Increased volcanic activity observed at Popocatepetl, Mexico
Mexican CENAPRED counted 544 small to moderate emissions at Popocatepetl volcano during 24 hours between February 25 – 26, 2014.
An overflight made yesterday afternoon showed that the dome number 48 was destroyed by this activity leaving a funnel-shaped cavity about 80 meters deep. In the bottom of this, there is a new dome with a diameter of 20 to 30 meters (image below):
Overflight on February 26th showed new lava dome inside the crater. Image credit: CENAPRED, Mexico
The elevated activity was preceded by volcano-tectonic earthquakes of magnitude 2.6 and 1.6 yesterday and the day before.
A plume of steam and gas was observed moving east-southeast:
Image credit: CENAPRED
The volcano's alert level remains unchanged at "Yellow phase 2".
Explosive activity of low to intermediate level is possible as well as showers of mild to moderate ash in nearby towns. There is a chance of pyroclastic flows and short-range mudflows, CENAPRED warns.
Safety radius of 12 km around the volcano is in effect – staying in that area is not permitted.
People are advised to follow official information: CENAPRED
Featured image: New lava dome inside Popocatepetl's crater. Copyright: CENAPRED
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