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1
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NARRATOR:
In Mexico, millions of people
live in the shadow
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00:00:06,106 --> 00:00:08,742
of one of the Earth's
most dangerous forces,
3
00:00:08,742 --> 00:00:11,411
where volcanoes have
buried villages...
4
00:00:11,411 --> 00:00:14,815
TOM:
This is all that is left
of the village of San Juan.
5
00:00:14,815 --> 00:00:17,517
NARRATOR:
...and influenced
culture.
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00:00:17,517 --> 00:00:22,089
TOM:
This is the plant that's being
used to produce tequila.
7
00:00:22,089 --> 00:00:25,559
NARRATOR:
Where we get a bird's eye view
at danger...
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00:00:25,559 --> 00:00:29,329
TOM:
I don't know if I want it
to erupt right now or not.
9
00:00:29,329 --> 00:00:32,799
NARRATOR:
...and witness the raw power
of Volcano de Colima at night.
10
00:00:34,334 --> 00:00:40,073
TOM:
Looked like a fire fountain
probably 500 meters high.
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00:00:40,073 --> 00:00:45,078
♪♪♪
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♪♪♪
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♪♪♪
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♪♪♪
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♪♪♪
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♪♪♪
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♪♪♪
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♪♪♪
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♪♪♪
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00:01:23,350 --> 00:01:26,720
NARRATOR:
The Earth's continents
are moving.
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00:01:26,720 --> 00:01:28,722
Between North
and South America,
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00:01:28,722 --> 00:01:32,125
Mexico is being
torn apart, bent,
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00:01:32,125 --> 00:01:34,428
and thrust upwards
on a slow-motion tectonic
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roller coaster.
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00:01:38,265 --> 00:01:42,502
One of the by-products of
this movement is volcanism,
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00:01:42,502 --> 00:01:46,073
and Mexico has two of
North America's most active
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and dangerous volcanoes.
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Millions of people live
in their shadows.
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They largely rely on faith
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and Mexico's civil protection
to keep them safe
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00:01:57,551 --> 00:02:01,154
from the dangers posed by
these volatile giants.
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00:02:09,262 --> 00:02:15,268
NARRATOR:
This is Puebla, Mexico's
fourth largest city.
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00:02:15,268 --> 00:02:19,639
1.4 million people live
beside the country's biggest,
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00:02:19,639 --> 00:02:24,378
Popocatepetl, which translates
into "smoky mountain."
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00:02:24,378 --> 00:02:29,349
It's an active volcano,
with an extremely violent past.
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NARRATOR:
Volcanoes like Popo
are of major interest
37
00:02:33,587 --> 00:02:35,756
to volcanologists like
Dr. Tom Pfeiffer.
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00:02:37,124 --> 00:02:40,761
TOM:
Popocatepetl is a
massive stratovolcano.
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00:02:40,761 --> 00:02:44,297
In fact, it is not only
one of the largest
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00:02:44,297 --> 00:02:47,768
and most active volcanoes
in volume and by activity,
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00:02:47,768 --> 00:02:51,304
but it also is the second
highest active volcano
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00:02:51,304 --> 00:02:54,107
in the whole of North America.
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NARRATOR:
Popocatepetl is a highly
explosive volcano.
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00:02:59,212 --> 00:03:01,214
It has had 15 major eruptions
45
00:03:01,214 --> 00:03:05,185
since the arrival of the Spanish
in the 16th century...
46
00:03:05,185 --> 00:03:09,656
and five cataclysmic eruptions
in the last 10,000 years.
47
00:03:09,656 --> 00:03:14,461
Eruptions so massive that
the volcano blew itself apart.
48
00:03:16,396 --> 00:03:20,333
NARRATOR:
For sixty years, Popocatepetl
remained relatively quiet,
49
00:03:20,333 --> 00:03:25,138
but re-awoke violently
in December of 1994.
50
00:03:26,339 --> 00:03:29,376
TOM:
The first eruptions
were quite powerful
51
00:03:29,376 --> 00:03:34,247
and sent bombs to three, four
kilometers' distance.
52
00:03:34,247 --> 00:03:37,417
[Distant explosion]
53
00:03:44,257 --> 00:03:48,628
TOM:
We just saw one of these
explosions that occur
54
00:03:48,628 --> 00:03:53,300
maybe on average 10 times
a day at the moment.
55
00:03:53,300 --> 00:03:57,070
You see an ash plume that
has risen to approximately
56
00:03:57,070 --> 00:03:59,773
I'd guess one kilometer
above the crater.
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00:03:59,773 --> 00:04:02,409
So nothing really that small.
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00:04:02,409 --> 00:04:06,213
If you had been very close
it would be quite impressive.
59
00:04:06,213 --> 00:04:10,050
NARRATOR:
Since 2013 it has been
erupting consistently,
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00:04:10,050 --> 00:04:12,752
and lately activity
has been on the rise
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00:04:12,752 --> 00:04:15,122
raising new fears
that a major eruption
62
00:04:15,122 --> 00:04:17,724
might be on the horizon.
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00:04:17,724 --> 00:04:21,328
TOM:
This volcano has clearly
the potential to threaten
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00:04:21,328 --> 00:04:24,464
the area where we are,
but also beyond.
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00:04:24,464 --> 00:04:27,100
Parts of Mexico City
are built on deposits
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00:04:27,100 --> 00:04:30,036
from Popocatepetl,
showing that in the past
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00:04:30,036 --> 00:04:32,172
eruptions have been able
to affect that area.
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00:04:32,172 --> 00:04:35,609
So it is a volcano that is
on the top priority list
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00:04:35,609 --> 00:04:38,478
of potential natural disasters
to monitor.
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00:04:41,214 --> 00:04:43,717
NARRATOR:
Puebla was founded nearly
500 years ago
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00:04:43,717 --> 00:04:46,219
by Spanish colonialists.
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They had no way of knowing
the extreme danger
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00:04:48,488 --> 00:04:50,423
the volcano posed...
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00:04:50,423 --> 00:04:52,392
that buried beneath
their feet
75
00:04:52,392 --> 00:04:56,363
lay the remnants of the ancient
centre of Cholula,
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00:04:56,363 --> 00:04:58,331
a historic city
that was wiped out
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00:04:58,331 --> 00:05:02,002
by an eruption
of Popocatepetl.
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00:05:03,503 --> 00:05:06,439
NARRATOR:
The event was rated
as a Plinian eruption
79
00:05:06,439 --> 00:05:10,477
similar to the colossal
event that buried Pompeii.
80
00:05:10,477 --> 00:05:13,113
Plinian Eruptions generate
massive ash clouds
81
00:05:13,113 --> 00:05:16,149
and pyroclastic flows:
82
00:05:16,149 --> 00:05:18,185
hot avalanches
of debris and ash
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that destroy everything
in their path.
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00:05:25,492 --> 00:05:27,761
NARRATOR:
When the Spanish colonials
started to build
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00:05:27,761 --> 00:05:30,096
the Our Lady of
the Virgin Sanctuary
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00:05:30,096 --> 00:05:33,500
they did not realize that the
hill they chose to build on
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00:05:33,500 --> 00:05:37,204
was the ruins of Mexico's
largest pre-Hispanic pyramid
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buried beneath
ash and debris.
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TOM:
I think here's a very
interesting spot
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because we see the actual
deposit of the ash flow
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00:05:56,256 --> 00:05:59,125
that invaded the city.
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00:05:59,125 --> 00:06:02,462
You see it's full of pottery
fragments and debris
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00:06:02,462 --> 00:06:04,331
from building material.
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00:06:04,331 --> 00:06:08,134
This came racing down
and destroyed anything
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00:06:08,134 --> 00:06:10,503
that was rising higher
than a certain level.
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00:06:10,503 --> 00:06:15,508
♪♪♪
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00:06:15,508 --> 00:06:20,513
♪♪♪
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♪♪♪
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NARRATOR:
Because of the significance
of the 16th century church,
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00:06:26,186 --> 00:06:29,589
only part of the pyramid
has been excavated.
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00:06:31,091 --> 00:06:33,660
NARRATOR:
To access the structure,
archaeologists cut tunnels
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00:06:33,660 --> 00:06:37,364
into the volcanic debris.
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00:06:43,169 --> 00:06:46,072
NARRATOR:
This archaeological site
is one of several around Popo
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that were buried
in this eruption.
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In places the debris
is two stories deep.
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TOM:
I get this
claustrophobic feeling
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00:07:00,720 --> 00:07:05,058
with these little alleys
going here and there.
