Volcanic ash from Popocatépetl volcano reaches 6.7 km (22 000 feet) a.s.l., Mexico
Volcanic ash plumes reached an altitude of approximately 6.7 km (22 000 feet) during the continued explosive activity at the Popocatépetl volcano in Mexico on Sunday, December 22, 2024.
A true-color image of Popocatépetl volcano, showing the eruption and ash plume as captured on December 21, 2024. Image credit: Copernicus EU/ Sentinel-2, EO Browser, The Watchers
According to the Washington Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), the ash cloud was seen rising up to 6.7 km (22 000 feet) above sea level at 07:36 UTC today, moving northeast at 37 km/h (23 mph).
The plume extended as far as 50 km (31 miles) from the summit, with forecasts predicting continued movement in the NNE direction for at least 18 hours.
Updated reports at 13:17 UTC noted intermittent ash emissions observed via satellite imagery and webcams. The ash plume, now recorded at a slightly lower altitude of 6.4 km (21 000 feet), continued to move northeast at approximately 65 km/h (40 mph).
Weather conditions partially obscured satellite imagery during this time, but volcanic activity remained moderate, with emissions persisting.
The Volcanic Alert Traffic Light for Popocatépetl remains in Yellow Phase 2.
CENAPRED is urging residents and tourists not to approach the volcano at least 12 km (7.4 miles) from the crater. In case of heavy rain, stay away from the bottom of the ravines, due to the danger of mud and debris flows.
Popocatepetl is an active stratovolcano with a summit elevation of 5.4 km (17 700 feet). It is known as the “smoking mountain” in Nahuatl. Its steep-walled crater measures 400 m (1 300 feet) by 600 m (1 970 feet).
The volcano frequently exhibits moderate activity, including eruptions with Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) ratings of 1 to 3.
Recent emissions have been attributed to subduction zone activity along the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, where Popocatépetl is located.
Popocatépetl’s eruption history includes major Plinian events and pyroclastic flows. The volcano is a main feature within the Las Volcanes United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Biosphere Reserve, an area hosting diverse ecosystems and populations.
The current eruptive phase started on January 9, 2005.
Approximately 26.5 million people live within 100 km (62 miles) of the volcano.
References:
1 Popocatepetl VA Advisory – Washington VAAC – December 22, 2024
2 Popocatépetl – GVP – Accessed on December 22, 2024
Rishika holds a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India, where she earned a gold medal, and an MCA from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Previously, she served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. During her tenure, she contributed as a Junior Writer for Europe Monitor on the Global Politics website and as an Assistant Editor for The World This Week. Her work has also been published in The Hindu newspaper, showing her expertise in global affairs. Rishika is also a recipient of the Women Empowerment Award at the district level in Haryana, India, in 2022.
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.