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🪐intro to astronomy review

Parícutin

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Parícutin is a cinder cone volcano that erupted in 1943 in the Mexican state of Michoacán. It is a notable example of a young, actively forming volcano that provides insights into the processes that shape the Earth's crust.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Parícutin volcano formed in a cornfield in 1943 and grew to a height of 424 meters (1,391 feet) over the course of 9 years before becoming dormant.
  2. The eruption of Parícutin was observed and documented by scientists, providing valuable insights into the early stages of volcano formation.
  3. The eruption of Parícutin covered several villages with volcanic ash and lava, forcing the relocation of the local population.
  4. Parícutin is considered a monogenetic volcano, meaning it formed from a single eruptive episode and is not part of a larger volcanic complex.
  5. The eruption of Parícutin was a result of the upwelling of magma through a fissure in the Earth's crust, a process known as a fissure eruption.

Review Questions

  • Explain the significance of Parícutin as an example of a young, actively forming volcano.
    • Parícutin is an important example of a young, actively forming volcano because it provided scientists with a rare opportunity to observe and study the early stages of volcano formation in real-time. The eruption of Parícutin, which began in a cornfield in 1943 and grew to a significant size over the course of 9 years, offered valuable insights into the processes that shape the Earth's crust, such as the upwelling of magma through fissures and the explosive eruption of viscous lava to form a cinder cone volcano. The detailed documentation and study of Parícutin's formation have contributed to our understanding of how volcanoes develop and the impact they can have on the surrounding landscape and population.
  • Describe the impact of the Parícutin eruption on the local population and environment.
    • The eruption of Parícutin had a significant impact on the local population and environment. The volcano formed in a cornfield, and as it grew, it covered several nearby villages with volcanic ash and lava, forcing the relocation of the local population. The eruption also had a devastating effect on the surrounding landscape, burying agricultural land and altering the local ecosystem. The documentation of Parícutin's eruption and its impact on the local community provided valuable insights into the hazards and challenges associated with living near an actively forming volcano, and the importance of understanding and preparing for such events in order to mitigate their effects on human populations and the environment.
  • Analyze the relationship between the formation of Parícutin and the broader processes that shape the Earth's crust.
    • The formation of Parícutin is closely linked to the broader processes that shape the Earth's crust, particularly the upwelling of magma through fissures in the Earth's surface. Parícutin is considered a monogenetic volcano, meaning it formed from a single eruptive episode, rather than being part of a larger volcanic complex. This type of volcanic activity is often associated with the movement and accumulation of magma within the Earth's crust, which can lead to the sudden and explosive eruption of viscous lava to form a cinder cone volcano like Parícutin. By studying the formation and evolution of Parícutin, scientists have gained a deeper understanding of the tectonic and magmatic processes that contribute to the ongoing shaping and reshaping of the Earth's crust, including the creation of new landforms and the potential for volcanic hazards. This knowledge can inform our broader understanding of the dynamic nature of the Earth's surface and the forces that drive its continuous transformation.