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Geological Formation

Tajumulco

Volcanic Formations

Tajumulco is a dormant stratovolcano in the San Marcos department of western Guatemala, near the border with Mexico, reaching about 4,220 meters, which makes it both the highest peak in Guatemala and the highest point in Central America as a whole. Built from andesitic lava characteristic of the Central America Volcanic Arc, the mountain has two summits, and its last confirmed eruption is generally placed in the 19th century, though the volcano has shown no significant activity in the modern instrumental record and is classified as dormant rather than extinct. Its considerable elevation gives its upper slopes a paramo-like climate distinct from the tropical lowlands surrounding it, with night frosts common near the summit despite the tropical latitude. The mountain is a popular, physically demanding trek among Guatemalan and international hikers specifically because reaching its summit means standing at the highest point between Mexico and Colombia. This entity documents Tajumulco specifically as a geological formation, the highest volcanic peak in Central America, an andesitic stratovolcano of the Central America Volcanic Arc.

Facts
Classification
Protected Status
National Park or Reserve 1
Connections

Associated With

Dacite, Materials
Source Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program: Global Volcanism Program record for Tajumulco

Caused By

Volcanism, Processes
Source VolcanoDiscovery (data from the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program): Tajumulco Volcano

In Discipline

Source VolcanoDiscovery (data from the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program): Tajumulco Volcano
In the Other Atlases

Found In

Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.

Sources
1. UNEP-WCMC and IUCN, World Database on Protected Areas: World Database on Protected Areas record: Volcán Tajumulco
UNEP-WCMC and IUCN, World Database on Protected AreasWDPA site 302075
Quote, WDPA site 302075
"desig_eng": "Permanent closure zone"
View the Source
VolcanoDiscovery (data from the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program): Tajumulco Volcano
VolcanoDiscovery (data from the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program)
  • In Discipline: Volcanology, Volcano type line
    Stratovolcano, Compound Guatemala, 15.04°N / -91.9°W
  • Caused By: Volcanism, Volcano type line
    Stratovolcano, Compound Guatemala, 15.04°N / -91.9°W
View the Source
Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program: Global Volcanism Program record for Tajumulco
Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism ProgramAssociated With: Dacite, Major_Rock_Type field
Quote, Associated With: Dacite, Major_Rock_Type field
"Major_Rock_Type": "Dacite"
View the Source
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