Strong activity with tremor, incandescence and multiple plume emissions at Popocatepetl volcano, Mexico

According to CENAPRED at 22:42 UTC on July 3, 2013 at Popocatepetl volcano, Mexico began an episode of high-frequency tremor that continues until now, and only briefly stopped roughly between 04:00 and 05:00 UTC on July 4. A plume of gas and ash is rising 3-4 km above the volcano.

During this episode there have been continuous emissions of steam and ash, incandescence has been observed at the crater, and the volcano repeatedly emitted incandescent fragments, which were deposited mainly on the northern and eastern slopes.

Incandescent fragments emitted from Popocatepetl volcano on July 4, 2013(Credit: CENAPRED,TLAMACAS)

The predominant direction of the plume on July 3, 2013 was west-northwest. Ashfall was reported at Amecameca, Mexico State. Around 11:00 UTC on July 4, 2013 the direction of the steam and ash plume shifted northward.

At 03:25 UTC on July 4, 2013 a volcanotectonic earthquake of low magnitude was registred.

Eruptions at Popocatepetl volcano on July 4, 2013(Credit: CENAPRED,ALTZOMONI)

According to the latest report by CENAPRED in the last 24 hours the monitoring system at Popocatepetl volcano registered 99 exhalations, 12 hours of high and medium frequency tremors and incandescence at the crater. The most important ash, steam and gas exhalations occurred on July 3, 2013 at 16:27, 22:17, 22:56, 23:38 UTC and on July 4 , 2013 at 01:17, 01:32, 01:44, 02:01, 06:26, 09:56 and at 11:38 UTC.

Additionally, 6 volcanotectonic events were recorded.

Latest seismogram from Popocatepetl volcano, Mexico (Credit: CENAPRED)

CENAPRED still has Volcanic Alert Level at Yellow, Phase 2 and places particular emphasis on the following recommendations:

1. Access is restricted within a radius of 12 km from the crater. Permanence in this area is not allowed.

2. The road between Santiago Xalitzintla (Puebla) and San Pedro Nexapa (Mexico State), including Paso de Cortes, is open only to controlled traffic.

3. To the authorities of Civil Protection, maintain preventive procedures, according to operative plans.

4. To the population, be aware of the official information emitted.
 

Source: CENAPRED

Featured image: Eruption at Popocatepetl volcano, Mexico on July 3, 2013 (Credit:CENAPRED,ALTZOMONI)