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00:07:05,058 --> 00:07:07,027
I think I have the sense
of orientation.
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00:07:07,027 --> 00:07:09,429
We came from there,
so we get back onto
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00:07:09,429 --> 00:07:13,500
the main tunnel
over there, yeah.
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00:07:13,500 --> 00:07:16,636
An interesting,
eerie feeling.
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00:07:16,636 --> 00:07:19,606
NARRATOR:
Most of the tunnels
are bricked up for support.
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00:07:19,606 --> 00:07:22,575
What Tom is looking for
is evidence that the pyramid
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00:07:22,575 --> 00:07:27,047
was buried by ash fall
or a pyroclastic flow.
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TOM:
Look, this is part of
the old structure.
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00:07:30,016 --> 00:07:31,051
It's clearly built.
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00:07:31,051 --> 00:07:35,388
And this is the loose deposit,
the ignimbrite.
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00:07:35,388 --> 00:07:38,358
NARRATOR:
Ignimbrite is formed
from compacted hot ash
119
00:07:38,358 --> 00:07:40,226
and material that has flowed
off the volcano
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00:07:40,226 --> 00:07:43,063
during an eruption.
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TOM:
You can see the marks where
the deposit was removed.
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NARRATOR:
The remnants of these
ancient cities
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00:07:50,437 --> 00:07:52,505
are a potent reminder
of what could be
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00:07:52,505 --> 00:07:55,709
if Popo erupts again.
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00:07:55,709 --> 00:07:57,677
The worst-case scenario
would be the collapse
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00:07:57,677 --> 00:08:01,448
of the cone during
a major eruption.
127
00:08:01,448 --> 00:08:04,984
But this is not the
only hazard they pose.
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00:08:04,984 --> 00:08:07,554
A volcano's hydrothermal
system effect
129
00:08:07,554 --> 00:08:10,256
runs deep underground
and often extends
130
00:08:10,256 --> 00:08:13,360
beyond the volcano's
structure.
131
00:08:13,360 --> 00:08:16,229
Popo's underground
system is so massive
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00:08:16,229 --> 00:08:19,332
that parts of Mexico City
have been built on it.
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00:08:19,332 --> 00:08:21,768
This means that there can be
far-reaching effects
134
00:08:21,768 --> 00:08:24,437
beyond the normal
eruption behavior.
135
00:08:26,573 --> 00:08:28,675
NARRATOR:
Buried within the
crowded city,
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00:08:28,675 --> 00:08:31,478
a geological feature
said to be a volcano
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00:08:31,478 --> 00:08:35,582
has fascinated people
for a thousand years.
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00:08:35,582 --> 00:08:40,787
TOM:
If it was a volcano
you would expect lava,
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00:08:40,787 --> 00:08:42,655
but this is definitely
not lava.
140
00:08:42,655 --> 00:08:45,625
So, if you look at
this dented surface
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00:08:45,625 --> 00:08:48,161
that's almost exactly
what you would find
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00:08:48,161 --> 00:08:50,730
in limestone areas
where caustic processes
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00:08:50,730 --> 00:08:53,767
chemically erode
the limestone.
144
00:08:53,767 --> 00:08:56,703
Basically it's the same stuff
you find in the tubes
145
00:08:56,703 --> 00:08:59,205
of your washing machine
when you have
146
00:08:59,205 --> 00:09:03,543
hard mineral-rich water;
it's deposits from water.
147
00:09:03,543 --> 00:09:05,678
NARRATOR:
The cone does have a crater
on the top
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00:09:05,678 --> 00:09:08,548
that descends below
ground level.
149
00:09:08,548 --> 00:09:10,650
It may not be
from a volcano,
150
00:09:10,650 --> 00:09:15,288
but it is likely
the by-product of one.
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00:09:15,288 --> 00:09:18,091
As magma rises,
it comes into contact
152
00:09:18,091 --> 00:09:21,094
with the area's
hydrological system.
153
00:09:21,094 --> 00:09:23,463
Underground water is
converted to steam
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00:09:23,463 --> 00:09:26,999
and it can erupt
as a geyser.
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TOM:
It's said that it appeared
in 1063 AD
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00:09:32,038 --> 00:09:34,741
during an eruption
of Popocatepetl.
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So from far maybe
you would see steam,
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00:09:36,576 --> 00:09:38,378
hot steam coming out
from there
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that people would associate
with volcanic activity.
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00:09:46,419 --> 00:09:49,789
TOM:
Here you see it very nicely,
how this cone is built up
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00:09:49,789 --> 00:09:53,726
by individual layers,
some very thin like here,
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00:09:53,726 --> 00:09:56,729
and you see those typical
cinder structures:
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00:09:56,729 --> 00:10:00,467
deposits left from water
that was rich
164
00:10:00,467 --> 00:10:02,769
in mainly carbonites.
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00:10:02,769 --> 00:10:05,638
So since its formation
the hydrothermal system
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00:10:05,638 --> 00:10:08,308
that once fed it
has apparently changed again.
167
00:10:08,308 --> 00:10:11,344
But remember,
it's a thousand years ago.
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00:10:11,344 --> 00:10:14,080
It's rare you can
go inside.
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♪♪♪
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♪♪♪
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NARRATOR:
The probability of
a geyser or a volcano
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00:10:28,761 --> 00:10:31,564
opening in downtown Cholula
or Mexico City
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00:10:31,564 --> 00:10:33,500
is not very high.
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00:10:33,500 --> 00:10:36,803
But it is possible.
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00:10:36,803 --> 00:10:40,173
It happened eight hours away
in Michocan State.
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In 1943, a fissure opened up
in a Mexican corn field
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near the town of San Juan.
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TOM:
A farmer was there
planting his field
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00:10:49,382 --> 00:10:52,819
and he witnessed the moment
the volcano was born.
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00:10:52,819 --> 00:10:55,321
Fissures opened,
lava came out,
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and he probably probably
witnessed rocks
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being blown out and
eventually saw fire underneath.
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00:11:01,327 --> 00:11:05,465
That must have been
an amazing event.
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00:11:05,465 --> 00:11:08,034
NARRATOR:
The volcano is
called Paricutin
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00:11:08,034 --> 00:11:09,502
and it erupted
for nine years
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00:11:09,502 --> 00:11:12,038
before it went extinct.
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The event was a field day
for scientists.
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It was the first time that a
volcano had been witnessed
189
00:11:17,577 --> 00:11:21,381
from its birth to its death.
190
00:11:21,381 --> 00:11:23,182
CNN listed it as one of
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00:11:23,182 --> 00:11:26,352
the Seven Natural Wonders
of the World.
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00:11:28,688 --> 00:11:31,324
NARRATOR:
Paricutin's lava flow
was slow enough
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00:11:31,324 --> 00:11:34,227
that most of the people in
the area were able to move away
194
00:11:34,227 --> 00:11:37,764
before the lava and ash
destroyed their homes.
195
00:11:37,764 --> 00:11:40,266
With the exception of the
stone church,
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00:11:40,266 --> 00:11:44,337
Paricutin completely destroyed
the town of San Juan.
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00:11:44,337 --> 00:11:47,073
NARRATOR:
Today marks the
72nd anniversary
198
00:11:47,073 --> 00:11:49,242
of the start of
the eruption.
199
00:11:49,242 --> 00:11:52,245
As they do every year,
the locals mark that day
200
00:11:52,245 --> 00:11:54,714
with celebrations.
201
00:11:54,714 --> 00:11:56,616
And the ruins of
San Juan's church
202
00:11:56,616 --> 00:12:00,720
play a major part in that.
203
00:12:00,720 --> 00:12:03,489
To get to the church you can
either walk for two hours
204
00:12:03,489 --> 00:12:06,459
or go by horseback.
205
00:12:06,726 --> 00:12:08,728
TOM:
For me it's an adventure.
206
00:12:08,728 --> 00:12:11,764
I'm not very familiar
with horses.
207
00:12:11,764 --> 00:12:13,466
Are you going to be okay?
208
00:12:13,466 --> 00:12:17,670
You're not going to throw me
into the lava?
209
00:12:17,670 --> 00:12:20,773
Go, go...
Go, yes.
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00:12:20,773 --> 00:12:25,778
♪♪♪
211
00:12:25,778 --> 00:12:30,783
♪♪♪
212
00:12:30,783 --> 00:12:35,788
♪♪♪
213
00:12:35,788 --> 00:12:40,793
♪♪♪
214
00:12:40,793 --> 00:12:45,798
♪♪♪
215
00:12:45,798 --> 00:12:50,803
♪♪♪
216
00:12:50,803 --> 00:12:53,606
♪♪♪
217
00:12:53,606 --> 00:12:57,777
TOM:
This is all what is left
of the village of San Juan.
