| • Science | • People | • Locations | • Timeline |
| Paricutín | |
|---|---|
| Image caption | |
| Elevation: | 10,400 ft (3,170 m) |
| Latitude: | 19° 5′ 0″ N |
| Longitude: | 102° 2′ 0″ W |
| Location: | Mexico |
| Range: | |
| Type: | Cinder cone |
Paricutín is a volcano in the Mexican state of Michoacán, located at 19°5' North, 102° 2' West, close to the village of the same name. It is considered by many to be one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Its summit is 3,170 metres above sea level.
Prior to 1943, this mountain simply did not exist. On 20 February of that year, an eruption began in the midst of plowed farmland. As the volcano grew, lava flows destroyed two entire villages and hundreds of homes.
The eruption continued until 1952, by which time the volcano had risen some 450 meters up from the surrounding fields.
Cinder cones Subduction volcanoes Mountains of Mexico Volcanoes of Mexico