CENAPRED Warns of Dome Formations Inside Popocatépetl Volcano

Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) – According to the latest report from the National Center for Disaster Prevention (CENAPRED), monitoring systems have detected 155 exhalations from the Popocatépetl volcano, accompanied by water vapor, volcanic gases, and ash.

The National Center for Communication and Civil Protection Operations (CENACOM) also reported a minor ash fall in Puebla city and the municipalities of Atlixco and Cholula.

CENAPRED emphasized the importance of not approaching the volcano’s crater due to the possibility of explosions, as observed in recent days, which could involve the emission of incandescent fragments. The authority urges people to respect the 12 km exclusion radius.

Furthermore, individuals are advised to stay away from the bottoms of ravines during heavy rains due to the risk of mudflows and debris flows. The current Volcanic Alert traffic light for Popocatépetl is at Yellow Phase 2.

Recently, Puebla authorities reported a significant increase in volcanic ashfall, which has led to a rise in cases of conjunctivitis in the region. The number of registered cases nearly doubled compared to the same period last year, with 13,307 cases in the first four months of this year, compared to 7,171 cases in 2022.

Authorities continue to monitor the formation of domes inside the volcano. These domes pose a potential danger to the residents living around Popocatépetl. Domes are formed when lava flows slowly from the volcano’s crater or funnel, creating semicircular mounds. They harden upon contact with air, accumulating pressure and trapping gases inside.

When the pressure becomes too great, it can result in an explosion that ruptures the dome, ejecting hot fragments and ash onto the volcano’s slopes in the form of ballistic projectiles. This poses a risk to people in the surrounding area.

This cycle of dome formation and destruction is a recurring phenomenon at Popocatépetl, with new domes forming in the crater or funnel as fresh material ascends. Volcanologists have been closely monitoring these activities for over 30 years.

Dome formations inside a volcano can be dangerous due to their potential for explosive eruptions and the release of pyroclastic flows. Here’s why:

1. Pressure Buildup: Dome formations occur when highly viscous magma, typically rich in silica, accumulates near the volcano’s vent. As the magma is thick and sticky, gases are trapped within it, causing pressure to build up over time. This pressure can eventually lead to explosive eruptions.
2. Explosive Eruptions: When the pressure within the magma dome becomes too great, it can result in a violent eruption. The magma and gases are forcefully ejected from the volcano, often producing ash clouds, volcanic bombs, and pyroclastic flows. These eruptions can be highly destructive and pose a significant threat to nearby areas.
3. Pyroclastic Flows: One of the most hazardous aspects of dome formations is the potential for pyroclastic flows. These are fast-moving, incredibly hot (up to several hundred degrees Celsius) mixtures of gas, ash, and volcanic fragments. If a dome collapses or explodes, it can trigger a pyroclastic flow that rushes down the volcano’s slopes at high speeds, incinerating everything in its path.
4. Unpredictability: Dome eruptions can be highly unpredictable. They may occur without much warning, giving limited time for evacuation or emergency response. The collapse of a dome or the explosive ejection of magma can happen suddenly and violently, making it difficult to forecast and manage the associated hazards.
5. Volcanic Gases: Volcanic domes often release copious amounts of toxic gases, such as sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide. These gases can be harmful to human health, leading to respiratory issues and other adverse effects. When combined with explosive eruptions, these gases can also contribute to the formation of acid rain and further environmental hazards.