Satellite images of Popocatepetl volcano (c)Google Earth View
Popocatepetl is one of Mexico's most active volcanoes. After almost 50 years of dormancy, "Popo" came back to life in 1994 and has since then been producing powerful explosions at irregular intervals.
In the past centuries befor European invasions, large eruptions produced giant mud flows that have buried Atzteque settlements, even entire pyramids.
Stratovolcano 5426 m / 17,802 ft
Central Mexico, 19.02°N / -98.62°W
Current status:
erupting (4 out of 5)
Popocatépetl webcams / live data |
ReportsPopocatépetl volcano videosPopocatépetl volcano books | Tours
Popocatépetl volcano eruptions:
1345-47, 1354, 1363(?), 1488, 1504, 1509(?), 1512, 1518, 1519-23(?), 1528, 1530, 1539-40, 1542, 1548, 1571, 1580, 1590, 1592-94, 1642, 1663-65, 1666-67, 1697, 1720, 1802-04, 1827(?), 1834(?), 1852(?), 1919-22, 1923-24, 1925-27(?), 1933, 1942-43, 1947, 1994-95, 1996-2003, 2004-ongoing
Typical eruption style:Dominantly explosive, construction of lava domes. Plinian eruptions at intervals of several centuries or few thousands of years, vulcanian and strombolian activity in intermittent phases.
Last earthquakes nearby
Popocatépetl volcano tours
Popocatépetl Volcano Special (tour to see the ongoing eruption of Mexico's most active volcano)
Latest satellite images
Sentinel hub |
Landsat 8
Popocatepetl volcano news & eruption update
Popocatépetl Volcano Volcanic Ash Advisory: NEW VA EM to 19000 ft (5800 m)
Sat, 3 Oct 2020, 11:30
11:30 AM | BY: VN
Explosive activity continues. Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Washington warned about a volcanic ash plume that rose up to estimated 19000 ft (5800 m) altitude or flight level 190 .
The full report is as follows:
FVXX22 at 11:25 UTC, 03/10/20 from KNES
VA ADVISORY
DTG: 20201003/1123Z
VAAC: WASHINGTON
VOLCANO: POPOCATEPETL 341090
PSN: N1901 W09837
AREA: MEXICO
SUMMIT ELEV: 17802 FT [5426 M]
ADVISORY NR: 2020/864
INFO SOURCE: GOES-EAST. WEB CAM. NWP MODELS.
ERUPTION DETAILS: NEW VA EM
OBS VA DTG: 03/1106Z
OBS VA CLD: SFC/FL190 N1911 W09852 - N1902 W09836
- N1858 W09840 - N1905 W09855 - N1911 W09852 MOV
NW 5-10KT
FCST VA CLD +6HR: 03/1700Z SFC/FL190 N1944 W09919
- N1922 W09842 - N1901 W09835 - N1859 W09841 -
N1923 W09927 - N1944 W09919
FCST VA CLD +12HR: 03/2300Z NO VA EXP
FCST VA CLD +18HR: 04/0500Z NO VA EXP
RMK: VA EXT 8 NM NW OF THE SUMMIT. EM FCST TO
VEER OVR NXT 6 HRS BASED ON NWP MODEL GUIDANCE.
...TURK
NXT ADVISORY: WILL BE ISSUED BY 20201003/1730Z
Previous news
Background:
Volcán Popocatépetl, whose name is the Aztec word for smoking mountain, towers to 5426 m 70 km SE of Mexico City to form North America's 2nd-highest volcano. The glacier-clad stratovolcano contains a steep-walled, 250-450 m deep crater. The generally symmetrical volcano is modified by the sharp-peaked Ventorrillo on the NW, a remnant of an earlier volcano.
At least three previous major cones were destroyed by gravitational failure during the Pleistocene, producing massive debris-avalanche deposits covering broad areas south of the volcano. The modern volcano was constructed to the south of the late-Pleistocene to Holocene El Fraile cone. Three major plinian eruptions, the most recent of which took place about 800 AD, have occurred from Popocatépetl since the mid Holocene, accompanied by pyroclastic flows and voluminous lahars that swept basins below the volcano. Frequent historical eruptions, first recorded in Aztec codices, have occurred since precolumbian time.
---
Source: GVP, Smithsonian Institution - Popocatepetl information
More on VolcanoDiscovery
Island of Venus: Milos Island in Greece is one of the most beautiful and photogenic islands of the Mediterranean. Its boasts breathtaking scenery of colorful volcanic rocks, some of the finest beaches of the country, a rich archeological heritage, great hospitality and delicious local cuisine. Come join us to explore this magical island on a 6-days geological tour!
List and map of all volcanoes in Africa. Most volcanoes are located in the Great Rift Valley, but there are more.
Popocatépetl Volcano Special: The activity of Mexico's most active and largest volcano has been picking up gradually during the past months. If you like to join a small group of volcano enthusiasts, join us, stay 5 nights near the volcano and move around for extended day- and night-time observation.
How to watch volcanoes? Which volcano to choose? Some guidelines.
