B1.- 30,000 yrs of Colima Volcanic Complex Evolution: Insights from Tephrochronology, Petrology & Geochemistry (Leaders: Ivan Savov, Julia Crummy & Carlos Navarro) FULL

B2.- Late Pliocene-Holocene multiple debris avalanche deposits from Colima Volcanic Complex (CVC), Mexico (Leaders: Abel Cortés, Jean-Christophe Komorowski, José Luis Macías, Lucia Capra)



B3.- Activity and associated risks in the Ceboruco/San Pedro region (Leaders: Katrin Sieron, Nick Varley)

B4.- Volcanism in the Northeast of Mexico (San Quintín, Cerro Prieto & El Pinacate) (Leader: Edgardo Cañón) CANCELLED





B5.- El Chichón: geoenvironmental, social and monitoring aspects (Leader: Silvia Ramos)

B1.- 30,000 yrs of Colima Volcanic Complex Evolution: Insights from Tephrochronology, Petrology & Geochemistry FULL

Leaders: Ivan Savov, Julia Crummy & Carlos Navarro
Email:
No. of Participants: Maximum 17
Duration: 1 day
Cost: $120
Date: 24 November

This fieldtrip is highly weather-dependent and so early departure is critical. We will drive from ~500m above sea-level (Colima city) to near the summit of Nevado de Colima (elev. 4000 m). We will be at high altitude (>3000 m) for ~5 hours so participants should be aware of the difficulties of being at high altitude (light-headedness, shortness of breath & headaches); therefore it is advisable to take plenty of water and medication for headaches (as a precaution), and to take it easy while at altitude. There will be a 2km (~30 minute) walk up to near the summit of Nevado de Colima (~4000 m altitude) to see spectacular views of the currently active Volcán de Colima.

During this fieldtrip we will examine the now well-studied Holocene tephra stratigraphy of the Colima Volcanic Complex (CVC) emphasising the chronological, petrological and geochemical aspects of the CVC evolution and eruptive history. Stratigraphic sections are exposed in road-cuts along the entrance roads to the Nevado de Colima National Park. En-route to Nevado de Colima we will stop and see a large debris avalanche (DA) deposit which resulted from a sector collapse (Mt. St. Helens style) eruption of the Palaeofuego de Colima volcano. We will also stop to see an example of the alkaline magma types characteristic of monogenetic cinder cones surrounding the CVC, and discuss their origin and relationship to the calc-alkaline CVC magmas. Many of the exposures we will be visiting are on the road therefore caution must be taken at all times.

Recommended gear:

We will be starting from Colima City with average temperatures through November of ~30°C. The first couple of stops will be in the valley floor so sun-block, sunglasses, sun hat and lightweight long sleeved (preferably cotton) shirts are highly recommended. We will then be heading up Nevado de Colima to an altitude of ~4000m where the temperature can drop to below freezing. The weather can be highly variable at altitude therefore participants must be prepared for cold weather as well as hot.

Recommended gear therefore include lots of warm layers, coat, woolly hat, gloves, sun-hat, sunglasses, sun-block, plenty of water, any snacks, toilet paper (there will be no facilities once on Nevado de Colima), medicines.

Departure time 8 a.m. Colima City Centre.

1. Drive from Colima City centre to Apaxtepetl cinder cone (en-route to Nevado de Colima) ~2 hours with one stop at a gas station with restrooms (water, sunblock, toilet paper, snacks can be purchased in store).
   
2. A quick stop along the highway to investigate a newly exposed (due to the construction of a new highway) very large outcrop of a debris avalanche deposit. The section represents one of the major sector collapse (Mt. St. Helens style) eruptions of Palaeofuego de Colima volcanic edifice
   Appreciate the thickness of the deposit, the size and composition of the blocks incorporated in the DA deposit and learn to recognize surges vs. rafted blocks vs. ash-lahars (?).
   
3. Apaxtepetl cinder cone
   • Spend some time looking at the cinder cone deposit, investigate the geological map of the CVC and discuss the location and significance of alkaline cinder cone locations in respect to the calc-alkaline active Volcán de Colima and extinct Nevado de Colima and Cántaro volcanoes;
   • Begin petrology and geochemistry discussions on the origins of these diverse magma types in arc settings and see some Colima-specific plots highlighting the different magma types erupted in the Colima graben.
   
   
4. Drive on to one of the most complete tephra sections near the park entrance (~45 mins)
   This is an excellent section exposing multiple tephra-fall and surge deposits; the ages of which are well-constrained through radiocarbon dating of charcoal.
   • Observe various stratigraphic units with dense ¹⁴C charcoal age control and relate them to past explosive episodes.
   • earn about the geochemical and petrological evolution throughout the section. Discuss the unit revealing mixed (alkaline – calc-alkaline) magma types erupted c.12,000 yrs BP.
   
