Repeated volcanic disasters in Prehispanic time at Popocatépetl, central Mexico: Past key to the future?

Research Article| May 01, 1996 Repeated volcanic disasters in Prehispanic time at Popocatépetl, central Mexico: Past key to the future? Claus Siebe; Claus Siebe 1Instituto de Geofísica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, C.P. 04510, México, D.F., México Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Michael Abrams; Michael Abrams 2Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, California 91109 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar José Luis Macías; José Luis Macías 1Instituto de Geofísica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, C.P. 04510, México, D.F., México Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Johannes Obenholzner Johannes Obenholzner 3Institut für Geowissenschaften/Prospektion, Montan-Universitaet Leoben, Franz-Josef Strasse 18, A-8700 Leoben, Austria Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (1996) 24 (5): 399–402. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1996)024<0399:RVDIPT>2.3.CO;2 Article history first online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Claus Siebe, Michael Abrams, José Luis Macías, Johannes Obenholzner; Repeated volcanic disasters in Prehispanic time at Popocatépetl, central Mexico: Past key to the future?. Geology 1996;; 24 (5): 399–402. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1996)024<0399:RVDIPT>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract The Holocene eruptive history of Popocatépetl volcano is characterized by recurrent voluminous Plinian eruptions every 1000 to 3000 yr, the most recent of which destroyed human settlements. Major eruptions occurred between 3195 and 2830 B.C., 800 and 215 B.C., and A.D. 675 and 1095. The three eruptions followed a similar pattern and started with minor ash fall and ash flows. The eruptions reached their peak with a main Plinian pulse that produced deposition of a pumice fall, the emplacement of hot ash flows, and finally extensive mudflows. Each time the area of devastation had become repopulated, before being devastated once again. During the last eruption several settlements, including Cholula (a major urban center), were inundated by lahars. A scenario of the possible recurrence of an eruption of similar magnitude, which would have disastrous consequences for the now highly populated areas around Popocatépetl, should be considered seriously in any volcano emergency contingency plan. This is especially important because more than one million people are living within a radius of 35 km around the volcano (the outskirts of Mexico City are at a distance of 40 km), and Popocatépetl resumed emitting ash on December 21, 1994, after decades of dormancy. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.