It simmers and rumbles, and every few decades the Tacaná Volcano in southern Mexico erupts in powerful explosions. In 1950, the 4,060-meter-high giant spat out as much lava as in the previous 500 years. For the people living in the subtropical region it's both a blessing and a curse.
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They profit from the rich, volcanic soil, which is ideal for crops like coffee, corn and beans. But excessive farming is threatening UNESCO's Tacaná Biosphere Reserve.
