Global Volcanism Program | Pico de Orizaba

Pico de Orizaba

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Cite Volcano Profile

Mexico
Trans-Mexican Volcanic Arc
Composite | Stratovolcano
1846 CE

Country
Volcanic Region
Landform | Volc Type
Last Known Eruption

19.03°N
97.27°W
5,564 m
18,255 ft
341100

Latitude
Longitude
Summit
Elevation
Volcano
Number

Most Recent Bulletin Report: April 1994 (BGVN 19:04) Cite this Report

Low seismicity, no fumarolic activity, and no crater changes

Seismic activity was monitored on 22-24 April using one station located at 4,480 m elevation on the S flank. The station consisted of a 1-Hz vertical component seismometer, operating at 78 dB amplification with a band-pass filter between 0.3 and 30.0 Hz. The station registered five B-type events within a 5.5 hour time period on 23 April, and three events within 15 minutes of each other on 24 April. Coda duration was 10-18 seconds long; frequencies were in the 3-6 Hz range. Maximum peak-to-peak amplitudes measured 1-3 mm.

Observers who ascended to the summit found no fumarolic activity. Crater morphology was unchanged since visits in October 1992 and 1989. Water discharge from the "La virgen" spring at 4,400 m elevation had decreased to 0.5 liters/hour from 10 liters/hour in 1992.

Information Contacts: Guillermo González-Pomposo¹ and Carlos Valdés-González, Departamento de Sismología y Volcanología, Instituto de Geofísica, UNAM, Cd. Universitaría, 04510 D.F., México; ¹ Also at Benemérita Univ Autótonoma de Puebla, México.

The Global Volcanism Program has no Weekly Reports available for Pico de Orizaba.

Bulletin Reports - Index

Reports are organized chronologically and indexed below by Month/Year (Publication Volume:Number), and include a one-line summary. Click on the index link or scroll down to read the reports.

11/1992 (BGVN 17:11) Seismic monitoring finds little activity

04/1994 (BGVN 19:04) Low seismicity, no fumarolic activity, and no crater changes

Information is preliminary and subject to change. All times are local (unless otherwise noted)

November 1992 (BGVN 17:11) Cite this Report

Seismic monitoring finds little activity

During four days of seismic monitoring at Pico de Orizaba (10-13 October), only a single A-type event was recorded by an analog seismic station at 4,680 m above sea level on the S flank. The M 2.7 shock, on 12 October at 0124, had an S-P of 1.5 seconds, consistent with a depth of 8 km. The station, a 1-component (Z) 1-second seismometer, was operated at 72 dB amplification at 0.3-30 Hz. No fumarolic activity was observed and crater morphology has remained unchanged since the team's initial observation in 1989. Geologists plan a continued monitoring program.

Information Contacts: G. Pomposo, Benemérita University, Puebla; A. Martín del Pozzo, UNAM, México D.F.

April 1994 (BGVN 19:04) Cite this Report

Low seismicity, no fumarolic activity, and no crater changes

Basic Data

Volcano Number

Last Known Eruption

Elevation

Latitude
Longitude

341100

1846 CE

5,564 m / 18,255 ft

19.03°N
97.27°W

Morphology

Volcano Landform
Composite

Volcano Types
Stratovolcano
Caldera
Lava dome(s)

Rock Types

Major
Andesite / Basaltic Andesite
Dacite

Minor
Rhyolite
Trachyandesite / Basaltic Trachyandesite
Trachyte / Trachydacite

Tectonic Setting

Subduction zone
Continental crust (> 25 km)

Population

Within 5 km
Within 10 km
Within 30 km
Within 100 km

413
4,469
759,747
5,962,920

Geological Summary

Pico de Orizaba (Volcán Citlaltépetl), México's highest peak and North America's highest volcano, was formed in three stages beginning during the mid-Pleistocene. Orizaba lies at the southern end of a volcanic chain extending north to Cofre de Perote volcano and towers up to 4400 m above its eastern base. Construction of the initial Torrecillas and Espolón de Oro volcanoes was contemporaneous with growth of Sierra Negra volcano on the SW flank and was followed by edifice collapses that produced voluminous debris avalanches and lahars. The modern volcano was constructed during the late Pleistocene and Holocene of viscous andesitic and dacitic lavas, forming the current steep-sided cone. Repetitive explosive eruptions beginning during the early Holocene accompanied lava dome growth and lava effusion. Historical eruptions have consisted of moderate explosive activity and the effusion of dacitic lava flows. The latest eruption occurred during the 19th century.

References

The following references have all been used during the compilation of data for this volcano, it is not a comprehensive bibliography.

Cantagrel J-M, Gourgaud A, Robin C, 1984. Repetitive mixing events and Holocene pyroclastic activity at Pico de Orizaba and Popocatepetl (Mexico). Bulletin of Volcanology, 47: 735-748.

Capra L, Macias J L, Scott K M, Abrams M, Garduno-Monroy V H, 2002. Debris avalanches and debris flows transformed from collapses in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, Mexico - behavior, and implications for hazard assessment. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 113: 81-110.

