About Sanganguey
Sanganguey is a stratovolcano rising to 2,340 meters (7,678 feet) in Mexico's Middle America-Caribbean Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Sanganguey is located in Mexico, within the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Arc of the broader Middle America-Caribbean Volcanic Regions. Situated at 21.45° N, 104.73° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. At 2,340 meters above sea level, Sanganguey 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 composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Sanganguey 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 Sanganguey, 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 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.
Eruption History Summary
Sanganguey has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 1742 CE to 1742 CE.
GVP Reference Summary
Volcán Sangangüey, the highest volcano of the NW-SE-trending Tepic-Zacoalco graben, is an eroded andesitic and dacitic stratovolcano that contains a prominent lava spine at its summit. The NW and SE flanks of the Pleistocene edifice have 45 cinder cones that erupted during the past 300,000 years along five parallel lines. Some of the cinder cones appear morphologically similar to cones on nearby Ceboruco volcano that are known to be less than 1,000 years old. There are no confirmed historical eruptions from Sangangüey. An incorrect report of an eruption in 1859 from San Juan (a synonym of Sangangüey) refers to the nearby Pleistocene San Juan volcano. An native tradition records an eruption in 1742 (Sapper, 1917), which may refer to activity from one of the flank cinder cones.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1742 | — | Uncertain Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Sanganguey
Is Sanganguey an active volcano?+
Sanganguey 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.
When did Sanganguey last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Sanganguey occurred in 1742 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Uncertain Eruption." Sanganguey has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Sanganguey?+
Sanganguey has a summit elevation of 2,340 meters (7,678 feet) above sea level. At 2,340 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Sanganguey?+
Sanganguey is classified as a Stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes (also called composite volcanoes) are steep, conical volcanoes built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. They are among the most common and dangerous types, known for explosive eruptions.
Where is Sanganguey located?+
Sanganguey is located in Mexico, in the Middle America-Caribbean Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 21.450° latitude, -104.730° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Sanganguey?+
Sanganguey 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.
