El Chichón, Active volcano in Francisco León, Mexico
El Chichón is a volcano in Francisco León, Chiapas, formed by lava domes and a tuff ring in a remote mountain region. The crater opens into a circular basin that now holds a lake with cloudy, greenish water.
The explosive eruption in 1982 lasted one week and reshaped the relief of the region by scattering material across wide areas. This outbreak led to the evacuation of thousands and prompted scientists to rethink monitoring systems across the country.
Communities nearby often call the volcano by its local name and speak about its power in everyday conversation. These oral traditions connect residents to changes in the landscape and shape how people approach the terrain.
Access to the volcano follows unpaved roads that can become slippery or impassable depending on weather conditions. Those approaching the crater should prepare for steep climbs and loose rocks underfoot.
The released sulfur dioxide reached the stratosphere and caused reddish twilights on several continents in the following months. Pilots reported unusual lighting conditions during flights over the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
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