Volcano Popocatepetl, Mexico

på norsk

Popocatepetl , in the middle of the central volcano-belt in Mexico
It is quite active, and having regularly smaller or larger eruptions, ever since it wakened up againg, after 50 years of sleep.

15 larger eruptions have take place since the spanyards arrived in 1519.
Azteke-indians also have registered eruptions in 1347 and 1354.

Popocatepetl is the second larges volcano in Mexico, and reaches 5.452 meters ASL. Maincrater is 900 meters across,
and the areal covered is about 500 square kilometers. Popocatepetl is only about 70 km south east of Mexico City,
and 45 km southwest of the city of Puebla. In december 1994 about 75.000 people had to be evacuated
from the villages closest to the volcano.

Monday, May 14th 2012, 16.00 GMT

During the last 24 h the levels of Popocatépetl activity remain high. The monitoring system registered several segments
of spasmodic tremor of low and medium amplitude, added in total 8.5 h. also was registered 12 minutes of armonic
tremor Aditionally the monitoring system registered 25 low intensity exalations, the tremor and exhalations activity
was accompanied by an emission of steam, gas and ash.

During the night, incandescence could be observed over the crater rim, which increases during the tremor segments,
incandescent fragments, reachin 600 m over the volcano flanks.

At the time of this report shows the volcano with a plume of steam, gas and small amounts of ash moving northeast
at an altitude of 1.5 km above the crater.

The traffic alert level remains at Yellow, Level 3. This level implies: Intermediate scale explosive activity at high,
dome growth and possible expulsion of lava, explosions of increasing intensity and rain of ash on nearby villages
noticeable in smaller quantities and more remote populations, depending on wind direction.

According to the latest report available from the Volcanic Ash Advisory Center in Washington (VAAC, from 8:14 h,
the dispersion of ash observed satellite is towards the northeast.

08:00 GMT

The heavy exhalations of the Popocatepetl volcano registered the morning of Saturday, caused ash fall in at least 20 municipalities in the south, west and outskirts of the capital of Tlaxcala. The head of the State Institute of Civil Protection, Matthew Morales Baez, rejected the eviction activities of people in a shelter and is maintained the alert with the municipalities of the entity. In a telephone interview, the official confirmed that ash fell more strongly in the municipalities of Ixtacuixtla, Tepetitla, Nativitas, Tetlatlahuca Teacalco Santa Apolonia, Zaca, Xicohtzinco, Tenancingo Papalotla, Acuamanala, Quilehtla, Ayometla, San Pablo del Monte, Texoloc, Zacualpan Huactzinco, Axocomanitla and Nopalucan. addition to the report of slight ashfall Chiautempan and capital during the early hours of Saturday. The state official recommended that people continue with preventive measures and protection to prevent damage to health, especially for children and seniors. In Tlaxcala the Plan "Popocatepetl 2012" defined seven evacuation routes and includes 293 official vehicles to evacuate the danger zone, 164 first-class medical facilities, five community hospitals and 663 doctors, as well as 119 shelters that could be installed if necessary.

Sunday, May 13th 2012, 10:00 GMT
Activity has been high since Friday, with ashclouds reaching up to 2.500 m over the crater, and ash
blewing northeast. The central airport Puebla was closed again on Saturday. Incandescent fragments have been rolling
down the outer slopes of the volcano up to 1 km away.

Saturday, May 12th 2012, 04:40 GMT
Starting at 19 h (local time) today, the activity increased, with the presence of armonic tremor of larger amplitude than
that registered in previous days. A 3 km high eruptive column with abundant ash was formed, which was pushed by the prevailing winds towards the northeast. Incandescent ballistic fragments could also be seen reaching half a kilometer
above the crater and rolling down the outer slopes of the volcano to distances of up to 1 km. The duration of this
eruptive episode was approximately two and a half hours. At the moment of this report, the activity shows a
diminishing tendency. The traffic light alert signal remains in Yellow Phase 3

01:00 GMT
Since the last edition of the report today, for 9 h, the monitoring system of Popocatepetl volcano registered 24
exhalations of low and medium intensity. The most important has happened to the 17:40,18:12,18:36 h. Additionally
at 11:02 started a segment of middle-amplitude harmonic tremor which added 1.45 h. Also from the 17:35 train
exhalations began a middle range with spasmodic and harmonic tremor. At the time of this report shows the volcano
with a plume of steam, gas and ash 2.5 km high, which heads east-northeast.

