Estudio geomorfológico del complejo volcánico de Colima

Abstract

The morphology of Colima Volcano, correlated with the different deposits, was used to distinguish the eruptive events and define hazardous areas. The dominating erosion type is fluvial which is observed in the dense gully network, 5-15fkm2. Gullies were divided into deep (>60 m) and shallow (<60 m) features. Paleorelief interpretation shows that the Armería River flowed down a wide alluvial plain befare it was covered by avalanches. Colima's upper con e has a slope of o ver 35° and shows lit tic fluvial erosion because its products are very young (1991, 1982, 1976, 1962, 1913, 1906, 1903, 1880 eruptions ... ). On the other hand, Nevado de Colima Volcano shows more fluvial erosion and at least two calderas. At 3000 m a semicircular lava crest marks the Colima caldera rim. There seem to be other caldera remnants to the southeast. Another distinctive feature is the hummocky topography which defines 2 separate regions (SE and SW) based on hummock size. Lava domes on Colima's southern flank (Hijos) vary from 120 to 300m in height with slopes of 20 to 35° and weak dissection. This is an important process on Colima's southern flank. Future pyroclastic flows will travel mostly to the south and at 3700 m will follow the gullies till the slope angle decreases, around 1600 m. In the case of cone failure a new avalanche could travel much further.