   
5. Drive up the road to see really well exposed units Y and Z and alpha (Luhr et al., 2010-Fig. 3)
   • Discuss the series of eruptions, U-Y; Make a group competitive exercise looking at the grain size, working out the explosivity and appreciating the VEI of tephra-fall unit Y.
   • Observe the ash (surge) deposit, unit Z, which spans ~3000 yrs of eruptions, including 2 sector collapse events (2,500 & 3,600 yrs B.P.). Discuss gaps in the tephra record, past glacial episodes and links to the pyroclastic flow and debris avalanche deposits we observed down in the valley.
   • Introduce the 1913 and 1818 Plinian-style VEI= 4 eruptions of Volcán de Colima and the resultant fall deposit (unit alpha). Discuss the 2 vs. 3 alphas and a petrological and geochemical ways to discriminate between these. Discuss links between modern (current, 1913 & 1818) and past CVC activity.

   Box Lunch (provided for fieldtrip participants) at the Park Entrance (~30 mins). Appreciate the nice view of the now extinct Nevado de Colima and its caldera wall.

6. Stop at section VF10-03 beyond the campground;
   • Observe units Z and Y in a more proximal location. Appreciate the differences in the thickness and grain size/shape of the fallout deposits.
   • Introduce tephra dispersion maps for several well studied units and link to the volcanic hazards associated with the current activity.
   
   
7. Park at the campground and walk up the track to the Antennas near the summit of Nevado de Colima.
   • Look at the 1913 eruption deposits en route
   • Enjoy nice view of the now erupting Volcán de Colima - ~1 hour
   • Discuss the monitoring of the current activity and the newly extruded very large dome filling the crater.
   
   
8. Drive back to Colima - 2 hours
   Return time 6 pm. Colima City Centre.

B2.- Late Pliocene-Holocene multiple debris avalanche deposits from Colima Volcanic Complex (CVC), Mexico

Leaders: Abel Cortés, Jean-Christophe Komorowski, José Luis Macías, Lucia Capra
Email:
No. of Participants: Minimum 7, maximum 12
Duration: 3 days
Cost: $400. Includes lodging (double rooms, 3 nights), 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners, 3 packed lunches.
Dates: 24 – 26 November

The Colima Volcanic Complex (CVC) is located in the western sector of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic belt (TMVB) within the central part of the active Colima Graben. The CVC consists of a N-S chain formed by three volcanic centers (El Cántaro ~2900m, Nevado de Colima ~4240 m, and the active stratovolcano Fuego de Colima or Volcán de Colima 3860 m). The activity of the CVC started at El Cántaro with the emplacement of dacitic domes and the formation of pyroclastic flows ca. 1.7 Ma. About 387 - 47 ka BP, 15 km southward, the formation of Nevado de Colima began with lava flows, the emplacement of dacitic domes and pyroclastic flows. Stratigraphic studies suggest that Nevado de Colima experienced several collapse events during its history which led to the emplacement of several debris avalanches. One of these debris avalanches generated voluminous debris flows that reached the Pacific Coast traveling 120 km from the source. Volcán de Colima was constructed in late Pleistocene time inside of a 5 km wide crater associated with the collapse event of the Paleofuego volcano. Stratigraphic studies at the CVC suggest that during the last 21 ka yr, Paleofuego and Volcán de Colima have experienced at least seven partial edifice collapse events with associated debris avalanches dated at 2 500, 3 600, 7 000, 9 700, 14 890, 18 240, and 21 500 yr BP respectively. The emplacement of these avalanches obstructed several times the Naranjo and Armeria rivers, forming temporary lakes where thick lacustrine sediments sequences were deposited. In the SW sector of the Colima volcano, along the East margin of the Armeria River, one of these lacustrine sediment sequences overlays a debris flow deposit with pottery shards and charcoal dated at 1940 ± 90 yr BP. These pottery shards likely relate to the Capacha people (820—300 yr BC) indicating that the region has been inhabited during the last 3000 years. A future collapse of Volcán de Colima would catastrophically impact several towns and Colima city with a total population of circa 500,000.

Objective: During this field trip we will look at several outcrops distributed around the CVC, to observe different features of debris avalanche deposits and associated pyroclastic and volcaniclastic sequences generated by partial flank collapses of the Colima Volcanic Complex during the late Pleistocene to Holocene. In addition, we will discuss the hazards and risks posed by a new collapse of the active Volcán de Colima towards the city of Colima city and nearby towns that have been constructed on ancient debris avalanche deposits.

Preliminary itinerary:

1st day: We will visit and analyze within the SE sector some key debris avalanche outcrops and debris flow deposits associated with the evolution of Nevado de Colima.