Friday, May 11th 2012

May 11th at 15:30 GMT

Wednesday, May 9th, 2012
(16:00 GMT)

15 minutes after midnight to day GMT

In the last 24 hours the levels of activity of the volcano Popocatepetl have remained high. There were a total of 31
exhalations of low and medium intensity emission of water vapor, gas and ash. The most important were recorded
yesterday at 19:15 h (see image), 21:30 h and 23:22 h, and today at 04:02 h. There were also four periods of high
amplitude spasmodic tremor which in total amounted to 7 hours, all segments were preceded by low-amplitude
harmonic tremor. Also from today at 9:03 h until the time of this report there has been low-amplitude harmonic tremor.

At night there was a predominance of cloudiness in the area of the volcano, but at times was observed incandescence and emission of fragments from the crater.

At the time of this report is not observed the volcano due to the presence of clouds in the area, but this morning was observed with the emission of water vapor, gas and small amounts of ash.

According to the latest report available from the Volcanic Ash Advisory Center in Washington (VAAC), of 07:41 h,
satellite observable dispersion of volcanic plume was reported to the northeast. Note that this distribution will vary
over time and should not be taken as a forecast of ashfall.

Monday, May 7th, 2012
16:50 GMT

In the last 24 hours the activity of the Popocatépetl mantains high levels and has registered a total of 24 exhalations,
the most important at 22:27 h (local time). Several segments of spasmodic and armonic tremor of medium amplitude
were registered, 5 h yesterday afternoon and 1.5 h this early moring, between 06:11 and 07:35 h. Previously, from
20:00 h to 06:00 h, 22 min of small segments of spasmodic tremor of low amplitude were recorded. Emission of
incandescent fragments could be observed, coinciding with these small segments, between 01:20 h and 02:54 h,
reaching 500 m over the volcano flanks.

During the early morning, coinciding with the tremor of major amplitude, a persistent eruptive column of gas and fine
ash that the prevailing winds have dispersed eastwards, so light ashfalls might be expected in San Pedro Benito
Juárez, Santiago Xalitzintla, San Nicolas de los Ranchos, Cholula and even Puebla in the next hours.

At the moment of this report, there is not visibility to the volcano crater. During the morning, the volcano could be
seen presenting a continuous plume of steam, gas and small amounts of ash.

Since the last edition of this bulletin, 9 hours ago, the activity of the volcano has remained high, registering 12 exhalations
and 5 hours of armonic and spasmodic tremor. The most important exhalations happened at 12:34, 15:54 (see image) and
17:49. This activitry has generated a persistent eruptive column of gas and fine ash that the prevailing winds have
dispersed eastwards, so light ashfalls might be expected in San Pedro Benito Juárez, Santiago Xalitzintla, San Nicolas
de los Ranchos, Cholula and even Puebla in the next hours. Reports have already been received of light ashfall in Atlixco,
San Juan Tianguismanalco, Tochimilco and San Pedro Benito Juárez.

Friday, April 25th, 2012
Apr 25 07:00 (12:00 GMT)
Since the last report, 11 h ago, the volcano Popocatépetl registered 14 low intensity exhalations accompanied by
steam, gas emissions and in some times with small amounts of ash. Also yesterday at 21:43 h there was a exhalation
of moderate intensity and it generated an ash column of 1.5 kilometers to south and emited incandescent fragments to
800 meters from crater rim (see image 1). Another exhalation of moderate intensity was recorded today at 06:47 h with
ash emission to the southwest. Additionally, several segments of spasmodic and harmonic tremor of low amplitude
were recorded during a total of one hour.

At the time of this report shows the volcano with an emission of water vapor, gas and ash that moves southwest with
a height of one kilometer above the crater

Tuesday, April 24th, 2012
(12:00 GMT)
Since the last report, 11 h ago, the volcano Popocatépetl had a total of 7 exhalations of small to moderate amplitude.
The most importants occurred yesterday at 20:51 h. (local time, which was accompanied by an emission of ash towards
the northeast and incandescent fragments towards the west and at 01:17 h. (local time). Additionally, several segments
of espasmodic and armonic tremor of low amplitud were recorded during a total of 3 h.

During the night the incandescence over the crater rim reached 300 m high. At the moment of this report the volcano
has a continuous emission of steam and gas, only 100 m high over the crater due to the strong winds that
transported it to the south-southwest
(CENAPRED)

Monday, April 23rd, 2012
(12:00 GMT)
Since the last report, 11 h ago, the volcano Popocatépetl has remained relatively calm, registering only 4 low intensity
exhalations and very short segments of spasmodic tremor accompanied by steam, gas emissions and in some times
by small amounts of ash, transported to the southeast.

