Popocatépetl (meaning “Smoking Mountain” in Aztec), is a volcano in Central Mexico that is roughly 730,000 years old. After about 50 years of dormancy, it started erupting once again in 1994 and has since been the most active volcano in Mexico. Standing at 17,880 feet, it is also the second highest peak there. Popocatépetl is a stratovolcano (or composite volcano), meaning it is made of alternating layers of lava and ash. Its last major eruption was on April 3rd, 2016, when the volcano shot out lava, rock, and an ash cloud that reached 1.2 miles in height. Local residents were instructed to evacuate.
Popocatepetl in Aztec means “Smoking Mountain”. The first Spanish ascent of the volcano was made by Diego de Ordaz in 1519 on an exploration. In the early 16th century there were monasteries built on the slopes of the mountain. They were built by the Augustinians, the Franciscans, and the Dominicans in order to evangelize the areas south and east of the volcano in central Mexico. Popocatepetl is the most active volcano in Mexico, it has had more than 15 eruptions since the arrival of the spanish. The volcano’s first major eruption was in 1947. On December 21, 1994 the volcano erupted and ash spread and carried 25 km away which prompted evacuation from nearby towns. Again in December of 2000 tens of thousands of people were evacuated by the government while Popocatepetl made its largest display in 1,200 years.
Popocatepetl is a dangerous volcano with dangerous effects. Popocatepetl is centered between two major cities, with approximately 25 million people living within a 62 mile radius. It’s 43 miles from Mexico City and at least 30 miles from Puebla, Mexico. The surrounding environment is being destroyed due to the violent eruptions. Its largest eruption was on April 16th, 2012. Parts of Mexico surrounding the volcano received up to 7cm of ash fall. However, that was not the only major effect. Other effects included the prompt delays of the city’s major airport. Mexico officials even asked the public to wear face masks in an attempt to prevent grit inhalation. The airborne volcanic residue could have also affected car and plane engines. The eruption resulted in the throwing of volcanic matter that reached as far as one mile away from the site of the volcano, and ashes rose over a mile above the crater.
25 million people in a 62 mile radius. That's a lot of grit to be inhaled. I would imagine it's easy to stay away from lava but how do you escape the grit and ash. Definitely a health concern their towns will deal with for years to come. Interesting.
ReplyDelete