Recent geomorphologic evolution of a glaciovolcanic active stratovolcano: Popocatepetl (Mexico)

The recent geomorphologic evolution of the statovolcano Popocatepetl (19°03′N, 98°35′W), including the volcanic activity and the evolution of the glacier that still exists on the north face, was assessed. Most of the data were obtained from references in historical sources and aerial photographs dating from 1945. This information was supplemented with data from fieldwork conducted between 1992 and 1995. Landform typology shows volcanic and glacial interactions. The conclusions affirm that a geomorphologic evolution of the volcano occurred since the maximum glacier advance in the Little Ice Age (LIA) and the formation of a proglacial ramp. Later, fluvioglacial gorges cut into the ramp, especially during the 1921/27 eruption. Once the glacier had shrunk to a small size and was left hanging above the steep slope, the streams disappeared, and the gorges filled with blocks that fell in snow and ice avalanches.