218
00:12:57,777 --> 00:13:00,213
The front part of the
main church, with one tower,
219
00:13:00,213 --> 00:13:01,514
is still standing.
220
00:13:01,514 --> 00:13:04,050
Locally this is regarded
as a miracle,
221
00:13:04,050 --> 00:13:06,052
that the lava flows
consumed everything
222
00:13:06,052 --> 00:13:08,554
but spared at least
part of the church.
223
00:13:08,554 --> 00:13:11,724
NARRATOR:
Divine intervention might have
played a part in it,
224
00:13:11,724 --> 00:13:14,093
but it's likely that
the church's survival
225
00:13:14,093 --> 00:13:17,664
had a lot to do with
its solid construction.
226
00:13:17,664 --> 00:13:19,298
The four spires were built
227
00:13:19,298 --> 00:13:21,534
from heavily
reinforced concrete.
228
00:13:21,534 --> 00:13:23,336
It appears that
was solid enough
229
00:13:23,336 --> 00:13:26,339
to provide enough resistance
to divert the lava flow.
230
00:13:28,141 --> 00:13:30,443
NARRATOR:
Although the spires were able
to channel the lava
231
00:13:30,443 --> 00:13:32,278
around much of the church,
232
00:13:32,278 --> 00:13:34,547
lateral pressure became
too great,
233
00:13:34,547 --> 00:13:37,183
causing the building
to collapse.
234
00:13:37,183 --> 00:13:41,087
It was later covered
in a second flow.
235
00:13:41,087 --> 00:13:46,492
TOM:
I'm standing just above
the height of the ceiling
236
00:13:46,492 --> 00:13:50,329
of the main ship
on the first floor,
237
00:13:50,329 --> 00:13:54,333
so I can't actually see the
ground but it's almost there.
238
00:13:54,333 --> 00:13:57,170
It must be seven,
eight meters.
239
00:13:57,170 --> 00:14:01,708
So this gives you an idea of
the thickness of the flow.
240
00:14:04,310 --> 00:14:07,580
NARRATOR:
The original church altar
is still intact.
241
00:14:07,580 --> 00:14:10,183
People from all over the region
come here to thank God
242
00:14:10,183 --> 00:14:13,319
for sparing the people
of San Juan.
243
00:14:15,588 --> 00:14:18,624
NARRATOR:
When you look at the way the
altar resisted the lava flows
244
00:14:18,624 --> 00:14:21,728
and destroyed much of the
church and surrounding city,
245
00:14:21,728 --> 00:14:24,197
it is understandable
why people consider this
246
00:14:24,197 --> 00:14:26,733
to be a miracle.
247
00:14:26,733 --> 00:14:31,671
[Speaking Spanish]
248
00:14:39,612 --> 00:14:42,181
NARRATOR:
The eruption of
Paricutin was so recent
249
00:14:42,181 --> 00:14:43,616
that there are still people
in the area
250
00:14:43,616 --> 00:14:46,252
that remember the event.
251
00:14:48,154 --> 00:14:54,627
[Speaking Spanish]
252
00:14:54,627 --> 00:14:56,729
TOM:
At the time of eruption
he was 13 years old,
253
00:14:56,729 --> 00:14:58,698
lived in a village up there.
254
00:14:58,698 --> 00:15:02,769
People were quite afraid
at that time.
255
00:15:02,769 --> 00:15:06,372
But they had sufficient time
to evacuate their belongings,
256
00:15:06,372 --> 00:15:09,776
their goods;
nobody was killed.
257
00:15:09,776 --> 00:15:12,545
He said it was constantly
raining ash on the villages
258
00:15:12,545 --> 00:15:17,283
in the area and
many houses collapsed
259
00:15:17,283 --> 00:15:21,454
because of the weight
of the ash on the roofs.
260
00:15:22,388 --> 00:15:25,558
NARRATOR:
Paricutin is what's known
as a mono-genetic volcano
261
00:15:25,558 --> 00:15:27,593
or a cinder cone
that only erupts
262
00:15:27,593 --> 00:15:30,596
once in its life
and then dies.
263
00:15:32,165 --> 00:15:35,168
TOM:
But if you look at
the landscape here,
264
00:15:35,168 --> 00:15:39,505
it is actually the typical
kind of activity
265
00:15:39,505 --> 00:15:43,743
in this part of the
Trans-Mexican Volcanic Zone.
266
00:15:43,743 --> 00:15:48,047
Each cone we see here
is basically the result
267
00:15:48,047 --> 00:15:49,715
of a similar eruption
than the one
268
00:15:49,715 --> 00:15:52,685
that occurred 72 years ago.
269
00:15:53,786 --> 00:15:56,589
NARRATOR:
When activity returns,
it chooses a new conduit
270
00:15:56,589 --> 00:16:00,393
to erupt from,
creating a new cinder cone
271
00:16:00,393 --> 00:16:02,728
and that can be anywhere
within the vast area
272
00:16:02,728 --> 00:16:06,566
known as a volcanic field.
273
00:16:06,566 --> 00:16:09,035
Usually a mono-genetic
field has between
274
00:16:09,035 --> 00:16:11,671
10 and 100 volcanoes.
275
00:16:11,671 --> 00:16:15,308
But here in Mexico
it's unusually large.
276
00:16:15,308 --> 00:16:17,476
There are more than a
thousand small cinder cones
277
00:16:17,476 --> 00:16:19,779
within the field.
278
00:16:19,779 --> 00:16:24,217
Science still doesn't know
why magma erupts like this.
279
00:16:24,217 --> 00:16:27,053
The working theory is that
the ground is soft
280
00:16:27,053 --> 00:16:29,522
and there is an unusually high
number of underground faults
281
00:16:29,522 --> 00:16:32,458
or fractures so that the magma
has easy routes
282
00:16:32,458 --> 00:16:36,195
to the surface.
283
00:16:36,195 --> 00:16:39,298
TOM:
Paricutin over nine years
erupted an estimated total
284
00:16:39,298 --> 00:16:41,734
of 1.5 cubic kilometers,
285
00:16:41,734 --> 00:16:46,272
which is quite a sizable
eruption, actually.
286
00:16:46,272 --> 00:16:48,541
NARRATOR:
After spending time
looking at the way lava flows
287
00:16:48,541 --> 00:16:51,344
reformed the area,
Tom continues on
288
00:16:51,344 --> 00:16:54,247
to explore
Paricuti-n's crater.
289
00:17:02,355 --> 00:17:05,258
NARRATOR:
It's a short trip,
just about half an hour,
290
00:17:05,258 --> 00:17:11,063
but it's a steep
and arduous climb.
291
00:17:11,063 --> 00:17:16,068
♪♪♪
292
00:17:16,068 --> 00:17:21,140
♪♪♪
293
00:17:21,140 --> 00:17:23,442
TOM:
So this is it,
where during nine years
294
00:17:23,442 --> 00:17:27,280
all this ash that we see
covering the slopes,
295
00:17:27,280 --> 00:17:30,516
the entire landscape around
the lava field, essentially.
296
00:17:31,717 --> 00:17:33,653
NARRATOR:
By the end of the
first day,
297
00:17:33,653 --> 00:17:36,689
the cone was already
five stories high.
298
00:17:36,689 --> 00:17:40,993
The eruption intensified
as time went on.
299
00:17:44,530 --> 00:17:49,335
TOM:
There's still a lot of heat
stored in the lower layers.
300
00:17:49,335 --> 00:17:52,571
When rainwater gets into contact
with the still-hot rocks
301
00:17:52,571 --> 00:17:55,408
it is transformed into steam
and comes out here
302
00:17:55,408 --> 00:17:58,244
along small fissures.
303
00:18:01,380 --> 00:18:02,715
TOM:
In terms of the lifespan
of a volcano,
304
00:18:02,715 --> 00:18:04,684
this one had
a very short one.
305
00:18:04,684 --> 00:18:08,220
Typically volcanoes live for
hundreds of thousands of years
306
00:18:08,220 --> 00:18:11,023
and this one
just nine years.
307
00:18:11,657 --> 00:18:14,560
NARRATOR:
If this volcanic field
ever comes active again
308
00:18:14,560 --> 00:18:18,464
it is likely that scientists
will know ahead of time.
309
00:18:18,464 --> 00:18:21,167
As magma rises from deep
within the earth,
310
00:18:21,167 --> 00:18:23,402
it will generate earthquakes
as it fractures rock
311
00:18:23,402 --> 00:18:25,738
on its way to the surface.