Incandescence was seen 100 m over the crater rim during all night, which slightly increased during the occurrence
of some of the exhalations
(CENAPRED)

Saturday, April 21st, 2012
Peopole are now advised to collect important documents, as birthcertificates, passport, bank accounts and their
visa-cards in a portable bag, including battery-radio and a lamp, and keep it in the car ready to leave their homes.
People are however, reminded to be calm, as there is no emergency situation at the moment. They should stand by
and listen/follow news on radio and TV.

So far the dome that has been growing lately, still only ten times lower than the one in 2000.
Pictures can be viewed here, but text is in norwegian.

Also people are urged to find their local shelters and test trips to those sites so they can run in a hurry.
The National Center for Disaster Prevention (CENAPRED) mention that "if we draw a circle of 100 miles
radius (some 160 km) from the center of the crater, more than 24 million people live in that area.

One can not predict if and when an eruption will come. It may remain as to day for weeks or even months.
To say this or that scenario will take place is just mere speculation.
From eluniversal.com

Abr 21 07:00 (12:00 GMT, Apr.21)

Since the report, 11 hours ago, the monitoring network of the Popocatepetl volcano has registered 6 exhalations
of low intensity. Between 19:50 and 20:22 began recording high amplitude spasmodic tremor with signals emitting
exhalations of steam, gas and ash.

The activity last night around 01.00 local time decreased at 01:15 h was also accompanied by high amplitude
spasmodic tremor which started at 00:25 h and ended at 01:38 h. There were also segments of spasmodic tremor
amplitude middle totaled one hour in total.

There were reports of ash fall in San Pedro Benito Juarez, Santiago Xalitzintla, San Nicolas de los Ranchos,
San Pedro and San Mateo Yancuictlalpan Ozolco. At the time of this report shows the volcano with a constant
emission of steam and gas and small amounts of ash that runs east and has a height of 800 meters above the crater

Abr 21 01:20 (06:20 GMT, Apr. 21)
From 22:50 h, local time, there have been some events out of incandescent material that have rolled down the slopes
of the volcano, which have generated significant amounts of ash. The most significant of these occurred
at 00:42 and 00:57 h. At the time of this report the emission of incandescent fragments decreased.
There have been reports of ash fall in San Pedro Benito Juarez.

There are many newspapers and web-sites reporting from Mexico right now, but it seems that some of them
kind of overdramatize the situation. Autorities in Mexico have long time ago prepared for any situation
that may arise. They are well prepared. However, what is coming is difficult to tell, so we follow up,

Zone 1: Great risk, Fragments up to 30 cm may fall down, bigger eruptions much larger again..
Zone 2: Risk, Fragments below 1 cm, bigger eruptions up to 1 meter.
Whole area on map will be covedred by ash whend large eruptions occur.
Notice Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico) up in left corner.

Friday, 20th of April, 2012

Abr 20 07:00 (12:00 Apr 20 GMT)
Since the last report 11 hours ago, the monitoring system registered 62 medium intensity exhalations with water vapor,
ash and incandescent fragments that roll down the outer slopes of the volcano for up to 1 km. This train of exhalations,
which started yesterday at 18:42 (local time) continued with pauses for about 6 hours, ending at 00:48.

Afterwards, at 5:05 h (local time)and until the time of this report activity started anew, with another train which until
now has had 12 medium intensity exhalations, again with ash and incandescent fragments falling down the outer
slopes (see image) . The eruptive column has stayed since yesterday heading towards the east southeast,
so asfalls can be expected in that direction. Aditionally, 45 minutes of spasmodic tremor of medium
amplitude were registered.

The area of the volcano is partly cloudy but an ash and gas column can be seen rising about 2 km.

Abr 19 20:00 (01:00 GMT Apr 20)
Since the last report at 13:00 h. (local time), the monitoring system registered 9 low intensity exhalations.
Additionally a volcanotectonic event of low magnitude was recorded at 18:50 h. (local time, 232:50 GMT).
After, since 18:42 h. and until the moment of this report several segments of spasmodic tremor of medium
amplitude were registered including exhalation signals inside. Possibly,the firts exhalations of this tremor
were accompanied by moderate amounts of ash.

