About Naolinco Volcanic Field
Naolinco Volcanic Field is a volcanic field rising to 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) in Mexico's Middle America-Caribbean Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption dates to 1200 BCE, in prehistoric times. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Naolinco Volcanic Field is located in Mexico, within the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Arc of the broader Middle America-Caribbean Volcanic Regions. Situated at 19.67° N, 96.75° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 2,000 meters above sea level, Naolinco 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
Naolinco 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 Naolinco 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 basalt / picro-basalt, 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
Naolinco Volcanic Field has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 1200 BCE to 1200 BCE.
GVP Reference Summary
The Naolinco volcanic field in the Sierra de Chiconquiaco range north of Jalapa (Xalapa), Veracruz, consists of a broad area of scattered Quaternary pyroclastic cones and associated dominantly basaltic lava flows. Late-Pleistocene to Holocene pyroclastic cones cover an E-W-trending area on both sides of the town of Naolinco de Victoria. The largest cone is 2,000-m-high Cerro Acatlán, located NE of Naolinco de Victoria. This and other nearby cones have fed voluminous lava flows that traveled S and SE down regional gradients. The Coacoatzintla lava flow from the Rincón de Chapultepec scoria cone in the western part of the field was erupted about 3,000 years ago and is the youngest flow in the field.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1200 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Rincón de Chapultepec |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Naolinco Volcanic Field
Is Naolinco Volcanic Field an active volcano?+
Naolinco Volcanic Field is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 1200 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Naolinco Volcanic Field last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Naolinco Volcanic Field occurred in 1200 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Naolinco Volcanic Field has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Naolinco Volcanic Field?+
Naolinco Volcanic Field has a summit elevation of 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) above sea level. At 2,000 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Naolinco Volcanic Field?+
Naolinco 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 Naolinco Volcanic Field located?+
Naolinco 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 19.670° latitude, -96.750° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Naolinco Volcanic Field?+
Naolinco 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.
