About Zacate Grande, Isla
Zacate Grande, Isla is a stratovolcano rising to 640 meters (2,100 feet) in Honduras'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
Zacate Grande, Isla is located in Honduras, within the Central America Volcanic Arc of the broader Middle America-Caribbean Volcanic Regions. Situated at 13.33° N, 87.63° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 640 meters above sea level, Zacate Grande, Isla is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. 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
Zacate Grande, Isla 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 Honduras near Zacate Grande, Isla, 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.
GVP Reference Summary
Zacate Grande volcano forms a low island 7 x 10 km wide across a narrow strait from the end of a peninsula surrounded on three sides by the Gulf of Fonseca and Chismuyo bay. At least seven satellitic cones, some of which form small islands offshore, are located from the NE to SE base of the broad basaltic stratovolcano. Some of these, including the symmetrical cone of Isla Gueguensi in the tidal flats about 3 km E of the base of Zacate Grande, are of probable Holocene age (Carr 1992, pers. comm.). In contrast to neighboring Isla El Tigre volcano to the S, Zacate Grande itself is extensively eroded, and deep valleys extend from the summit ridges to the base of the volcano.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Zacate Grande, Isla.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Zacate Grande, Isla
Is Zacate Grande, Isla an active volcano?+
Zacate Grande, Isla 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 Zacate Grande, Isla?+
Zacate Grande, Isla has a summit elevation of 640 meters (2,100 feet) above sea level. At 640 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Zacate Grande, Isla?+
Zacate Grande, Isla 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 Zacate Grande, Isla located?+
Zacate Grande, Isla is located in Honduras, in the Middle America-Caribbean Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Central America Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 13.330° latitude, -87.630° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Zacate Grande, Isla?+
Zacate Grande, Isla can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Honduras may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