312
00:18:25,738 --> 00:18:29,342
TOM:
Modern seismic networks
should be able to locate
313
00:18:29,342 --> 00:18:31,277
progressively shallower
earthquakes,
314
00:18:31,277 --> 00:18:34,413
which is the clear signature
of magma
315
00:18:34,413 --> 00:18:37,483
intruding from the pressure
towards the surface.
316
00:18:37,483 --> 00:18:39,485
NARRATOR:
By tracking the depth
as it progresses upwards,
317
00:18:39,485 --> 00:18:41,687
scientists will not
only get an indication
318
00:18:41,687 --> 00:18:46,325
of when an eruption will occur,
but also where.
319
00:18:46,325 --> 00:18:49,195
TOM:
The least thing you want
is a cone like this forming
320
00:18:49,195 --> 00:18:53,699
under a village
and being not prepared.
321
00:19:02,174 --> 00:19:05,011
NARRATOR:
When people hear
about volcanoes erupting,
322
00:19:05,011 --> 00:19:09,081
the general image is of lava
flows rushing towards a city,
323
00:19:09,081 --> 00:19:12,251
or burying being buried
by ash and pyroclasitc flows.
324
00:19:17,723 --> 00:19:19,992
NARRATOR:
But most of the time,
the real damage
325
00:19:19,992 --> 00:19:24,263
from volcanic eruptions
is from the ash.
326
00:19:24,263 --> 00:19:27,066
Ash from nearby volcanoes
can collapse roofs,
327
00:19:27,066 --> 00:19:29,535
or even bury towns.
328
00:19:29,535 --> 00:19:33,439
But over time that ash
becomes a benefit.
329
00:19:33,439 --> 00:19:36,509
Rising out of
the Tequila Valley
330
00:19:36,509 --> 00:19:39,145
is the volcano
that bears its name.
331
00:19:39,145 --> 00:19:41,414
NARRATOR:
Volcanic ash is
nutrient-rich,
332
00:19:41,414 --> 00:19:44,417
which makes it ideal
for agriculture.
333
00:19:44,417 --> 00:19:46,786
Around the world
volcanic ash is prized
334
00:19:46,786 --> 00:19:50,322
for the flavor it gives
to its crops.
335
00:19:50,322 --> 00:19:53,526
Tom heads to central Mexico
where an extinct volcano
336
00:19:53,526 --> 00:19:57,063
is at the heart of one of
Mexico's most iconic products:
337
00:19:57,063 --> 00:20:00,132
tequila.
338
00:20:08,074 --> 00:20:12,278
NARRATOR:
Rising over the valley
is the Tequila volcano.
339
00:20:12,278 --> 00:20:15,181
Ash from an eruption
200,000 years ago
340
00:20:15,181 --> 00:20:18,084
created the fertile valley
which today is lined
341
00:20:18,084 --> 00:20:20,753
with rows of
a native spiky plant.
342
00:20:22,788 --> 00:20:26,625
TOM:
This is the plant that's been
used to produce tequila.
343
00:20:26,625 --> 00:20:30,329
It's a special variety
of the agave family,
344
00:20:30,329 --> 00:20:33,666
the so-called blue agave
because of its color.
345
00:20:33,666 --> 00:20:37,369
You have to be really careful
with these
346
00:20:37,369 --> 00:20:40,673
extremely sharp points
of the leaves.
347
00:20:40,673 --> 00:20:43,476
You can easily...
348
00:20:43,476 --> 00:20:44,710
They will just punch through
your skin.
349
00:20:44,710 --> 00:20:47,780
I have a little cut here.
350
00:20:47,780 --> 00:20:51,383
NARRATOR:
Tom is at the tequila producers
of Tres Tonos,
351
00:20:51,383 --> 00:20:54,086
or "The Three Tonys,"
a medium-size producer
352
00:20:54,086 --> 00:20:56,856
in the Tequila region.
353
00:20:56,856 --> 00:20:59,792
These plants are blue agave
and are a succulent,
354
00:20:59,792 --> 00:21:02,027
not a cactus.
355
00:21:02,027 --> 00:21:03,629
The difference is that
the moisture is stored
356
00:21:03,629 --> 00:21:08,234
in the leaves,
and not in the stems or trunks.
357
00:21:08,234 --> 00:21:11,036
The blue agave plant prefers
the high altitudes
358
00:21:11,036 --> 00:21:14,073
found in this region
of Mexico.
359
00:21:14,073 --> 00:21:16,408
They can grow to the height,
and equal the weight
360
00:21:16,408 --> 00:21:18,677
of an adult human.
361
00:21:20,646 --> 00:21:23,082
NARRATOR:
The method of growing and
harvesting has remained
362
00:21:23,082 --> 00:21:25,784
unchanged for centuries.
363
00:21:25,784 --> 00:21:29,622
The plants are cared for
and harvested by Jimador's.
364
00:21:29,622 --> 00:21:31,557
These men have passed down
their knowledge
365
00:21:31,557 --> 00:21:34,160
about the blue agave
from father to son
366
00:21:34,160 --> 00:21:37,096
for generations.
367
00:21:37,096 --> 00:21:40,499
TOM:
What we are looking at
is actually a tradition
368
00:21:40,499 --> 00:21:44,303
that has been around
for almost 500 years.
369
00:21:44,303 --> 00:21:49,608
Since 1542 was the first
recorded production of tequila,
370
00:21:49,608 --> 00:21:51,844
and since tequila
has become so famous
371
00:21:51,844 --> 00:21:55,814
it has also become
a symbol of Mexico.
372
00:21:55,814 --> 00:21:59,218
It requires a lot of
skill and strength
373
00:21:59,218 --> 00:22:03,189
and it's usually taught
from father to son.
374
00:22:06,025 --> 00:22:08,427
NARRATOR:
The agave takes between
seven and nine years
375
00:22:08,427 --> 00:22:10,763
to mature before
they are harvested.
376
00:22:10,763 --> 00:22:14,233
[Inaudible chatter]
377
00:22:22,641 --> 00:22:26,545
TOM:
Oh, this is very strong.
378
00:22:28,380 --> 00:22:30,549
So if they can do
300 a day,
379
00:22:30,549 --> 00:22:35,387
I probably can do five
at this speed.
380
00:22:44,763 --> 00:22:47,466
TOM:
I thought I was
getting close
381
00:22:47,466 --> 00:22:51,270
but actually this seems
to be the toughest part.
382
00:22:51,270 --> 00:22:55,774
No, this is not for me...
383
00:22:57,509 --> 00:22:59,245
Por favor.
384
00:23:00,512 --> 00:23:03,415
TOM:
It looks effortless almost.
385
00:23:03,415 --> 00:23:05,317
As he does it, yeah,
he just flips it over.
386
00:23:21,533 --> 00:23:23,636
NARRATOR:
The agave hearts are taken
to the plant
387
00:23:23,636 --> 00:23:26,105
where they are cooked in
autoclaves and then crushed
388
00:23:26,105 --> 00:23:28,240
to extract the juices.
389
00:23:28,240 --> 00:23:31,210
The juice is then fermented.
390
00:23:32,611 --> 00:23:36,782
TOM:
Inside here is the juice,
and it's fermenting.
391
00:23:36,782 --> 00:23:40,252
It's so powerful to see,
it reminds of a hot spring
392
00:23:40,252 --> 00:23:42,288
at a volcano, actually.
393
00:23:42,288 --> 00:23:44,456
NARRATOR:
After the fermenting stage,
the liquid is tested
394
00:23:44,456 --> 00:23:46,592
for its alcohol content.
395
00:23:46,592 --> 00:23:49,328
This process takes 72 hours.
396
00:23:49,328 --> 00:23:53,432
TOM:
He's measuring the
density of the liquid,
397
00:23:53,432 --> 00:23:57,136
which is directly proportionate
to the content of alcohol.
398
00:23:57,136 --> 00:24:00,639
Because alcohol is light,
as fermentation goes on
399
00:24:00,639 --> 00:24:04,343
more alcohol is being produced
and the liquid becomes lighter.
400
00:24:04,343 --> 00:24:07,146
So during the 72 hours,
401
00:24:07,146 --> 00:24:12,017
this floating meter
will slowly sink
402
00:24:12,017 --> 00:24:16,755
as the density
of the liquid goes down.
403
00:24:16,755 --> 00:24:20,125
So at the time
it will be here,
404
00:24:20,125 --> 00:24:25,564
that means he knows that
it contains 55% alcohol
405
00:24:25,564 --> 00:24:27,366
and is ready
to be distilled.
