Volcano Journal Entry
Colima Volcano Spits Ash in Mexico (January 3, 2002)
View of Colima volcano courtesy Colima Volcano Observatory.
Mexico's Colima volcano blasted out columns of ash that reached up to three miles (five kilometers) into the atmosphere. The volcano is currently in a very active phase. Last February, an eruption spewed a pyroclastic flow of hot rocks, gas, and cinders and showered the nearby town of San Marco with ash. In March, a new lava dome began forming.
Located about 300 miles (500 km) west of Mexico City, Colima is one of Mexico's most active volcanoes. Its most recent active period began in November 1998 when an eruption forced nearby residents to flee their homes.
Mexico is located on the North American plate in the region where the Pacific and Cocos plates dive below it. Its volcanoes are included in the Ring of Fire, the large arc of active volcanoes at plate boundaries surrounding the Pacific Ocean.
