Colima: volcanic lightning

In November 2015 I captured this volcano footage from Colima in Mexico. Colima was in a state of sporadic eruption from its main vent. The lava dome was blown out from explosions. So, instead of glowing avalances I observed volcanic lightning in the erupted ash clouds.

I traveled together with my colleagues from the Volcanological Society e.V. and meet with Hernando Alonso Rivera Cervantes who guided us. We rented a cabin, just 6 kilometers away from Colima’s summit.

More about Colima volcano

The Volcán de Colima is part of the Colima Volcanic Complex consisting of Volcán de Colima, Nevado de Colima and the eroded El Cantaro. It is the youngest of the three and is one of the most active volcanos in Mexico. It has erupted more than 40 times since 1576.

During last years he activity was dominated by growth of an lava dome. In spring 2015 this dome was blown out by a series of explosions. Since then, explosive ash eruptions occur several time each day. This activity lasted several months. Then the explosions decreased and it began to grow a small dom again.