About Durango Volcanic Field
Durango Volcanic Field is a volcanic field rising to 2,075 meters (6,808 feet) in Mexico's North America Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Durango Volcanic Field is located in Mexico, within the Basin and Range Volcanic Province of the broader North America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 24.15° N, 104.45° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subtropical climate zone. At 2,075 meters above sea level, Durango Volcanic Field rises above the surrounding terrain into montane or subalpine conditions. The elevation creates distinct ecological zones along its flanks, from forested lower slopes to exposed rocky terrain near the summit. 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
Durango Volcanic Field sits in a subduction zone, where one tectonic plate dives beneath another, creating intense heat and pressure that generates magma. Subduction zones are responsible for many of the world's most explosive volcanoes and deadliest eruptions. For communities in Mexico near Durango Volcanic Field, this tectonic setting means the volcano is capable of producing powerful explosive eruptions, pyroclastic flows, and lahars that can threaten populated areas within tens of kilometers of the summit. The dominant rock type is trachybasalt / tephrite basanite, 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 broad Durango volcanic field covers 2,100 km2 at the NW corner of the Meseta Central near the eastern edge of the Sierra Madre Occidental of north-central México. The expansive undissected lava plain lies within the Mexican Basin and Range province and is NE of the city of Durango. The field includes about 100 Quaternary basanitic cinder and lava cones as well as several xenolith localities. La Breña-El Jagüey maar complex consists of two intersecting maars, the largest of which (La Breña) contains a series of nested cinder cones. The maar complex is one of the youngest eruptive centers and was considered by Aranda-Gómez et al. (1992) to be only a few thousand years old.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Durango Volcanic Field.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Durango Volcanic Field
Is Durango Volcanic Field an active volcano?+
Durango 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 Durango Volcanic Field?+
Durango Volcanic Field has a summit elevation of 2,075 meters (6,808 feet) above sea level. At 2,075 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Durango Volcanic Field?+
Durango 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 Durango Volcanic Field located?+
Durango Volcanic Field is located in Mexico, in the North America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Basin and Range Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 24.150° latitude, -104.450° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Durango Volcanic Field?+
Durango 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.