406
00:24:29,802 --> 00:24:33,372
NARRATOR:
Mexico has the Origin
of Denomination for tequila,
407
00:24:33,372 --> 00:24:36,041
which means to be classified
as authentic
408
00:24:36,041 --> 00:24:40,312
it must be produced in one of
the certified growing locations
409
00:24:40,312 --> 00:24:43,482
and must meet a certain
standard of quality.
410
00:24:55,427 --> 00:24:59,998
TOM:
So of course the very final step
is actually to drink it.
411
00:25:02,067 --> 00:25:03,535
BOTH:
Salud.
412
00:25:07,272 --> 00:25:09,375
TOM:
Mmm,
I like that one.
413
00:25:09,375 --> 00:25:13,779
It's a bit smoother and it
has a slight woody taste.
414
00:25:13,779 --> 00:25:17,216
We are at the foot of
Tequila Volcano,
415
00:25:17,216 --> 00:25:19,284
an extinct stratovolcano,
416
00:25:19,284 --> 00:25:21,153
which has fertilized
with its lava flows
417
00:25:21,153 --> 00:25:24,056
and ash deposits
this valley,
418
00:25:24,056 --> 00:25:29,128
making the perfect ground
for the production of tequila.
419
00:25:29,128 --> 00:25:31,263
And now we are here and
enjoying one of these bottles,
420
00:25:31,263 --> 00:25:33,432
well part of it.
421
00:25:33,432 --> 00:25:35,033
Salud.
422
00:25:38,470 --> 00:25:41,473
TOM:
Mmm.
423
00:25:41,473 --> 00:25:43,475
That's very smooth,
this one.
424
00:25:45,511 --> 00:25:48,247
NARRATOR:
While the Tequila region
remains quiet,
425
00:25:48,247 --> 00:25:52,618
Mexico's other active volcano
is anything but.
426
00:25:52,618 --> 00:25:56,188
Volcano de Colima,
or "the Colima volcano"
427
00:25:56,188 --> 00:25:59,191
has been increasing
in activity.
428
00:25:59,191 --> 00:26:01,160
In the three weeks
before Tom's arrival
429
00:26:01,160 --> 00:26:04,062
Colima has had some
powerful eruptions,
430
00:26:04,062 --> 00:26:08,333
raising serious concerns.
431
00:26:08,333 --> 00:26:12,037
Like Popocateptl, it too
has a large population
432
00:26:12,037 --> 00:26:15,374
around its base.
433
00:26:15,374 --> 00:26:20,279
Nearly a half million people
live within its danger zone.
434
00:26:20,279 --> 00:26:23,081
Given its eruptive history,
there is some belief
435
00:26:23,081 --> 00:26:25,417
that the volcano is on
an 100-year cycle
436
00:26:25,417 --> 00:26:30,622
that will culminate
in a colossal eruption.
437
00:26:33,058 --> 00:26:36,428
NARRATOR:
The last colossal eruption
was 1913.
438
00:26:36,428 --> 00:26:38,797
It destroyed most of
the volcano,
439
00:26:38,797 --> 00:26:42,034
and caused widespread damage
in the city of Colima,
440
00:26:42,034 --> 00:26:44,069
killing eight people.
441
00:26:44,069 --> 00:26:46,805
Today the area is vastly
more populated,
442
00:26:46,805 --> 00:26:50,008
making the threat greater.
443
00:26:54,680 --> 00:27:00,018
TOM:
[Speaking Spanish]
444
00:27:00,018 --> 00:27:02,287
NARRATOR:
Two people that live
with that danger
445
00:27:02,287 --> 00:27:05,591
are photographer Hernando Rivera
and Ulises Chavez,
446
00:27:05,591 --> 00:27:07,626
the owner of the cabin.
447
00:27:07,626 --> 00:27:12,598
TOM:
[Speaking Spanish]
448
00:27:12,598 --> 00:27:17,002
[Speaking Spanish]
449
00:27:17,002 --> 00:27:19,238
TOM:
How's the volcano been
in the past days?
450
00:27:19,238 --> 00:27:21,707
NARRATOR:
Active is good for Tom.
451
00:27:21,707 --> 00:27:24,142
He's here to photograph Colima
for a book
452
00:27:24,142 --> 00:27:27,479
he is putting together
on active volcanoes.
453
00:27:27,479 --> 00:27:30,349
TOM:
We are maybe--
I looked on the map--
454
00:27:30,349 --> 00:27:33,151
It should be six, seven
kilometers from the distance
455
00:27:33,151 --> 00:27:36,255
in a straight line,
to the summit.
456
00:27:36,255 --> 00:27:38,123
So in case of a major
explosion,
457
00:27:38,123 --> 00:27:41,760
like last time in 1913,
458
00:27:41,760 --> 00:27:43,362
we would not be
safe here.
459
00:27:43,362 --> 00:27:46,131
This area was hit by
pyroclastic flows.
460
00:27:46,131 --> 00:27:50,802
NARRATOR:
A large eruption in
the next five days is unlikely.
461
00:27:50,802 --> 00:27:53,205
Although the volcano is
going through a phase
462
00:27:53,205 --> 00:27:55,641
of high activity,
the frequent eruptions
463
00:27:55,641 --> 00:27:59,111
indicate to Tom that pressure
is not able to build up
464
00:27:59,111 --> 00:28:02,714
inside the volcano.
465
00:28:02,714 --> 00:28:05,384
And he is well outside
the exclusion zone
466
00:28:05,384 --> 00:28:08,353
imposed by Civil Protection.
467
00:28:08,353 --> 00:28:11,623
If the intensity increases,
or if abnormal activity
468
00:28:11,623 --> 00:28:14,293
is detected, Colima's
Civil Protection
469
00:28:14,293 --> 00:28:18,297
will increase that zone
for everyone's safety.
470
00:28:18,297 --> 00:28:21,233
TOM:
Have you been here before
to see the eruptions?
471
00:28:21,233 --> 00:28:25,237
HERNANDO:
Yes, mostly on weekends...
472
00:28:25,237 --> 00:28:30,542
I came here and just..
enjoy the show.
473
00:28:30,542 --> 00:28:32,711
TOM:
This doesn't get more
comfortable.
474
00:28:34,046 --> 00:28:39,151
[Distant explosion]
475
00:28:42,321 --> 00:28:44,423
NARRATOR:
Tom spends a lot
of time visiting
476
00:28:44,423 --> 00:28:47,025
and photographing
active volcanoes.
477
00:28:47,025 --> 00:28:50,095
He finds Colima
irresistible.
478
00:28:50,095 --> 00:28:54,232
The volcano undergoes
frequent moderate eruptions.
479
00:29:00,138 --> 00:29:04,142
[Rumbling]
480
00:29:04,142 --> 00:29:09,114
[Rumbling]
481
00:29:09,114 --> 00:29:14,119
[Rumbling]
482
00:29:14,119 --> 00:29:18,423
[Rumbling]
483
00:29:18,423 --> 00:29:22,094
NARRATOR:
Colima is stratovolcano,
a type of volcano
484
00:29:22,094 --> 00:29:25,631
that is made up from layers
of ejected material.
485
00:29:25,631 --> 00:29:28,567
With each lava flow
and ash eruption
486
00:29:28,567 --> 00:29:32,137
the cone gets bigger.
487
00:29:34,172 --> 00:29:36,642
NARRATOR:
This type of volcano
is prone to collapse
488
00:29:36,642 --> 00:29:40,379
either during an eruption
or from erosion.
489
00:29:40,379 --> 00:29:43,115
To make matters worse,
Colima produces
490
00:29:43,115 --> 00:29:46,151
a sticky type of lava that
collects at the summit
491
00:29:46,151 --> 00:29:49,554
growing the volcano faster.
492
00:29:49,554 --> 00:29:52,424
The result is
a much steeper volcano
493
00:29:52,424 --> 00:29:56,294
that adds to the likelihood
of collapse.
494
00:29:56,294 --> 00:29:59,698
Very active volcanoes like
Colima often go through periods
495
00:29:59,698 --> 00:30:03,168
of destruction
followed by rebuilding.
496
00:30:09,374 --> 00:30:12,577
TOM:
In the past, tens of thousands
of years ago
497
00:30:12,577 --> 00:30:16,148
a much bigger volcano
was in its place.
498
00:30:16,148 --> 00:30:21,453
That volcano collapsed and
generated a giant avalanche
499
00:30:21,453 --> 00:30:25,724
that travelled that way,
leaving a depression.
