Popocatépetl

 

Popocatepetl is one of the most active volcanoes in Mexico. After 50 years without activity, Popocatepetl came back to life in 1994. Since then, it has been producing powerful eruptions at irregular intervals. As a giant stratovolcano, it is the second highest volcano in Mexico at 5,426 metres.

Location: Mexico-Puebla-Morelos, Mexico
Coordinates: 19.023079, -98.628110
Volcano Type: Stratovolcano

 

Popocatepetl’s Location

 

Popocatepetl’s Latest Status

2024: Currently Active.

 

Popocatepetl’s Eruptive History

1994-1999 Popocatépetl reawakens! In early 1993 there was increased seismicity, fumarolic activity and the crater lake temperature began increasing. In Nov 1994, a small eruption occurred. Regular eruptive activity occurred throughout the nineties, building up an ash cone and dome.
2000-2010 Irregular eruptive activity with new dome growth, mud flows and ongoing seismicity.
2010-2015 Quieter period – less seismicity, however eruptions ongoing.
2015 At least 15 eruptions occurred with ashfall reported on the nearby city of Puebla. July saw multiple eruptions with ash plumes reaching 7000m.
2016 Increased eruptive activity – likely due to the collapse of the lava dome. Strombolian activity and frequent gas emissions.
2017 New lava dome created and then destroyed. Increased thermal anomalies. Ongoing eruptive activity.
2018 Ongoing activity with frequent eruptions spewing incandescent blocks down the flanks.
2019 Frequent eruptions with impressive shows of incandescent material spewing down the flanks. Multiple emissions of steam seen almost daily. More frequent thermal anomalies recorded.
2020 Frequent eruptions. The cycle of dome creation and destruction continues. Ash plumes to 6000m
2023 Popocatépetl continues to erupt, with ash plumes to 7000m.
2024 Eruptions ongoing, producing regular plumes rising to 6000m.

 

Popocatepetl Monitoring

For monitoring of this volcano, please refer to CENAPRED.

 

Popocatepetl Images