexico may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
