About Mascota Volcanic Field
Mascota Volcanic Field is a volcanic field rising to 2,525 meters (8,285 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.
Geography & Climate
Mascota Volcanic Field is located in Mexico, within the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Arc of the broader Middle America-Caribbean Volcanic Regions. Situated at 20.57° N, 104.82° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. At 2,525 meters above sea level, Mascota 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
Mascota 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 Mascota 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 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
A group of calc-alkaline andesitic and lamprophyre cinder cones and lava domes, along with associated lava flows, is located near the town of Mascota about 50 km E of Puerto Vallarta. Mascota is the youngest of a group of potassic volcanic fields in extensional grabens of the Jalisco block south of the Río Ameca. Most volcanism here is confined to two NNW-SSE-trending grabens cutting Cretaceous ash-flow tuffs. The youngest eruption was a basaltic andesite lava flow at Volcán Malpaís, north of Mascota; the lack of soil development and sparse vegetation suggest that it may be only a few thousand years old (Carmichael et al., 1996). The field is noted for its unusual diversity of volcanic rocks, and contains Earth's youngest known minettes (lamprophyres).
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Mascota Volcanic Field.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Mascota Volcanic Field
Is Mascota Volcanic Field an active volcano?+
Mascota 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 Mascota Volcanic Field?+
Mascota Volcanic Field has a summit elevation of 2,525 meters (8,285 feet) above sea level. At 2,525 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Mascota Volcanic Field?+
Mascota 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 Mascota Volcanic Field located?+
Mascota Volcanic Field 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 20.567° latitude, -104.817° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Mascota Volcanic Field?+
Mascota 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.
