Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt facts for kids
Imagine a huge chain of volcanoes stretching across Mexico! This is the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. It's also called the Transvolcanic Belt or, by locals, the Sierra Nevada, which means "Snowy Mountain Range." This amazing belt of volcanoes goes for about 900 kilometers (560 miles) from west to east in central-southern Mexico.
Many of its tallest mountains are so high they have snow all year round. On clear days, people living on the high flat lands (called plateaus) in Mexico can see these giant volcanoes rising up into the sky.
Contents
What is the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt?
The Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt is a long line of volcanoes. It crosses the middle and southern parts of Mexico. Think of it like a natural border that divides the country. This belt is very important for Mexico's geography and climate.
It includes some of the country's most famous and tallest mountains. Many of these are active volcanoes. This means they could erupt again someday.
Where is the Volcanic Belt Located?
This volcanic belt stretches across Mexico. It starts on the west coast and goes all the way to the east coast. It covers many states, including Jalisco, Michoacán, Mexico State, Puebla, and Veracruz.
The belt is about 900 kilometers (560 miles) long. It is also quite wide, reaching up to 200 kilometers (124 miles) in some places. This makes it a very large and important part of Mexico's landscape.
Famous Volcanoes in the Belt
The Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt is home to many well-known volcanoes. Some of these are among the highest peaks in Mexico. They are popular for climbing and offer amazing views.
Pico de Orizaba
Pico de Orizaba is the tallest mountain in Mexico. It is also the third-highest peak in North America. This giant volcano is covered in snow and ice at its top. It is a dormant volcano, meaning it is not currently erupting but could in the future.
Popocatépetl
Popocatépetl is one of Mexico's most active volcanoes. It is located near Mexico City. Its name means "smoking mountain" in the Nahuatl language. This volcano often has small eruptions, sending ash and smoke into the air. Scientists watch it closely to keep people safe.
Nevado de Colima
Nevado de Colima is a large, inactive volcano. It is part of a volcanic complex with a smaller, active volcano nearby called Volcán de Colima. Nevado de Colima is often covered in snow during the colder months. It offers beautiful scenery for visitors.
Parícutin
Parícutin is famous because it is one of the youngest volcanoes on Earth. It suddenly appeared in a cornfield in 1943. It grew quickly, burying two villages under its lava and ash. Its eruption lasted for nine years, from 1943 to 1952. Today, it is a cone-shaped mountain.
Images for kids
-
Major Volcanoes of Mexico. From west to east, volcanoes part of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic belt are Nevado de Colima, Parícutin, Popocatépetl, and Pico de Orizaba.
See also
In Spanish: Eje Neovolcánico para niños