500
00:30:25,724 --> 00:30:29,361
This one is in the stage
of rebuilding its cone.
501
00:30:29,361 --> 00:30:31,496
That's why it's
so beautiful.
502
00:30:43,275 --> 00:30:45,444
TOM:
It's the last light
of the day.
503
00:30:45,444 --> 00:30:48,380
Only the upper part of the
mountain has still sunlight
504
00:30:48,380 --> 00:30:50,148
and it's glowing red,
505
00:30:50,148 --> 00:30:54,286
and we had just
a beautiful ash eruption.
506
00:30:54,286 --> 00:30:57,556
It looked incredibly nice
with the blue background
507
00:30:57,556 --> 00:31:02,527
of the clear sky
and the red ash.
508
00:31:02,527 --> 00:31:06,064
A perfect evening.
509
00:31:09,101 --> 00:31:11,670
NARRATOR:
The explosions are
impressive by day,
510
00:31:11,670 --> 00:31:15,440
but they are spectacular
by night.
511
00:31:18,810 --> 00:31:22,814
[Rumbling]
512
00:31:22,814 --> 00:31:27,819
[Explosion]
513
00:31:27,819 --> 00:31:29,821
[Explosion]
514
00:31:29,821 --> 00:31:34,826
[Rumbling]
515
00:31:34,826 --> 00:31:39,831
[Rumbling]
516
00:31:39,831 --> 00:31:44,836
[Rumbling]
517
00:31:44,836 --> 00:31:49,841
[Rumbling]
518
00:31:49,841 --> 00:31:54,746
[Rumbling]
519
00:31:54,746 --> 00:32:02,087
[Rumbling]
520
00:32:02,087 --> 00:32:06,525
TOM:
Wow, this was by far the most
spectacular eruption so far.
521
00:32:10,028 --> 00:32:13,064
TOM:
After a relatively small one
that followed six hours
522
00:32:13,064 --> 00:32:18,203
of nothing, a big one started
that lasted several minutes
523
00:32:18,203 --> 00:32:21,807
with a continuous jet
of incandescent ash.
524
00:32:21,807 --> 00:32:23,608
Lots of bombs.
525
00:32:23,608 --> 00:32:28,547
The whole upper half
of the cone was bombarded.
526
00:32:28,547 --> 00:32:30,315
And it was fantastic to see.
527
00:32:30,315 --> 00:32:33,051
It was constantly
pumping up.
528
00:32:33,051 --> 00:32:36,087
You could hear the roaring
of the explosion
529
00:32:36,087 --> 00:32:41,426
and the tumbling sound
of rocks falling down.
530
00:32:41,426 --> 00:32:43,428
I'm happy to have it
on picture.
531
00:32:45,664 --> 00:32:47,666
NARRATOR:
The upper part of the volcano
532
00:32:47,666 --> 00:32:50,602
is covered with
incandescent material.
533
00:32:50,602 --> 00:32:53,605
What looks like small
exhalations by day
534
00:32:53,605 --> 00:32:56,274
take on a different look
entirely at night,
535
00:32:56,274 --> 00:32:58,743
where you can see the glow
of molten lava.
536
00:33:04,683 --> 00:33:07,152
NARRATOR:
Each day at a volcano
is different,
537
00:33:07,152 --> 00:33:10,021
as it runs through
short-term cycles.
538
00:33:10,021 --> 00:33:12,290
It all depends on the rate
that magma is flowing
539
00:33:12,290 --> 00:33:15,560
into the chamber
below the crater.
540
00:33:21,299 --> 00:33:24,469
NARRATOR:
Those volcanic bombs
or giant rocks
541
00:33:24,469 --> 00:33:27,706
are thrown out of the volcano
and roll downhill.
542
00:33:27,706 --> 00:33:31,409
The activity is building
the volcano.
543
00:33:31,409 --> 00:33:34,279
Over the period of a century,
a volcano like Colima
544
00:33:34,279 --> 00:33:37,449
can add a third or more
to its size.
545
00:33:37,449 --> 00:33:41,052
TOM:
It seems the volcano
has picked up since last night.
546
00:33:41,052 --> 00:33:44,389
This morning we already had
two quite sizable eruptions.
547
00:33:44,389 --> 00:33:46,591
The upper flanks
are full of dust
548
00:33:46,591 --> 00:33:48,226
which comes from rock falls,
549
00:33:48,226 --> 00:33:50,295
and actually now there is
a rock fall going on.
550
00:33:52,230 --> 00:33:54,399
TOM:
To me, it seems
it's picking up.
551
00:33:54,399 --> 00:33:58,770
Both, especially the size
of the average explosion.
552
00:33:58,770 --> 00:34:02,274
It might be that the eruptions
are less frequent
553
00:34:02,274 --> 00:34:04,442
so the intervals are longer,
554
00:34:04,442 --> 00:34:07,646
but that seems also to result
in bigger explosions.
555
00:34:07,646 --> 00:34:10,482
As more magma accumulates,
556
00:34:10,482 --> 00:34:14,619
it is ejected during
the subsequent explosion.
557
00:34:14,619 --> 00:34:18,189
NARRATOR:
What's occurring inside
the crater is not visible.
558
00:34:18,189 --> 00:34:20,325
From the ground,
it's impossible to see
559
00:34:20,325 --> 00:34:23,395
how many vents are
causing the eruptions.
560
00:34:23,395 --> 00:34:27,032
Often a volcano will have
more than one eruptive vent,
561
00:34:27,032 --> 00:34:30,235
and each will have a
different characteristic.
562
00:34:30,235 --> 00:34:34,372
Some vents produce smaller,
less explosive eruptions.
563
00:34:34,372 --> 00:34:38,043
At times all the vents
within the crater erupt together
564
00:34:38,043 --> 00:34:41,413
producing a larger
than average eruption.
565
00:34:41,413 --> 00:34:45,350
The best way to see what's
happening is from above.
566
00:34:51,456 --> 00:34:55,827
TOM:
We have been so lucky that the
volcano has started to erupt
567
00:34:55,827 --> 00:34:59,531
while we were
approaching it.
568
00:34:59,531 --> 00:35:04,269
A scent of ash is rising
from the central crater
569
00:35:04,269 --> 00:35:08,206
and it's still going on after
three, four minutes I think.
570
00:35:08,206 --> 00:35:10,742
NARRATOR:
Pilots play an important role
in the global reporting
571
00:35:10,742 --> 00:35:13,144
of volcanic eruptions.
572
00:35:13,144 --> 00:35:16,181
Here the pilot is requested
by the control tower
573
00:35:16,181 --> 00:35:18,650
to relay information on the
eruption column's height
574
00:35:18,650 --> 00:35:20,618
and drift.
575
00:35:20,618 --> 00:35:24,022
TOM:
The pilot,
with his experience,
576
00:35:24,022 --> 00:35:26,524
told them it's about
two kilometers tall.
577
00:35:26,524 --> 00:35:28,360
Two kilometers
above the summit,
578
00:35:28,360 --> 00:35:33,031
which is a moderately large
eruption, actually.
579
00:35:33,031 --> 00:35:36,267
NARRATOR:
This information will be relayed
by local air traffic controllers
580
00:35:36,267 --> 00:35:40,338
to any passenger planes
using this busy corridor.
581
00:35:40,338 --> 00:35:43,308
Volcanic ash is
incredibly abrasive.
582
00:35:43,308 --> 00:35:45,543
If it were to be sucked in
by the plane,
583
00:35:45,543 --> 00:35:49,047
it can cause the engines
to stall.
584
00:35:49,047 --> 00:35:51,783
A small turbo plane
like the one that Tom is in
585
00:35:51,783 --> 00:35:54,352
is not in danger.
586
00:35:54,352 --> 00:35:56,621
The pilot's observation of
the summit crater
587
00:35:56,621 --> 00:36:00,558
will also get relayed on to
the civil protection agency.
588
00:36:00,558 --> 00:36:02,427
Tom will post his observations
589
00:36:02,427 --> 00:36:05,230
to his volcano discovery
website.
590
00:36:05,230 --> 00:36:08,333
Those are widely used by the
Smithsonian Institution's
591
00:36:08,333 --> 00:36:13,438
global volcano activity report
that is sent out weekly.
592
00:36:17,075 --> 00:36:20,211
NARRATOR:
From this vantage point,
Tom can see just how steep
593
00:36:20,211 --> 00:36:23,014
the volcano is.
