The Masaya Lagoon and Volcano area
The Masaya Volcano
Although the last eruption took place more than two centuries
ago, the Masaya Volcano remains very active and emits daily large
quantities of sulfuric gases.
The satellite photo right shows the column of smoke and steam from
the crater as a dominant element in the landscape. As the wind is very
stable from the North East the smoke tends to pass over the
same areas. In this zone only a few crops are feasible, and on the
hills of El Crucero even trees cannot grow.
Origen
The main theory is that the extended depression West to Masaya once
housed two large volcanoes (within the area marked with a black line in the
satellite photo). Over time the volcanoes were extinct and their cones
collapsed. |
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In the Eastern part the
land sank so much that a lagoon was formed. To the West a new
volcano took over, forming the actual complex of the volcanoes Masaya
and Nindirí. The lava from the eruptions of these mainly found its
way downwards to the lagoon, hence the lagoon has gradually been
filled up, and the circular shape has been changed into a half-moon.Forming
new ecosystems
The lava from the Masaya volcano forms a hard black rock, by local
people simply called 'piedra quemada' (burned rock). At the beginning
there is no soil or plants to keep humidity or give shade, and the
conditions of life are very harsh. Life practically has to make a new
beginning.
The volcanic area, though, contains a brought variety of simple
ecosystems. From areas with bare rock, over areas with small plants
to well established forests. The latter are mainly found near the
lagoon where the eruptions have not struck recently, and where water is
easily available.
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Wildlife
Within the area you'll find mammals such as coyotes, monkeys and dears,
but they are not easy to find, as the contact with the surrounding
population has made them shy. To see these you need a guide to bring
you to the right places of the denser parts of the forest.
In the edge of the active Santiago crater the little macaw 'chocoyo' has found
a safe place to make its nest, as no predators
will challenge the hot rocks covered with sulfuric gases. |
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The National Park
In 1979, as one of the Somoza governments last acts, the volcanic
complex was declared National Park. Contrary to all later declarations
of protected areas, the lots were bought, so that there is
no private land within the National Park (excepting a few lots around
Venecia and Flor de Pochote).
The National Park is administrated by the Environment Ministry (MARENA),
and counts with a team of skilled guardians and a museum. The park is open to
the public from the
entrance on the Masaya-Managua highway. From the South and from the
lagoon area entrance is only possible with a special permission, such
as in companion with
a guide from Flor de Pochote. |
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