Carrasco-Nunez G, 1997. Lava flow growth inferred from morphometric parameters: a case study of Citlaltepetl volcano, Mexico. Geol Mag, 134: 151-162.

Carrasco-Nunez G, 1999. Holocene block-and-ash flows from summit dome activity of Citlaltepetl volcano, Eastern Mexico. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 88: 47-66.

Carrasco-Nunez G, 2000. Structure and proximal stratigraphy of Citlaltepetl volcano (Pico de Orizaba), Mexico. In; Delgado-Granados H, Aguirre-Diaz G J, Stock J M (eds), Cenozoic Tectonics and Volcanism of Mexico, Geol Soc Amer Spec Pap, 334: 247-262.

Carrasco-Nunez G, Ban M, 1994. Geologic map and structure sections of the Citlaltepetl volcano summit area, Mexico. Univ Nac Auton Mexico, Cartas Geologicas Mineras no. 9.

Carrasco-Nunez G, Diaz-Castellon R, Siebert L, Hubbard B, Sheridan M F, Rodriguez S R, 2006. Multiple edifice-collapse events in the Eastern Mexican Volcanic Belt: the role of sloping substrate and implications for hazard assessment. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 158: 151-176.

Carrasco-Nunez G, Gomez-Tuena A, 1997. Volcanogenic sedimentation around Citlaltepetl (Pico de Orizaba) volcano and surroundings, Veracruz, Mexico. In: Aguirre G J, Aranda J J, Carrasco G, Ferrari L (eds) Magmatism and tectonics of central and northwestern Mexico - a selection of the 1997 IAVCEI General Assembly excursions, Mexico, D F: UNAM, Inst Geol, p 131-151.

Carrasco-Nunez G, Rose W I, 1995. Eruption of a major Holocene pyroclastic flow at Citlaltepetl volcano (Pico de Orizaba), Mexico, 8.5-9.0 ka. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 69: 197-215.

Carrasco-Nunez G, Vallance J W, Rose W I, 1993. A voluminous avalanche-induced lahar from Citlaltepetl volcano, Mexico: implications for hazard assessments. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 59: 35-46.

Crausaz W, 1993. Pico de Orizaba or Citlaltepetl: geology, archaeology, history, natural history, and mountaineering routes. Amherst, Ohio: Geopress Internatl, 594 p.

De la Cruz-Reyna S, Carrasco-Nunez G, 2002. Probabilistic hazard analysis of Citlaltepetl (Pico de Orizaba) Volcano, eastern Mexican Volcanic Belt. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 113: 307-318.

Gomez-Tuena A, Carrasco-Nunez G, 1999. Fragmentation, transport and deposition of a low-grade ignimbrite; the Citlaltepetl Ignimbrite, eastern Mexico. Bulletin of Volcanology, 60: 448-464.

Hoskuldsson A, Robin C, 1993. Late Pleistocene to Holocene eruptive activity of Pico de Orizaba, Eastern Mexico. Bulletin of Volcanology, 55: 571-587.

Luhr J F, Kimberly P G, Siebert L, Aranda-Gomez J J, Housh T B, Kysar Mattietti G, 2006. Quaternary volcanic rocks: insights from the MEXPET petrological and geochemical database. In: Siebe S, Macias J-L, Aguirre-Diaz G J (eds) Neogone-Quaternary continental margin volcanism: a perspective from Mexico, Geol Soc Amer Spec Pap, 402: 1-44.

Mooser F, Meyer-Abich H, McBirney A R, 1958. Central America. Catalog of Active Volcanoes of the World and Solfatara Fields, Rome: IAVCEI, 6: 1-146.

Negendank J F W, Emmermann R, Krawczyk R, Mooser F, Tobschall H, Werle D, 1985. Geological and geochemical investigations on the eastern Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. Geof Internac, 24: 477-575.

Robin C, Cantagrel J M, 1982. Le Pico de Orizaba (Mexique): structure et evolution d'un grand volcan andesitique complexe. Bulletin of Volcanology, 45: 299-315.

Rossotti A, Carrasco-Nunez G, Rosi M, Di Muro A, 2006. Eruptive dynamics of the "Citlalteptel Pumice" at Citlaltepetl volcano, eastern Mexico. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 158: 401-429.

Schaaf P, Carrasco-Nunez G, 2010. Geochemical and isotopic profile of Pico de Orizaba (Citlaltepetl) volcano, Mexico: insights for magma generation processes . Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 197: 108-122.

Sheridan M F, Carrasco-Nunez G, Hubbard B E, Siebe C, Rodriguez-Elizarraraz S, 2001. Mapa de peligros del Volcan Citlalteptel (Pico de Orizaba). Inst Geog, Univ Nac Autonoma Mexico, 1:250,000 scale.

Siebe C, Abrams M, Sheridan M F, 1993. Major Holocene block-and-ash fan at the western slope of ice-capped Pico de Orizaba volcano, Mexico: Implications for future hazards. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 59: 1-33.

