There are 15 volcanoes in Colombia that are considered active with the most recent eruptions occurring at Galeras in 2014 and Nevado del Ruiz in 2012. As you can see from the image above they follow a line parallel to the plate boundary to the west and the Andean Mountain Range. The volcanoes in Colombia are part of a longer line of volcanoes, the Andes cordillera, that stretches from Argentina to Colombia.
These volcanoes are created through the subduction of the oceanic Nazca Plate beneath the continental South American Plate. The oceanic plate contains molecules of water and mineral deposits. When the oceanic crust melts it creates magma with a high volatile content. The resulting volcanoes that are formed along this subduction zone are stratovolcanoes. These volcanoes have more explosivity because when the eruption occurs the pressure that has built up with the volatiles is released. These volcanoes have more viscous lava that can not travel very far before cooling and becoming solid, therefore, these volcanoes have a cone shape and can create very high mountain ranges. The average height along the Andes Cordillera is 4000m with it's highest peak at 6962m.
The Nevada de Ruiz 1985
In 1985 one of the most devastating volcanic eruptions for the country of Colombia transpired in the Nevado del Ruiz, which stands at 5300m tall and is covered with glacial ice. When the explosion occurred, glacier melts mixed with the mud creating a massive lahar that engulfed part of the town of Armero the night of November 13,1985, killing nearly 20,000 of the 29,000 inhabitants of the city in their sleep. The mud was so viscous that it was nearly impossible to provide relief to the remaining citizens. The world remembers the video and images of Omayra Sánchez seen, a 13 year old girl who died slowly in the viscous mud unable to be rescued.
In total 23,000 people died and around 5,000 were injured. Unfortunately this catastrophe was made worse by the fact that this event was predicted by geologist that alerted the authorities and media but the people did not realize the real danger. There was also a strong storm the same day of the explosion that inhibited communication and most people stayed in their homes as they were instructed. Evacuation maps were made but they were poorly distributed. Because of this event, the people of Colombia have learned a hard lesson about the "volcán dormido" in their midst. This means "sleeping volcano" and the saying comes from the fact that stratovolcanoes can stay dormant for a long time before exploding, like this one did, for 69 years. The Colombian government has now set up a specialized office that promotes natural hazard awareness and are working with the US government to provide resources to better prepare and respond to natural hazards such as these. The volcanoes are being monitored everyday. In addition to this, many cities near the volcanoes have their own programs to raise awareness and educate people with disaster plans.
Wow. I'm in shock. I don't think I could ever forget that little girls face and I appreciate that you put it in because I had no idea and I think the least we could do is remember the little angel and know that her death was an important lesson not just for Colombia but the world. Natural disasters will occur anywhere at anytime so we have to prepare ourselves. I also wanted to say that you have very good/interesting information, the pictures are great too! Thank you for your post :)
ReplyDeleteCristela
I remember the 1985 event....absolutely horrific...
ReplyDeleteIt is sad to hear that the people of Colombia didn’t take the warning of that terrible disaster in 1985. It is great to learn that because of this the government is more prepared, and ready to address the next disaster with appropriate measures. I found you pictures to be very helpful in figuring out where the volcanoes are located in Colombia.
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