Naolinco Volcanic Field

Volcanic field in Mexico

Last Eruption: -1200

Key Facts

Elevation

2,000 m (6,562 ft)

Type

Volcanic field

Location

19.670°, -96.750°

Region

Trans-Mexican Volcanic Arc

Rock Type

Basalt / Picro-Basalt

Tectonic Setting

Subduction zone

Location

Loading map...

Overview

The Naolinco volcanic field in the Sierra de Chiconquiaco range north of Jalapa (Xalapa), Veracruz, consists of a broad area of scattered Quaternary pyroclastic cones and associated dominantly basaltic lava flows. Late-Pleistocene to Holocene pyroclastic cones cover an E-W-trending area on both sides of the town of Naolinco de Victoria. The largest cone is 2,000-m-high Cerro Acatlán, located NE of Naolinco de Victoria.

This and other nearby cones have fed voluminous lava flows that traveled S and SE down regional gradients. The Coacoatzintla lava flow from the Rincón de Chapultepec scoria cone in the western part of the field was erupted about 3,000 years ago and is the youngest flow in the field.

Volcanic Hazards & Risk Assessment

Primary Hazards

Risk Level

Population at RiskModerate

Infrastructure RiskModerate

Aviation RiskSignificant

Geological Composition & Structure

Rock Types

Primary

Basalt / Picro-Basalt

Silica Content

Low (45-52% SiO₂)

Tectonic Setting

Subduction zone

Formed by oceanic plate subduction, typically producing explosive eruptions due to water-rich magmas.

Age & Formation

Epoch

Holocene

Evidence

Eruption Dated

Eruption Statistics & Analysis

Metric	Value	Global Ranking	Significance
Total Recorded Eruptions	Unknown	Low	Moderately active volcano
Maximum VEI	VEI Unknown	Minor	Local impact potential
Recent Activity	3226 years ago	Historical	Historically active

Monitoring & Alert Status

Monitoring Networks

Global Volcanism Program

International eruption database

Current Status

Normal

No recent activity. Routine monitoring continues.

Nearby Volcanoes in Middle America-Caribbean Volcanic Regions

Regional Volcanic Activity

The Middle America-Caribbean Volcanic Regions contains multiple active volcanic systems. Cross-regional magma interactions and tectonic stresses can influence eruption patterns across the entire arc. Monitor regional seismic activity and volcanic alerts.

Quick Info

•Smithsonian ID: 341095
•Evidence: Eruption Dated
•Epoch: Holocene

About the Photo

The Naolinco Volcanic Field consists of a broad area of scattered Quaternary cones and associated lava flows north of the city of Jalapa, the capital city of the state of Veracruz. Cerro Acatlán in the distance is the largest cone, and is located NE of the town of Naolinco de Victoria. This and other nearby cones have fed lava flows that traveled to the S and SE. The barren area in the foreground is part of the Río Naolinco lava flow, which erupted from vents on the NE flank of Cofre de Perote volcano.

Photo by Lee Siebert, 1999 (Smithsonian Institution).