Thursday, 19th of April, 2012

Abr 19 07:00 (12:00 GMT Apr 19 )
The monitoring system of Popocatepetl detected 15 exhalations middle range, the most important one occurred
yesterday at 19:51 hrs. (00:51 to day UTC ) driving a considerable amount of ash the eastern direction.
Likewise there was 2h 30min with tremor which began at 00:34 hrs (05:34 GMT)and ended at 03:05 hrs. (08:05 GMT)

Apr 19 02:30 (07:30 GMT Apr 19)
At 00:34 hrs began registering a spasmodic tremor with some signs of exhalation, the most intense phase began
at 01:12 hrs. and continuing until 2:16 pm. The clouds present in the area does not allow the visibility of the volcano,
but from the 1:18 pm shows crater glow and an exhalation of water vapor and gas accompanied by ash.
So do not rule out the possibility of ashfall in the eastern sector of the volcano. Approximately
at 01:44 you can see incandescent materials that reach a height of about 1 km SEE PICTURE BELOW.
Popocatepetl Volcano is monitored continuously.

From Apil 19th at 01.44 local time, 06:44 GMT

Abr 18 20:00 (01:00 GMT Abr 19 )
The seismic activity has been decreased during the afternoon. During the last seven hours, the monitoring system
registered 5 low intensity exhalation, accompanied by a plume of steam and gas.

At the moment of this report the volcano could only be observed from the south.
The gas plume is traveling to the east.

Wednesday 18th of April, 2012

12:01 UTC

08:42 UTC

Latest report from CENAPRED: 17 20:00 (01:00 Abr 18 GMT)
Since the last report at 13:00 h the monitoring network of Popocatépetl volcano detected 6 small exhalations
which were probably accompanied by water vapor, gases and ash emissions which could not be seen due to
the thick cloud cover. Additionally, two hours of small amplitude spasmodic tremor were also recorded.

More news to morrow

The alerlevel for Popocatepetl has been raised to 5 on a scale from 1 to 7 after unrest and rumbling lately.
Since the lavadome now is growing rapidly, scientist are afraid of a sudden explosion.

The area has been closed to visitors and people are urges to stay at least 12 kilometers from
the crater, which is about 65 kilometers southeast of Mexico's capital. It also recommended that people
in the surrounding areas clean ash from weak rooftops and to cover their mouths to avoid inhaling it.

Pictures probably from yesterday, April 17th.

Monday, January 16th, 2012

A little more than the ordinary output of vapour to day, 12:53 UTC

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

During the past 24 hours yesterday evening, the volcano Popocatepetl, located in the state of Puebla, has registered
19 exhalations of low intensity, accompanied by emissions of water vapor, gas and some with minor amounts of ash,
and the alert level is kept to YELLOW. Security zone is within 12 km from the volcano.

Monday, November 22nd, 2011

After the event yesterday at 12:01 h, (1805 GMT) which generated an ash column of about 2 km in height,
Popocatepetl monitoring system recorded only four low-intensity exhalations accompanied steam and gas.
Other monitoring parameters remain without important changes. Since yesterday afternoon there has been a slight
emission of water vapor and gas (see picture) .

The light of volcanic alert remains in YELLOW Phase 2. It keeps the probability of following scenarios: moderate
exhalations, some with ash emissions, sporadic bursts of low to moderate probability of emission of incandescent
fragments within walking distance of the crater and incandescent light in the crater of the volcano observed during
the night.

Recommendations: 1. Continue up the radius 12 km, so that staying in that area is not allowed. 2. Maintain controlled
traffic between Santiago and San Pedro Nexapa Xalitzintla via Paso de Cortes. 3. A Civil Protection authorities,
maintain preventive procedures, according to their operational plans. 4. To the people, be attentive to the official
information that is disseminated.
No damage or injuries had been reported so far.

Friday, March 11th, 2005
The Popocatepetl volcano near Mexico City sent out a plume or ash and steam yesterday,
starting a brush fire that soldiers and emergency crews moved in to control.
The government’s National Council for the Prevention of Disasters said the fire occurred near
the town of San Nicolas de los Ranchos, but did not pose any threat to area residents.

Monday, December 6th, 2004

Gas- and vapouremissions, especially forceful yesterday at 19.12 and 20.19 UTC/GMT

An unusual sunrise on the 30th of November, at 06.44 local time.

Since May last year, Popocatepetl has continued with its gas- and vapour emissions, but no
larger eruptions has happended. The pictures above illustrate what is going on, but more or less
not worth writing about. But still we are monitoring Popocatepetl almost daily.