594
00:36:23,014 --> 00:36:24,682
As they draw level
with the crater,
595
00:36:24,682 --> 00:36:27,252
they can look right inside.
596
00:36:27,252 --> 00:36:29,187
It looks like a
large ash pit
597
00:36:29,187 --> 00:36:33,458
where material has fallen back
in from previous eruptions.
598
00:36:35,126 --> 00:36:37,629
TOM:
I am not sure I would like
to have an explosion right now.
599
00:36:37,629 --> 00:36:40,565
We are so close.
600
00:36:47,238 --> 00:36:51,643
NARRATOR:
In spite of Tom's wishes,
the volcano erupts.
601
00:36:51,643 --> 00:36:55,146
Fortunately it's not a
sudden, big explosion
602
00:36:55,146 --> 00:36:59,317
but something much smaller.
603
00:37:02,053 --> 00:37:05,490
NARRATOR:
A number of ash jets shoot up
from multiple vents.
604
00:37:05,490 --> 00:37:08,026
The initial burst
clears the conduit,
605
00:37:08,026 --> 00:37:12,697
so the eruption is sustained
for a few minutes.
606
00:37:12,697 --> 00:37:16,000
The eruption releases
pressure inside the volcano.
607
00:37:16,000 --> 00:37:19,204
As ash falls back down,
it blocks the conduit
608
00:37:19,204 --> 00:37:22,707
and the process of
re-pressurization begins again.
609
00:37:28,012 --> 00:37:31,182
NARRATOR:
The flight gave Tom
a great view of the crater.
610
00:37:31,182 --> 00:37:34,152
Now he and Hernando Rivera
are going to see Colima
611
00:37:34,152 --> 00:37:36,621
from another angle.
612
00:37:36,621 --> 00:37:39,424
They're heading to the
volcano observation post
613
00:37:39,424 --> 00:37:41,559
on top of
Nevado de Colima,
614
00:37:41,559 --> 00:37:43,628
an old, extinct part of
the complex
615
00:37:43,628 --> 00:37:45,463
next to the active cone,
616
00:37:45,463 --> 00:37:47,232
which is known
by its full name
617
00:37:47,232 --> 00:37:49,767
Fuego de Colima.
618
00:37:49,767 --> 00:37:52,637
The area is off limits
to the general public
619
00:37:52,637 --> 00:37:56,441
but Tom and Hernando
get special permission.
620
00:37:56,441 --> 00:37:59,310
Security is tight
and the area is patrolled
621
00:37:59,310 --> 00:38:02,347
to keep unauthorized
thrill-seekers away.
622
00:38:02,347 --> 00:38:05,984
They are greeted by members
of the Jalisco Civil Protection,
623
00:38:05,984 --> 00:38:09,254
who will guide them the rest of
the way up the steep roads.
624
00:38:11,189 --> 00:38:16,094
TOM:
The guy is worried that
the van will make it.
625
00:38:16,094 --> 00:38:18,062
We convinced him
to at least try it.
626
00:38:18,062 --> 00:38:18,997
We'll see.
627
00:38:18,997 --> 00:38:24,169
Well, it's typical for if
you try to access
628
00:38:24,169 --> 00:38:27,772
an active volcano
that you have obstacles
629
00:38:27,772 --> 00:38:31,109
that are not necessarily
the nature of the volcano
630
00:38:31,109 --> 00:38:34,179
but sometimes,
or very often actually,
631
00:38:34,179 --> 00:38:35,647
it's the authorities.
632
00:38:35,647 --> 00:38:40,185
So apparently the way is
very bad and dangerous.
633
00:38:40,185 --> 00:38:41,152
DRIVER:
Yes.
634
00:38:41,152 --> 00:38:43,755
TOM:
I'm not very afraid
of the volcano
635
00:38:43,755 --> 00:38:47,392
having an exceptional explosion
and affecting us
636
00:38:47,392 --> 00:38:49,093
at five kilometers'
distance.
637
00:38:49,093 --> 00:38:53,531
I'm actually more worried of
the narrow road
638
00:38:53,531 --> 00:38:55,133
and this car flipping over
639
00:38:55,133 --> 00:38:57,669
and landing down there
in some gully.
640
00:38:57,669 --> 00:39:01,472
NARRATOR:
Access to active volcanoes
varies throughout the world.
641
00:39:01,472 --> 00:39:05,310
In Hawaii, you can drive up
to Kilauea's active crater,
642
00:39:05,310 --> 00:39:09,647
and at Italy's Mount Etna,
you can ski the active area.
643
00:39:09,647 --> 00:39:12,183
However, once
an eruption starts
644
00:39:12,183 --> 00:39:16,521
the skiing is shut down
until the eruption stops.
645
00:39:16,521 --> 00:39:20,658
TOM:
I think we're just a little bit
higher than the summit of Fuego.
646
00:39:20,658 --> 00:39:23,595
NARRATOR:
Tom is heading into the Jalisco
Civil Protection Agency's
647
00:39:23,595 --> 00:39:27,632
volcanic observation post
on Colima's neighbor.
648
00:39:27,632 --> 00:39:30,034
It's an older,
extinct volcano
649
00:39:30,034 --> 00:39:33,204
that is part of the
same complex as Colima.
650
00:39:33,204 --> 00:39:36,474
It's an excellent and safe
vantage point to monitor
651
00:39:36,474 --> 00:39:41,312
the changes at the summit
of the active volcano.
652
00:39:44,649 --> 00:39:47,418
NARRATOR:
The structure is built
with reinforced concrete
653
00:39:47,418 --> 00:39:50,388
that can withstand
a large eruption.
654
00:39:50,388 --> 00:39:53,758
[Distant explosion]
655
00:39:57,695 --> 00:40:01,466
NARRATOR:
The volcano is still
very active.
656
00:40:03,234 --> 00:40:06,137
TOM:
We're just having an
eruption.
657
00:40:06,137 --> 00:40:08,573
It's a small one,
but it's so beautiful
658
00:40:08,573 --> 00:40:12,377
because we're so much closer
than from our cabin down there,
659
00:40:12,377 --> 00:40:14,479
which is also a great view
from the west.
660
00:40:14,479 --> 00:40:16,781
And it's incredible.
661
00:40:16,781 --> 00:40:18,783
You have the feeling
you can see each detail
662
00:40:18,783 --> 00:40:21,653
of the crater rim.
663
00:40:23,788 --> 00:40:25,323
TOM:
Probably going to have
a bigger ones.
664
00:40:25,323 --> 00:40:27,492
And already it's
very beautiful.
665
00:40:27,492 --> 00:40:29,327
We're just a little bit
higher I would say
666
00:40:29,327 --> 00:40:31,763
than the top of the crater
of Colima,
667
00:40:31,763 --> 00:40:34,799
Fuego de Colima.
668
00:40:34,799 --> 00:40:37,168
The view is just amazing.
669
00:40:37,168 --> 00:40:39,370
To the west, see the chain
of mountains all the way
670
00:40:39,370 --> 00:40:44,175
to the Pacific coast
in the far distance there.
671
00:40:44,175 --> 00:40:48,680
We are almost 4,000 meters
above sea level here.
672
00:40:48,680 --> 00:40:51,249
NARRATOR:
As the sun goes down,
Tom gets ready
673
00:40:51,249 --> 00:40:55,053
for Mother Nature's
greatest show.
674
00:41:02,427 --> 00:41:04,329
NARRATOR:
Today the eruptions
have been between
675
00:41:04,329 --> 00:41:06,464
two and six hours apart,
676
00:41:06,464 --> 00:41:10,234
so there's nothing to do
but be patient and wait.
677
00:41:10,234 --> 00:41:16,441
TOM:
We are here and just
facing Fuego volcano,
678
00:41:16,441 --> 00:41:18,476
maybe four kilometers away.
679
00:41:18,476 --> 00:41:21,813
It's 20 minutes past 11
or something.
680
00:41:21,813 --> 00:41:25,283
Beautiful moonlight,
almost no wind.
681
00:41:25,283 --> 00:41:27,819
We're at 4,000 meters
altitude.
682
00:41:27,819 --> 00:41:30,088
Although it's freezing it's
quite bearable because
683
00:41:30,088 --> 00:41:32,490
there's no wind.
684
00:41:32,490 --> 00:41:36,160
We have the feeling
it might erupt soon again.
685
00:41:36,160 --> 00:41:38,296
There is a little
incandescent spot,
686
00:41:38,296 --> 00:41:41,366
I guess it's what's left of
the most recent lava dome.
