9781422286524

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The Narrow Bridge of Land

Arenal, a volcano in Costa Rica, became active in 1968 and has erupted many times since then. Central America is home to many active vol- canoes. The volcanoes in the countries on the western coast of Central America are considered part of the “ring of fire,” a circle of active vol- canoes around the Pacific rim.

The earthquakes and mountains of Central America go hand-in-hand with a third major characteristic of the region—volcanoes. Because the mountains of Central America are young, more than 20 of them are active. A mighty row of geologically recent volcanoes runs along Central America’s Pacific shoreline. At 13,864 feet (4,210 m) high, Tajumulco, a volcano in Guatemala, is the region’s highest peak. As vents for geothermal energy, the volcanoes of Central America constantly threaten destruction. For example, On the other hand, Central America’s famously fertile soil comes from the rich ash of volcanic eruptions. Most of Central America’s 43 million people live within the volcanic regions and the narrow Pacific coastal plain that has been built up from eroding, older volcanoes. On the mesetas , or table- lands, between the mountains or on the cool, shady slopes themselves, the farmers and plantation owners of Central America grow bananas, coffee, and cotton.