May 1st, 2003
Thirty-five schools near the Popocatepetl volcano canceled classes Wednesday as officials
warned a new eruption could rock the spectacular peak overlooking Mexico City.

Civil defense officials said the volcano could see a moderate explosion of a growing lava dome
in the crater that would spit hot rock roughly three to four kilometers (two to three miles) from
the crater - a pattern that has occurred repeatedly in recent years, causing little damage.
An estimated 62,000 people live in areas that could be affected by a major eruption.

10 buses were standing by Wednesday, ready to evacuate residents in Santiago Xalitzintla
and San Pedro Benito Juarez, towns built in the shadow of the 17,886-foot volcano.

On Monday, a persistent tremor began to shake the ground under the volcano starting
at 5:12 a.m. and by 10:30 a.m., the tremor changed to a pulsation that the center said was
similar to those that preceded other explosions. Tremors can indicate a movement of hot, liquid
rock through the volcanic system.

February 25th, 2003
Yesterday afternoon from CENAPRED: In last the 24 hours the monitoring system of Popocatépetl volcano registered
31 exhalations of loss to moderate intensity, accompanied by emissions of steam of water and occasionally
ash-gray gas. The most important were: At 13:01h, yesterday, a great exhalation moderately accompanied by an ash
column in the direction of the East at an approximated height of 3 to 4 km . The event lasted for three minutes initiating
with an explosive phase similar to the one registered on the 22nd of February at 14:36h. were it sent incandescent
fragments to a distances of up to 2 km from the crater, particularly on flanks on the Northeast side of the volcano.

Again at 16:15 hrs of yesterday, an exhalation was registered, that were accompanied by an ash column in an ENE directione and at an approximated height of 1 km.

Also, isolated episodes of harmonic tremor of low amplitude were registered, that altogether
lasted less than one hour. The events registered in the last days, are related to the destruction
of the lava dome, mentioned in previous reports

February 17th, 2003

From the explosion on February 14th at 05.34 local time...

which lasted for only 4,5 minutes.

On February 16th everything was quiet...

At 05:34 h (11:34 GMT) an explosion occurred at the crater throwing incandescent fragments reaching around 3 km on volcano slopes (see movie). A dense ash column reached 5 km and moved towards Northeast. The incandescent
fragments set on fire some areas with dry grasses. After the explosive event, with an analog recording lasting 4 minute,
the overall activity returned to its previous level.

At 11:00 (17:00 GMT): Besides the explosive event reported earlier during the last 24 hours the monitoring system recorded 20 small to moderate exhalations, low amplitude harmonic tremor during two and a half hours, and a volcanotectonic earthquake with magnitude 2.4 located 4.7 km below the crater. At this moment the overall activity
level is stable. The other monitored parameters remain without important changes. A light emission of steam and gas is
observed.

The 05:34 explosive event is related with the partial destruction of the lava dome inside the crater previously reported.
As long as there are remains of the dome, there is a probability of explosive activity with ash emissions and incandescent
material ejections around the crater.

December 18th, 2002

Early last night at 01:48 hours an exhalation of moderate intensity from Popocatépetl was registered, when an ash column
of near 2000 meters of height over the crater followed a signal of tremor of high frequency. Later at 2:09 and 2:14 two explosions with ash emission wewre registered but of 6.000 m asl moving in Northeasterly direction.Incandescent
fragments were thrown out of the crater and fell down as far as 1,5 km away (see image) . After these events the volcano
returned at its previous levels.

This activity is related to the destruction of a lava dome and it is within the awaited scenes: exhalations of small to moderate
intensity, some with ash emissions, observable incandescence during the night and sporadic explosions with incandescent
fragment emission to short distance of the crater. Scenes that will be effective for the next hours or days.

This condition does not imply a change in the traffic light of volcanic alert, which stays in YELLOW phase 2 which means
a restriction of access in a radius of 12 km, and which solely allows controlled transit between Santiago Xalitzintla,
Courteous San and, Puebla Passage Pedro Nexapa, Edo. of Mexico.

August 31st, 2001

Today, a volcano-tectonic micro-earthquake of magnitude 2.0 located 5 km below the crater.
At the moment of this report CENAPRED observes the volcano covered with snow in its
summit and with a dense steam and gas fumarole that rises 400 m. above the crater.
The activity observed last week is related the the growth of a new small dome (see image above). The present activity
does not represent a change in the forseen scenarios, therefore, the traffic light of volcanic alert is maintained yellow-2.
It is recommended not to approach the volcano to less than 12 km from the crater, although the road between Santiago
Xalitzintla (Puebla) and San Pedro Nexapa (Mexico State), including Paso de Cortés, is open for controlled circulation.
It ispossible that explosive activity as that of July 3, will continue during the next days or weeks.