2nd day: We will visit within the SSW sector some key debris avalanche outcrops and epiclastic sequences associated with the evolution of Paleofuego and Volcán de Colima.

3rd day: We will look at several debris flow outcrops along the Naranjo and Salado rivers, associated with Nevado de Colima that reached the Pacific Coast traveling 120 km from the source.

B3.- Activity and associated risks in the Ceboruco/San Pedro region

Leaders: Katrin Sieron, Nick Varley
Email:
No. of Participants: Minimum 12, maximum 25
Duration: 4 days
Cost: $300
Dates: 24 – 27 November

Summary

Ceboruco produced the most recent VEI 6 eruption in Mexico. The 1000 BP eruption produced an extensive pumice deposit and resulted in the formation of summit calderas. More recent activity has consisted of large lava flows covering much of its flanks. This excursion will visit deposits from recent activity of Ceboruco and consider the current risks to the local population. In addition we will visit the nearby San Pedro caldera with its dome complex, which produced a well-preserved debris avalanche deposit. We will see the extensive ignimbrite deposit associated with the caldera-forming eruption. In addition stops will be made at some of the local scoria cones associated with regional rifting.

Day 1

We will travel from Colima to Ixtlán del Río, Nayarit. We will have a lunch break there and then l drive along the road (libre), in the direction of Tepic, following the graben structure (with a NW-SE orientation).

Stop 1
Here we will see the uppermost part of the local basement, a banded ignimbrite belonging to the Jala sequence.

Stop 2
We will enter a quarry below the Copales lava flow. Here we will observe the deposits of the Marquesado pyroclastic flows for the first time.

Stop 3
Driving further towards our next stop, the Ceboruco lava flow, one can appreciate the eastern and southern flanks of Ceboruco volcano and some monogenetic cones and domes along the roadside. We will stop at a viewpoint to be able to overlook the astonishingly fresh-looking black Ceboruco andesitic lava flow. Looking more closely at the lava, the porphyritic texture, typical of Ceboruco´s lavas, can be noticed.

Stop 4
The last outcrop for the day is a site where the distal deposits of Marquesado pyroclastic flows can be observed. To get there, we will drive along the “libre” until reaching Uzeta village where we will turn left and drive towards La Gloria and the Sierra EL Guamuchil. Reaching the outcrop, massive conglomerates and different units of the pyroclastic Jala eruption sequence can be observed. Furthermore, we will have a perfect view towards the breached Ceboruco-craters (southern side).

Drive back to Ixtlán del Río to eat dinner in the centre of the village and stay overnight in a local hotel. After dinner, there is the possibility to hike/or drive up the Cristo Rey scoria cone and have a beautiful overview of Ixtlán.

Day 2

After breakfast we will head to Jala village, to drive up Ceboruco from at first the NE flank, later the SE.

Stop 1
We will stop to look at pyroclastic surge and fall deposits next to the road, products of the eruption that occurred about 1000 year BP.

Stop 2
After entering the outer crater we will stop at the rim to observe one of the still active fumaroles areas and some impressive dykes within the wall.

Stop 3
After leaving the vehicles by the Microwave station we will observe the El Norte lava flow and then hike (ca. 20-30 minutes) to enter the inner crater. Hiking around, we can climb up a pyroclastic cone.

Stop 4
We will reach the highest point of Ceboruco and have a nice overview on the multiple domes and cones inside the Ceboruco crater. Then we will hike down over older pyroclastic deposits. We will take a packed lunch to eat in the summit area.

Stop 5
Here we will take a look at the vent, lava flows and domes from the historical 1870-75 eruption.

Then we will hike back to the vehicles and drive back to Ixtlán del Río for dinner.

Day 3

After breakfast, we drive towards the intersection to Jala village.

Stop 1
Leaving the vehicles, we will take a short hike to visit Pochetero obsidian dome.
Afterwards, we will drive to the toll road and continue in the direction of Tepic.

Stop 2
Along the highway we will stop to see outcrops of Jala Pumice to the north of Ceboruco. Along the highway road cuts allow us to observe some of the younger lava flows (El Norte).

We will then leave the toll road and head to the SW to join up with the free road again. Here we will turn right, heading towards Tepic and then turn off towards San Pedro Lagunillas.

Stop 3
We will stop in a quarry to observe the ignimbrite that was produced by the eruption that also resulted in the formation of the San Pedro caldera.

Stop 4
Driving around the picturesque lake we will observe the San Pedro dome complex that represents the most recent activity within the caldera. On the W side a debris avalanche produced a well-preserved series of hummocks. We will stop to observe one which is being quarried.

Day 4

After breakfast we will drive to the outskirts of Ixtlán towards El Molcajete scoria cone.

