Volcanoes have been part of the Earth’s geological landscape for centuries. It could be said that there is one in almost every corner of the planet, whether active, dormant, in formation or disappearing. Like the mighty giants of the continents, volcanoes are distributed across all continents and oceans like the heartbeat of a living planet.
From all those who are distributed in the mythical to those who live in solitude in the middle of landscapes like the or in very crowded places like the same Volcanoes there are all types and shapes, like the famous volcano Xicowhich remains the navel of the world and is located in Mexico.
Volcanoes in Mexico
In Mexican territory there are more than 2,000 volcanoes, however, not all of them have officially earned that name. About 42 of these volcanoes have been recognized as true volcanoes and although the number may not seem that extensive, their presence really means that a 75% of the Mexican population lives near a , some of these are extinct, inactive and others still active.
For these volcanoes to be considered active, according to the (National Disaster Prevention Center), they must have erupted in a period of no more than 10 thousand years, with the potential to develop volcanic activity at any time and a few other characteristics. that would position them as true current danger machines.
Meanwhile, inactive volcanoes are those that have not erupted in recent centuries, however, some of them still show some sign of life or activity, such as fumaroles or the presence of hot springs.
Last but not least are the extinct volcanoes, these are those that have not erupted in the last 25 thousand years and have moved away from their magma source, but there is still a very remote possibility that they will awaken and if this were to happen pass, they would erupt with greater force than an active. This means that no scientific body can really consider a volcano 100% dead.
For example, in Mexico there are two inactive volcanoes that present the greatest activity, since they frequently emit fumaroles expelling gases and ashes that often fall in nearby towns, these are the volcano of the with a last eruption in 2018 and the Colima volcano that erupted in 2017.
Among those found in Mexico are the Ceboruco and Sanganguey in Nayarit, the Chichonal and Tacana in Chiapas, the Iztaccíhuatl in town, Xihuingo in Hidalgo, San Martin Tuxtla and Perote Chest in Veracruz, Jorullo in Michoacan. and the famous volcano Xico in the State of Mexico.
Xico Volcano, the navel of the world
El Xico is one of the most incredible geological formations in the eastern Valley of Mexico. However, for a long time it has gone unnoticed because admiring its magnificent crater is only possible from above. Whether with satellite shots, from a drone, a plane or helicopter, those are the only ways to perceive its peculiar immensity. But it is thanks to this perfect circle shape derived from the interactions between its magma and the volcano that since ancient times it has been known as “the navel of the world.”
Within the volcanic zone of Chihunautzin The Xico ring was formed after constant eruptions. Currently it is just a type of light volcanic igneous rock formed by the birth of ash and some other volcanic elements that were expelled, in addition to the impressive geological phenomenon of the interactions between the magma of the volcano with that of Lake Chalco.
It is thought that the Xico volcano dates back to between 550 and 60 AD, in fact Its name comes from the Nahuatl word “navel.” Even before that, a population was created south of this volcano and when the Spanish arrived in the area they drained the cavity, which left it dry, exactly as it is to this day.
Its crater is 100 meters high and 1,400 meters in diameter, which makes it one of the largest volcanoes in Mexico, which is why for years the Mexican population has used the slope of the volcano to carry out different activities such as walking, climbing or run, and recently bike tours have begun on the slopes and crater of the volcano.
Xico is proof, once again, that there are corners of the Earth that we do not fully know and that in some way tell the story of the planet. It is not necessary to travel to the most spectacular places in nature or enter truly dangerous places. Just look around us to discover a little of the development of the planet and its wonderful formations.