July 10th, 2001

Pictures at 10.15 , 10.16 and 10,37 GMT / z

11.20 GMT and 11.40 GMT

11.50 and 12.00 GMT
10.16z: No news yet, but pictures showing Popocatepetl erupting now.
11.50z So far it looks like a moderate eruption.
more to follow

July 4th, 2001
Small eruption on Tuesday 3rd July. Popocatepetl volcano shot a plume of ash and gas about
2 1/2 miles into the air on Tuesday 3rd July, dropping some ash on cities near the Mexican
capital and delaying some flights from its airport. A dense plume was visible over the
17,886 -foot volcano at dawn Tuesday.

The first sizable emission occurred at 4:10 a.m., followed by a larger eruption at 6:50 a.m.
The volcano has been closely monitored since Dec. 18, when it spewed red-hot rock in its most violent eruption in
1,200 years, prompting thousands who live at its base to flee to shelters. The National Center for the Prevention of
Disasters said there was a light fall of ash on Mexico City's southeastern suburbs. Mexico's two main airlines, Mexicana
and Aeromexico, briefly suspended takeoffs from Mexico City airport while they analyzed whether the ash could damage
the jet engines of airliners, said airport spokesman Jose Luis Orive. Arrivals were not affected.
Orive said there was a "very minimal" fall of ash at the airport on the eastern edge of the city. (LATimes)

January 26th, 2001
At 13:38 local time, 19.38 GMT,, an exhalation, accompanied of tremor of high frequency
took place. The exhalation reached a height of about 3 km, and in the direction of the northwest. At the time of this
report, the continuous exhalation and the tremor have diminished considerably. Slight ash fall was reported in the zone
near San Pedro Nexapa.

January 24th, 2001
From CENAPRED at 02.00 GMT today: In last the 6 hours, the volcano have maintained an activity low. 7 moderate exhalations have appeared, some of them accompanied by slight ash emissions. During late, the visibility allowed us to observe a fumarola of water steam in the direction of the Southeastern South, which rose less 1 km.

From News-media: Last two days Popo spat hot rocks half a mile from its crater and gritty ash showered nearby towns, including Puebla, a city of 1.2 million people 25 miles east of the crater. More ominous was a small mudslide of volcanic
ash down the Huiloac canyon that leads to the town of Santiago Xalitzintla. Officials consider mudslides of built-up ash
one of the gravest dangers posed by the volcano. The National Center for the Prevention of Disasters said the slide
Monday was probably caused by flows of hot ash from the crater melting part of a glacier near the summit. The slide
stopped five miles short of the town.

January 23rd, 2001 - 2nd update

At 15.50 CET this very afternoon-
Looks like Popo won't give up???

January 23rd, 2001

The eruption on January 22nd, at 16:17, 17:33 and 19:10 local time
Translated directly from CENAPRED: After a period of several weeks of reduced activity,
today in the evening Popocate'petl volcano increased again their levels. To 14:58 a volcano-tectonic earthquake of magnitude 2,8 was detected, located to the East of the crater. The
event was possibly precursory of a great exhalation that it initiated to 16:15 hrs generating
an ash column of several kilometers of height. 16:23 a phase of greater explosive intensity
was observed, during which fragments around the crater were sent. To the few minutes
several ash flows were generated (pirocla'sticos) that descended by several from the gorges
of the volcano until distances considered preliminarily of 4 to 6 km. These flows were visible
by our camera throughout ravines of the North face of the volcano and also in flank the West.
To the 16:40 ash emission it had reached a greater height of 8 km on the level of the crater. Around the 18:00 hrs
began to register a signal of fluctuating harmonic tremor in amplitude and that sometimes arrived at the saturation levels. These signals, similars to the registered ones in last December, could be associate with a possible intrusio'n of magma
to the interior of the crater. This harmonic tremor lasted approximately by space of 30 minutes. One stayed the
ash emission abundant being observed in put in form explosive episodes.

January 5th, 2001
At 19:04 GMT yesterday night a moderate exhalation was registered that produced an ash emission of 2,5 km of height
and that the winds dispersed towards the East. Previous to this exhalation a signal of tremor of high frequency was
registeredwith an approximated duration of 1 hour.