Stop 1
Quarry on the SE side of the large scoria cone.

Stop 2
The next stop, at the entrance to Jala village, is at a quarry, which exposes the scoria layers of El Balastre scoria cone. One can notice a capping lava flow on top of Balastre and a coulee behind it. We will take a closer look at the coulee-lavas.

B4.- Volcanism in the Northeast of Mexico (San Quintín, Cerro Prieto & El Pinacate) CANCELLED

Leader: Edgardo Cañón
Email:
No. of Participants: Maximum 25
Duration: 7 days
Cost: $1700
Dates: 24 – 30 November

Although most of volcanic activity in Mexico is located on the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, there are examples of recent volcanism in other parts of the country. One of these regions is the northwest end of Mexico, where volcanic activity has taken place intermittently since Miocene times. In this field trip, three sites where Holocene volcanism has occurred will be visited. The San Quintin volcanic field includes 11 well preserved lava shields and scoria cones. The site is known because it is the only field in Baja California where lower-crust / upper mantle xenoliths have been found. Cerro Prieto is a small dacitic dome located in a transitional zone between the San Andres transform fault to the north and the northern extreme of the East Pacific Rise to the south. Some local legends suggest that formation of this dome was witnessed by the local human groups that lived in the region around 10 000 years ago, or even more recently. At present, the site is host to an active geothermal field that produces electrical energy. El Pinacate has been described both as a shield volcano and a volcanic field. The roughly 55 x 60 km field contains numerous maars, tuff rings and cinder cones, and various lava flows have extremely well preserved features that include lava tubes, hornitos and secondary vents. At present, this zone is part of a Natural Reserve under the auspices of the Federal Government.

The 7 day field trip will include transportation from and back to Tijuana´s airport, hotel lodging, meals and transportation to the three sites, including admission to the Pinacate Reserve. An optional 1 day extension including camping on the Pinacate Reserve will be considered depending on the number of participants and their interests. This optional day would give us the opportunity to ascend to the highest point on the field that offers impressive panoramic views of the Gulf of California and Sonoran desert. It should be noted, however, that the hike can be exhausting due to the extreme dry weather, and a very steep slope on the last segment.

Estimated cost at this time is $ 1700 USD/person (hotel room in double occupancy). Additional airfare Mexico City-Tijuana-Mexico City (that can be as high as $ 600 USD) will need to be paid independently.

A final quotation will be given after having an estimated number of participants in the future.
Day 1, Tijuana’s airport-Ensenada. Hotel in Ensenada
Day 2, Round trip to San Quintin, Hotel in Ensenada
Day 3, Trip to Puerto Peñasco. Visit to Cerro Prieto along the road. Hotel in Peñasco
Days 4, to 6 El Pinacate (Hotel in Peñasco)
Day 7, Return to Ensenada. Farewell dinner.
Day 8, Ensenada-Tijuana´s Airport
San Quintin
Latitude: 30.468°N
Longitude: 115.996°W
Cerro Prieto
Latitude: 32.418°N
Longitude: 115.305°W

El Pinacate
Latitude: 31.772°N
Longitude: 113.498°W

B5.- El Chichón: geoenvironmental, social and monitoring aspects

Leader: Silvia Ramos
Email:
No. of Participants: Maximum 25
Duration: 3 days
Cost: $270
Dates: 25 – 27 November

Objective

The main purpose of the trip is to observe the effects of the catastrophic eruption of the volcano El Chichón in 1982 and the environmental changes that have occurred 30 years after the eruption. Likewise, the social aspects will be studied: the perception of volcanic risk held by the people, culture and legends of the Zoque population of that region.

The geological-structural context of El Chichón will be shown, the products emitted by the eruption, hydrothermal activity in the crater lake, and the stratigraphy of ancient deposits and those emplaced in 1982. Finally we will present steps that have been made to improve the perception of volcanic hazards, such as the evacuation exercise that was conducted in 2010, plans and emergency information given to the public in the event of a future eruption, and the Volcanic Alert System.

Details:

At the volcano, hikes are long each being several kilometres from the village of Viejo Volcán located at 440 m above sea level. To reach the crater will be three stops along a walk of about 4 hours (according to the speed of the participants) to an elevation of 1,100 m above sea level. Each person will receive their lunch and sufficient water. You should wear hiking boots, carry field equipment such as waterproofs, lamp, medicine, sunscreen, etc. It is also recommended that you take sandals because in some sections we have to cross streams.

This area is within the warm, humid climatic zone. During this month, the weather may include the presence of "Nortes", ie, with rain, so a raincoat may be needed. Transport may be available by bus from Colima to the starting point of Villahermosa (travelling all day Sat. and Sat. night).