Popocatepetl, also known as Don Goyo, is an active volcano in Mexico. At 5400 meters high, it is the second tallest volcano in Mexico.
Today we learn about Popocatepetl, its history, and the most important eruptions it has had.
Popocatepetl or Don Goyo
Popocatepetl is a symmetrical, cone-shaped volcano and, second only to Citlalpépe, is the tallest in Mexico. This volcano once had perennial glaciers near its crater. To the north, it merges with Iztaccíhuatl, another significant volcano in the region, known for its own volcanic activity and fascinating history.
The name Popocatepetl comes from the Nahuatl words: “Popoca” and “tepetl” which mean “to smoke” and “mountain” so the name is: smoking mountain.
Geology has allowed us to study the volcano and establish that it is approximately 730.000 years old.
History of Popocatépetl
To learn about the volcano's history, excavations have been carried out on its slopes, revealing that human populations lived beneath it as early as 800 BC. This human occupation was interrupted several times by eruptions, the last of which occurred around 700-800 AD. This eruption created a layer of pumice approximately 2 meters thick around the volcano .
Since 1354, some of its eruptions have been recorded, totaling eighteen to date . The first documented ascent of the volcano was made in 1519 by Diego de Ordás upon the arrival of the Spanish.
In 1927, it had one of its major eruptions, followed by a period of dormancy until the next eruption in 1994. Gas and ash were carried by the air up to 25 km away from the volcano. For more information about other volcanoes, you can consult the article on the world's most active volcanoes.
Volcano news
Since that last major eruption, moderate but constant activity has been maintained, emitting fumaroles (gases and water vapor) suddenly, as well as emissions of ash and volcanic material.
Its last violent eruption was recorded in December 2000 , something that was anticipated, allowing for the evacuation of everyone. In 2005, it erupted again, spewing smoke, ash, and lava. It continued its usual pattern of fumaroles and has even caused the earth to tremble on more than one occasion.
Since 2012, there have been warnings about the volcano's increased activity, although without any apparent danger. However, this activity led to the volcanic alert level being raised from yellow 2 to yellow 3 and then back to yellow 2.
In 2013, the alert level was raised again due to increased activity, with explosions, tremors, and exhalations. But it would return to alert level 2. It has continued with activity and alerts from that time to the present; for example, on January 22, 2019, it ejected incandescent material and ash and an explosion that could be felt in surrounding areas.
Currently, the National Civil Protection Coordination reports that Popocatépetl remains at Yellow Alert Level 2, and that its activity does not pose a risk to the population. As of February 28, 2024, the volcano has been exhibiting intense activity for several hours, with 77 exhalations composed mostly of water vapor, 952 minutes of tremor due to magma movement within the crater, and even a volcano-tectonic earthquake of magnitude 1.2. All of this has led to increased monitoring of the volcano.
The effects of the volcano's activity are also evident in neighboring areas such as Morelos, Tlaxcala, Hidalgo, the State of Mexico, and parts of Mexico City. Volcanic ash can reach all of these areas. To better understand the context of these zones, it is important to know about some of Mexico's protected natural areas.
Knowing exactly whether it will erupt is very difficult. Experts know a lot about the volcano, but they can't make very precise predictions.
What would happen if it erupted?
Even a small eruption of Popocatépetl would be enough to plunge the surrounding area into tragedy. Vegetation and wildlife would be affected, creating a significant imbalance. Agriculture would also be severely damaged, with entire harvests lost. Many families living near the volcano depend on agriculture for their livelihood.
Nearby hot springs and medicinal resorts (in the state of Morelos) would be affected by chemical contamination from the volcano. Furthermore, the population would have to relocate to the cities, with all the associated consequences.
To remain vigilant, citizens are advised to constantly monitor the volcanic alert level. Evacuation routes have been designated should they be needed.
The population is accustomed to the volcano's continuous activity and lives with it; therefore , windows, roofs, and doors of houses are prepared to prevent ash from seeping in. Drinking water tanks and reservoirs are covered.
There was a man-made eruption
In the last century, human activity caused the volcano to erupt. The motives were commercial and driven by greed. The 1919 eruption would set a precedent in geology, as it was the result of human intervention aimed at extracting sulfur. It was an artificial phenomenon, which, according to experts like Dr. Atl, certainly warrants further study.