January 3rd, 2001 in the evening

16.48 GMT and 16.54 this very afternoon - Popo doesn't seem to give up.....

At 17.15 GMT from CENAPRED: Yet another exhalation, sending ash and vapour
about 2.000 m up in the air.

January 3rd, 2001 at noon

12:00 GMT: In last the eight hours a total of 17 events happened, of which are the following ones: at 22:32 (local time)
and 22:34 happened two small exhalations; later, at 22:55 and 22:56 happened other two moderate exhalations without
emission of incandescent material; later, at 23:16happened another small exhalation accompanied by tremor. At 23:19
and 23:21 appeared two tremores of LF with duration of about 35 seconds each one. At 23:23 and 23:25 two small
exhalations; at 04:46happened another smaller exhalation, followed of another similar; and at 04:50began another tremor,
followed by a small exhalation. It is mentioned that the other parameters of monitoreo do not show appreciable changes.
But believe this is good enough for today???

January 2nd, 2001
17:00 GMT yesterday, it was reported little activity in the volcano.Only few exhalations with steam, gas and sometimes
with ash. A fumarola of water steam and something of ash, that rises 0,5 km on the crater has been the only sign seen,
owing to extremelly bad weather.

At 02:15 GMT today it was reported that around midnight, there were a beginning of tremor
of high frequency that was accompanied by a steam emission by water, gas and low amounts
of ash, that reached a peak altitude of 800 ms on the crater and that, according to field
information, dispersed in Northeast direction (image 3).. Around the 01.43 GMT the
activity recovered its previous levels.

December 31st, 2000
Stormy weather, smaller eruptions, ashfall in nearby villages and in Pueblo.
Several thousand evacuates have been allowed to return home.

December 28th, 2000

06.09 local time, 13.09 GMT

quiet at the moment....and at 12.59 and 13.09 GMT, to smaller exhalations. no more...

December 27th, 2000

06.33 local time, 12.33 GMT

03.00 GMT CEN APRED reports that all is quiet, and nothing has happened since the last eruption at 12.01 yesterday.

08:25 GMT CENAPRED reports that in last 5 hours four events happened, two of which were very weak emissions
21:09 and 21:32 local hour) with steam of water and gases. The third event was explosion at 01:11 local time (GMT +6),
with emission of incandescent material on flanks on the southeastern and northeastern slopes, and raised a column about
2 km above the cra'ter.The fourth event happened at 01:32 local hour with smaller intensity and without emission of
incandescent material. We are following Popocatepetl all day. (Dailight comes at 12.20 GMT)

13.00 GMT. In the last the 4 hours , two events of tremor and one exhalation happened: the first tremor was of high frequency at 04:05 (local time) and had a duration of 1 minute 20 seconds and second tremor at 06:15 hours (local time) with duration of 2 minutes 30 seconds. The exhalation happened at 06:29 (local time) with emission of incandescent
material towards the northeast flank, raising a column about 1300 meters above the rater, accompanied by little ash,
water steam and gases.

December 26th, 2000

00.18 GMT 00.19 00.20
At 00.45 GMT, CENAPRED reported an exhalation of moderate size, sending an ash-cloud 3.000 m upwards, then drifting nordeast. Also incadescent material was thrown out, but not more than 500 m away from the rim. Later activity returned to normal.

02.05 GMT, At 02.55 happened another exhalation, this time also including incadescnet material, but still not over 500 m away.

12.00 GMT Moderate explosion sent vapour and gas up 3.000 meters above the volcano,
and incandescent fragments between 500m and 1.000m away from the craterrim.
This eruption was of short duration.

December 25th, 2000
23:30 GMT December 24th. At 21.55 GMT a moderateexplosion was registered, which generated an ash column
that reached a height of 5.000 m above the crater, and threw incandescent fragments to a distance of 3.500 meters
from the top. After this event a signal of tremor of high frequency with tendency was registered. This is s type that gives
reason to hope it represents a manifestation of the destruction of the lava dome located in the interior of the
crater. Reports of ash fall were received in Santiago Xalitzintla.

December 24th, 2000
04.20 GMT: Last hours has shown low activity. A smaller quake, magnitued 2.6, was observed well below the crater.
Still warning for the possibility that another eruption will come within hours or days. This is a common expression from
vulcanologs, but also means that there might not be any eruption at all. But with Popocatepetl you can never tell,
so we keep upfollowing closely.

21.30 GMT, December 23rd: Last hours quiet. Small fumarole-activity. Airplane flew over the crater today, and the dome can easily be observed in the center of the picture. A small depression can also be seen.

