Colima volcano (Mexico): July 2015 Montitlán pyroclastic flow deposit a year later
On 11 July 2015, a large dome collapse triggered the second largest block and ash pyroclastic flow of the 21st century (surpassed by Merapi in 2010 only), filling and devastating the Montitlán river valley on Colima's south side to a length of about 10 km.
We visited the deposit approx. 16 months later, in Nov 2016 (compare these to photos taken few days after it was deposited). This fresh, the deposit is a fantastic geologic showcase. It provides extremely interesting insights into the dynamics of this kind of pyroclastic density currents and its origin:
We visited the deposit approx. 16 months later, in Nov 2016 (compare these to photos taken few days after it was deposited). This fresh, the deposit is a fantastic geologic showcase. It provides extremely interesting insights into the dynamics of this kind of pyroclastic density currents and its origin:
The pyroclastic flow deposit at the exit of the Montitlán ravine; its surface is still barren, but s... [info]
(241 Hits)
(241 Hits)
Large, partially burnt or charred tree trunks abound in the deposit, witness of the destructive powe... [info]
(232 Hits)
(232 Hits)
View towards the volcano in the background, mostly hidden beneath its afternoon cloud (Photo: Tom Pf... [info]
(193 Hits)
(193 Hits)
View upstream of the flow deposit; Livio gives a scale. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(197 Hits)
(197 Hits)
After reaching the exit of the narrow gorge, the flow widened, surpassed the banks of the valley and... [info]
(167 Hits)
(167 Hits)
During transportation within the turbulent block and ash flow, the blocks constantly bounce against ... [info]
(164 Hits)
(164 Hits)
New life often starts at the dead wood pieces. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(174 Hits)
(174 Hits)
Heike, Ingrid and Livio examine the rocks left by the flow. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(156 Hits)
(156 Hits)
First plants manage to grow on the deposit after more than a year. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(132 Hits)
(132 Hits)
Close-up of a rock sample: a block of juvenile magma (from the dome or lava flow) made of blackish, ... [info]
(142 Hits)
(142 Hits)
As we visit the deposit, smaller rockfalls occur on the active lava flow from the volcano behind; th... [info]
(148 Hits)
(148 Hits)
In the lower part of the deposit, where the flow was about to loose its energy, parts of the old gro... [info]
(127 Hits)
(127 Hits)
The latest erosion allows to study fresh cross-sections of the pyroclastic flow deposit. (Photo: Tom... [info]
(147 Hits)
(147 Hits)
Livio standing on top of the deposit viewed from the new river channel. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(135 Hits)
(135 Hits)
View of the fine-grained base layer of the block and ash flow (upper portion of section). (Photo: To... [info]
(131 Hits)
(131 Hits)
The deposit is a chaotic mixture of fine gray ash with blocks and burned wood pieces. (Photo: Tom Pf... [info]
(136 Hits)
(136 Hits)
Plus sur VolcanoDiscovery:
Videos taken during our volcano expeditions and tours, showing eruptions, volcanic phenomena and more.
El Hierro (Canary Islands) activity: Updates and news about the volcanic unrest at El Hierro volcano, Canary Islands
A selection of photos of different features: lava flows, lava fountains, lava lakes, fumaroles and more.
Kilauea volcano photos: The most active volcano in the world with a record long lasting eruption since 1983: images of lava flows, lava lakes, explosions, lava meeting the ocean, aerials and more.
