Nevado del Ruiz was formed by the subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate. This subduction process has caused the Nazca Plate to melt, which has risen through the South American Plate and formed a series of volcanoes, including Nevado del Ruiz.
Nevado del Ruiz is a stratovolcano, which means that it is formed by layers of lava and ash that have been erupted over time. The volcano has a broad, symmetrical cone shape, with a central crater that is about 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) in diameter.
Nevado del Ruiz is a highly active volcano, and it has erupted numerous times in the past. Some of the most significant eruptions occurred in 1595, 1845, and 1985. The 1985 eruption was the most devastating, and it caused the deaths of over 25,000 people.
Nevado del Ruiz is still a very dangerous volcano, and it is closely monitored by the Colombian government. The volcano is located in a densely populated area, and an eruption could cause widespread damage and loss of life.
