C. Siebe et al., REPEATED VOLCANIC DISASTERS IN PRE-HISPANIC TIME AT POPOCATEPETL, CENTRAL MEXICO - PAST KEY TO THE FUTURE, Geology, 24(5), 1996, pp. 399-402
The Holocene eruptive history of Popocatepetl volcano is characterized
by recurrent voluminous Plinian eruptions every 1000 to 3000 yr, the
most recent of which destroyed human settlements, Major eruptions occu
rred between 3195 and 2830 B.C., 800 and 215 B.C., and A.D. 675 and 10
95. The three eruptions followed a similar pattern and started with mi
nor ash fall and ash flows, The eruptions reached their peak with a ma
in Plinian pulse that produced deposition of a pumice fall, the emplac
ement of hot ash flows, and finally extensive mudflows, Each time the
area of devastation had become repopulated, before being devastated on
ce again, During the last eruption several settlements, including Chol
ula (a major urban center), were inundated by lahars, A scenario of th
e possible recurrence of an eruption of similar magnitude, which would
have disastrous consequences for the now highly populated areas aroun
d Popocatepetl, should be considered seriously in any volcano emergenc
y 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 Popoca
tepetl resumed emitting ash on December 21, 1994, after decades of dor
mancy.