On May 26, residents of the community of The Saltpeter in the municipality of Ixtlan in Michoacanreported the appearance of a supposed geyser in the groundlocated in the outdoor patio of a local home.
In the images released you can see the cracked earth, with alleged geothermal activity. According to Mayor César Enoc Tamayo, this “kettle well“had a diameter of approximately 4 meters and fanned water, mud and steam.
Due to the emissions of steam and hot water It was first thought to be a geyser. However, specialists point out that it could be a mud pit. The animals in the area were put under protection.
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Geyser surprises in Ixtlán, Michoacán; Geothermal activity appears in the courtyard of a home in El Salitre. Photo: Jaime Valencia
According to a specialist from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), this phenomenon is not a geyser, much less an active volcano, but rather it is the presence of hydrothermal activity in the area.
As explained by the doctor Ruth Esther Villanueva Estradaresearcher at the Michoacán Unit of the UNAM Institute of Geophysics, this event is related to the circulation of hot fluids in the underground.
The El Salitre community is located on a system known as the Ixtlán faulta geological structure which facilitates the circulation and ascent of hot fluids from deep subsurface areas to the surface.
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Hydrothermal activity was recently identified at El Salitre in Michoacán. Photo: UNAM Global / Canva
During the inspection, specialists identified the release of steam, hot water and gases as ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxidethrough subsoil fractures. Likewise, they found around 11 mud pools with a temperature close to 86°C.
Likewise, the specialist explained that the state of Michoacán is part of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Beltone of the most geologically active regions in Mexico. As explained by the institution, since 1906 there have been scientific records of hydrothermal manifestations in the area.
In addition to this, the specialist pointed out that it is necessary for the population to have contingency plans. Among the actions it suggests are:
- Monitor the terrain due to the possible appearance of cracks or bulging of the floor.
- Do not approach the holes either steamy areas.
- Avoid walking on floors cracked either wet that have high temperatures.
- Do not introduce objects in the wells.
- Keep away minors and pets.
- Notify the competent authorities of the municipality if you spot any activity.
*With information from Carlos Arrieta
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