17.00 GMT: still quiet. According to El Informador, CENAPRED has told that the dome only went down 1 %during eruption tuesday, and consists of about 19.millione squaremeter of lava. While quiet, things are still happening down
below.7.000 people still have not evacuated from the danger-zone of 13 kilometers.
Also several people have returned to their homes, despite the order of evacuation.
At the same time about 2000 military- and police personell is guarding the emptied towns.

A strange light has been captured going from - or to-
the erution-cloud, - found the picture on NOTIMEX
copyright NOTIMEX

Ice-cap on top coloured black by ash. Afraid the heat from
Popo will melt the ice, and come down as lahar

20.desember 2000 morgen
06.30 GMT. Hot volcanic material has been thrown as far as 1 to 2 kilometers from the crater. Harmonich tremors indicate upcoming magma.

Kl. 21.00 GMT yesterday, quakes continued for the past 5 hours. Eruptioncloud reaches 3.000 m above the crater, blowing south. Satellite-pictures shown the cloud is visible over most of Mexico.

dome grewing.... 19/12.00

thick and thin layer of ash in central Mexico

So far, hot ash has been blown toward the City of Puebla (map here), a city with
a population of 1.8 millions. The number of evacuated people from the area closer to the volcano has increased to 56.000 from 38 different villages.

Tuesday morning the villages closest to the volcano looked like ghost-towns. Roads were closed by military patrols. Also the airport in the City of Puebla was closed.

December 19th, 2000

from the eruption early this morning
copyright El Universal

08.21 GMT and 13.07 GMT on tuesday

copyright NOTIMEX copyright El Universal

02.20GMT: Since late yesterday evening harmonic tremors has been increasing.At 23.51 a minor explosion sent an ashcloud 1500 upwards, and at 00.36 a glowing light could be observed on the rim of the crater, which increased glowing untill 01.10. Three minutes later an explosion sent glowing material down the slopes up to 1.000 m, and another ash-cloud rose up to 4.000 m above the top. Half an hour later it had reached 15 kilometers away.

December 18th, at. 21.15 GMT. Ash-cloud moving east
and north-east. Distance to Mexico City about 70 km.

December 18th, 2000

Another eruption yesterday at 21.30 GMT, picture to the left. Since then activity
diminished, and went back to normal around midnight - picture at right.

Up to 02.30 reports of falling ash came from Amecameca. Huehuecalco,
San Pedro Nexapa, Ecatzingo, Ozumba, Tecomatuxco, Tejopulco and Tepetlixpa.
(View map here).

December 17th, 2000 afternoon

Eruption from minute to minute - photos: click here

new dome showing up inside the crater, saturday December 16th

17.desember 2000 morgen

Saturday most inhabitants in the villages where evacuation should be maintained, were ignoring
the volcano, and looked curiosly at the official cars driving through the area, calling for the
attention of the inhabitans, encouraging them to leave, for their own good - and for their family's good.

Again back to the old problem. A volcano is spewing out smoke over a period. The ash is falling down, and makes the soil good for farmers. The area around the volcano lies in a risk-zone, so price for a piece of earth is cheap - in some cases even free...

Poor people come to live here, and get aquainted to the danger. So one day the risk increases - now there is danger for the volcano to explode. One ought to evacuate. But how about the animals - and who's going to guard their belongings? And where to go?

How are the government to convince people that now there is a real danger, when everything looks like is always has? Seems like we have heard that before. As for Baños at Tungurahua, Lloa at Guagua Pichincha, the farmers at Santa Maria,
Mayon and Pinatubo and so on. But how to solve that problem?

December 16th at noon

07.00 local time, 13.00 GMT December 16th
no further comments...

Risk-zone increased from 7 to 10 kilometer from the volcano. Alert status up from phase 2 to 3 YELLOW, last stop before RED alert.

Thursday falling ash was reported as far away as 80 kilometers from the volcano, and
glowing material was rolling down the slopes. Thursday and friday showed more than
200 eruptions per day - the previous record was 180 on a single day. People near the
volcano useds masks or handkerchiefs to cover their mouth and nose.

Zone 1: Great risk, fragments up to 30 cm falls down, with larger erutions even greater.
Zone 2: risk, fragments less than 1 cm, with larger erutions up to 1 meter.
All area on map would be covered by ash with a large eruption.

December 15th, 2000

14.00 GMT today December 15th.

December 14th, 2000