687
00:41:41,366 --> 00:41:45,269
This glow sometimes
increases,
688
00:41:45,269 --> 00:41:48,573
but it looks as if
it has been quiet for awhile
689
00:41:48,573 --> 00:41:53,711
so I have this feeling it might
erupt very soon again.
690
00:41:53,711 --> 00:41:56,180
Anyway, we're ready here.
691
00:41:57,081 --> 00:41:59,617
NARRATOR:
As the pressure increases,
small vents open up,
692
00:41:59,617 --> 00:42:02,720
shooting out burning gas.
693
00:42:02,720 --> 00:42:06,090
Inside the crater,
the conduit is plugged.
694
00:42:06,090 --> 00:42:07,692
It will need to build up
enough pressure
695
00:42:07,692 --> 00:42:10,161
before it can blow the plug.
696
00:42:14,399 --> 00:42:18,302
[Distant explosion]
697
00:42:18,302 --> 00:42:21,272
NARRATOR:
This builds to the point
it can sustain itself,
698
00:42:21,272 --> 00:42:24,409
and an eruption happens.
699
00:42:24,409 --> 00:42:28,413
[Explosion]
700
00:42:28,413 --> 00:42:31,816
[Rumbling]
701
00:42:31,816 --> 00:42:34,552
[Rumbling]
702
00:42:34,552 --> 00:42:39,390
NARRATOR:
This is a full eruption,
and it's a good one.
703
00:42:39,390 --> 00:42:44,395
[Rumbling]
704
00:42:44,395 --> 00:42:49,400
[Rumbling]
705
00:42:49,400 --> 00:42:52,437
[Rumbling]
706
00:42:52,437 --> 00:42:54,405
NARRATOR:
These eruptions can continue
for as long
707
00:42:54,405 --> 00:42:58,810
as there's pressure
in the conduit.
708
00:42:58,810 --> 00:43:03,714
[Rumbling]
709
00:43:03,714 --> 00:43:08,719
[Rumbling]
710
00:43:08,719 --> 00:43:13,724
[Rumbling]
711
00:43:13,724 --> 00:43:18,729
[Crackling]
712
00:43:18,729 --> 00:43:23,734
[Crackling]
713
00:43:23,734 --> 00:43:30,475
[Crackling]
714
00:43:30,475 --> 00:43:33,744
TOM:
I think this was probably
the biggest one
715
00:43:33,744 --> 00:43:39,750
we've had in the five days
we've been observing Colima.
716
00:43:39,750 --> 00:43:44,355
It looked like a fire fountain
probably 500 meters high.
717
00:43:44,355 --> 00:43:47,425
It's not a lava fountain
but it looked as if one.
718
00:43:47,425 --> 00:43:49,760
All this incandescent ash,
blocks being ejected,
719
00:43:49,760 --> 00:43:52,530
and then falling back
onto the flank
720
00:43:52,530 --> 00:43:55,366
and tumbling down
until the whole flank here
721
00:43:55,366 --> 00:43:57,435
was glowing red.
722
00:43:57,435 --> 00:43:59,470
It was an amazing show.
723
00:43:59,470 --> 00:44:02,573
I'm glad we insisted
coming here
724
00:44:02,573 --> 00:44:04,742
and waiting out
in the cold at night.
725
00:44:04,742 --> 00:44:07,178
It was really worth it.
726
00:44:07,178 --> 00:44:12,183
♪♪♪
727
00:44:12,183 --> 00:44:17,188
♪♪♪
728
00:44:17,188 --> 00:44:22,193
♪♪♪
729
00:44:22,193 --> 00:44:24,795
♪♪♪
730
00:44:24,795 --> 00:44:27,131
NARRATOR:
The following morning,
the volcano
731
00:44:27,131 --> 00:44:31,402
is once again
very active.
732
00:44:31,402 --> 00:44:36,407
[Rumbling]
733
00:44:36,407 --> 00:44:41,412
[Rumbling]
734
00:44:41,412 --> 00:44:46,417
[Rumbling]
735
00:44:46,417 --> 00:44:51,822
[Rumbling]
736
00:44:51,822 --> 00:44:55,660
NARRATOR:
If the idea of getting
this close to an active volcano
737
00:44:55,660 --> 00:45:00,031
seems reckless or foolhardy,
then consider Tom's view.
738
00:45:00,031 --> 00:45:03,534
Experienced volcanologists
don't take risks.
739
00:45:03,534 --> 00:45:06,337
They carefully watch the cycles
and know when the climb
740
00:45:06,337 --> 00:45:08,372
would be too dangerous.
741
00:45:08,372 --> 00:45:10,107
They adhere to the rules
put in place
742
00:45:10,107 --> 00:45:12,376
by the local authorities.
743
00:45:12,376 --> 00:45:16,280
Tom believes it's safer
than driving on motorways.
744
00:45:16,280 --> 00:45:19,083
But what makes it most
worthwhile for Tom
745
00:45:19,083 --> 00:45:22,186
is that he gets a front row seat
to see the elemental forces
746
00:45:22,186 --> 00:45:24,722
that shape our earth.
747
00:45:24,722 --> 00:45:29,594
TOM:
There's this incredible
beauty of this mountain,
748
00:45:29,594 --> 00:45:32,396
which every now and then
spits out fire.
749
00:45:32,396 --> 00:45:39,604
It's a sense of something
much bigger than humans.
750
00:45:39,604 --> 00:45:43,474
There is this aspect of
mystery of nature,
751
00:45:43,474 --> 00:45:45,443
something much bigger than us.
752
00:45:45,443 --> 00:45:48,746
We're very prone to give us
this sensation
753
00:45:48,746 --> 00:45:52,416
of being close to the elements.
754
00:45:52,416 --> 00:45:55,052
Something that reminds you
of the creation of the Earth,
755
00:45:55,052 --> 00:45:59,256
and that's what's
most fascinating to me.
756
00:45:59,256 --> 00:46:02,994
Combined with the sheer
beauty of something symmetric
757
00:46:02,994 --> 00:46:05,529
where there is a crater,
and all of a sudden
758
00:46:05,529 --> 00:46:08,399
you see fire
coming out from there.
759
00:46:11,135 --> 00:46:13,170
NARRATOR:
For now, Colima
continues to erupt
760
00:46:13,170 --> 00:46:15,673
moderately and safely.
761
00:46:15,673 --> 00:46:18,376
It is likely that before
any major eruption
762
00:46:18,376 --> 00:46:20,711
the volcano's activity
will pick up
763
00:46:20,711 --> 00:46:23,180
and will demonstrate signs
that will give scientists
764
00:46:23,180 --> 00:46:25,616
enough warning to safely
evacuate the people
765
00:46:25,616 --> 00:46:28,219
surrounding the volcano.
766
00:46:28,219 --> 00:46:29,754
Time will tell.
767
00:46:29,754 --> 00:46:34,759
♪♪♪
768
00:46:34,759 --> 00:46:38,529
♪♪♪
769
00:46:38,529 --> 00:46:41,599
NARRATOR:
The history of humanity
has always been affected
770
00:46:41,599 --> 00:46:44,769
and rerouted by
natural disasters.
771
00:46:44,769 --> 00:46:47,672
We know that certain kinds
of volcanic eruptions
772
00:46:47,672 --> 00:46:50,341
have the power to bring
incredible destruction
773
00:46:50,341 --> 00:46:52,276
in moments.
774
00:46:52,276 --> 00:46:55,246
But now we have
sophisticated technology
775
00:46:55,246 --> 00:46:57,715
and a better understanding of
the mechanisms at work
776
00:46:57,715 --> 00:47:01,485
inside a volcano
to monitor them.
777
00:47:01,485 --> 00:47:04,422
In Mexico, millions of
people live in the shadows
778
00:47:04,422 --> 00:47:06,691
of active volcanoes.
779
00:47:06,691 --> 00:47:09,093
They will erupt again.
780
00:47:09,093 --> 00:47:12,229
The unanswered question
is when.
781
00:47:12,229 --> 00:47:15,166
But for now we observe
and wait,
782
00:47:15,166 --> 00:47:18,436
and marvel at their
power and beauty.
783
00:47:18,436 --> 00:47:23,441
♪♪♪
784
00:47:23,441 --> 00:47:28,446
♪♪♪
785
00:47:28,446 --> 00:47:33,451
♪♪♪
786
00:47:33,451 --> 00:47:38,456
♪♪♪
787
00:47:38,456 --> 00:47:44,762
♪♪♪
788
00:47:44,762 --> 00:47:51,469
♪♪♪
789
00:47:51,469 --> 00:47:55,005
♪♪♪
62203
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