Siebe C, Macias J L, Abrams M, Rodriguez S, Castro R, 1997. Catastrophic prehistoric eruptions at Popocatepetl and Quaternary explosive volcanism in the Serdan-Oriental Basin, east-central Mexico. IAVCEI General Assembly, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, January 19-24, 1997, Fieldtrip Guidebook, Excursion no 4, 88 p.

Zimbelman D R, Watters R J, Firth I R, Breit G N, Carrasco-Nunez G, 2004. Stratovolcano stability assessment methods and results from Citlaltepetl, Mexico. Bulletin of Volcanology, 66: 66-79.

Eruptive History

There is data available for 23 confirmed Holocene eruptive periods.

1846 Confirmed Eruption (Explosive / Effusive) VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption (Explosive / Effusive)

1846 - Unknown

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
1846	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1687 Confirmed Eruption (Explosive / Effusive) VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption (Explosive / Effusive)

1687 - Unknown

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	1687	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1613 Confirmed Eruption (Explosive / Effusive) VEI: 0

Episode 1 | Eruption (Explosive / Effusive)

1613 - Unknown

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow
	1613	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1569 - 1589 Confirmed Eruption (Explosive / Effusive) VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption (Explosive / Effusive)

1569 - 1589

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Ash
	1569	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1566 Confirmed Eruption (Explosive / Effusive) VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption (Explosive / Effusive)

1566 - Unknown

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow
1566	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1545 - 1555 (?) ± 10 years Confirmed Eruption (Explosive / Effusive) VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption (Explosive / Effusive)

1545 - 1555 (?) ± 10 years

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 4 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
1545	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1533 - 1539 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption (Explosive / Effusive)

1533 - 1539

Evidence from Unknown

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion	Uncertain
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow	Uncertain
1533	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1351 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption (Explosive / Effusive)

1351 - Unknown

Evidence from Unknown

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion	Uncertain
	1351	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1260 ± 50 years Confirmed Eruption (Explosive / Effusive) VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption (Explosive / Effusive)

1260 ± 50 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Pumice
1260 ± 50 years	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1187 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption (Explosive / Effusive)

1187 - Unknown

Evidence from Unknown

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion	Uncertain
	1187	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1175 Confirmed Eruption (Explosive / Effusive) VEI: 3 (?)

Episode 1 | Eruption (Explosive / Effusive)

1175 - Unknown

Evidence from Correlation: Anthropology

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
1175	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1157 ] Uncertain Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption (Explosive / Effusive)

1157 - Unknown

Evidence from Unknown

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion	Uncertain
	1157	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

0220 ± 75 years Confirmed Eruption (Explosive / Effusive) VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption (Explosive / Effusive)

0220 ± 75 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
0220 ± 75 years	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

0140 ± 50 years Confirmed Eruption (Explosive / Effusive) VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption (Explosive / Effusive)

0140 ± 50 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	0140 ± 50 years	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

0090 ± 40 years Confirmed Eruption (Explosive / Effusive) VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption (Explosive / Effusive)

0090 ± 40 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 7 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow
- - - -	- - - -	Lava dome
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Scoria
- - - -	- - - -	Property Damage
0090 ± 40 years	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

0040 ± 40 years Confirmed Eruption (Explosive / Effusive) VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption (Explosive / Effusive)

0040 ± 40 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
0040 ± 40 years	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

0780 BCE ± 50 years Confirmed Eruption (Explosive / Effusive) VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption (Explosive / Effusive)

0780 BCE ± 50 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
0780 BCE ± 50 years	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1500 BCE ± 75 years Confirmed Eruption (Explosive / Effusive) VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption (Explosive / Effusive)

1500 BCE ± 75 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	1500 BCE ± 75 years	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

2110 BCE ± 100 years Confirmed Eruption (Explosive / Effusive) VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption (Explosive / Effusive)

2110 BCE ± 100 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	2110 BCE ± 100 years	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

2300 BCE ± 75 years Confirmed Eruption (Explosive / Effusive) VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption (Explosive / Effusive)

La Perla unit

2300 BCE ± 75 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 7 Events for Episode 1 at La Perla unit

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow
- - - -	- - - -	Lava dome
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Blocks
- - - -	- - - -	Lahar or Mudflow
2300 BCE ± 75 years	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

2500 BCE ± 75 years Confirmed Eruption (Explosive / Effusive) VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption (Explosive / Effusive)

2500 BCE ± 75 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
2500 BCE ± 75 years	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

2780 BCE ± 75 years Confirmed Eruption (Explosive / Effusive) VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption (Explosive / Effusive)

2780 BCE ± 75 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
2780 BCE ± 75 years	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

4690 BCE ± 300 years Confirmed Eruption (Explosive / Effusive) VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption (Explosive / Effusive)

4690 BCE ± 300 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 7 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
- - - -	- - - -	Lava dome
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Blocks
- - - -	- - - -	Scoria
4690 BCE ± 300 years	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

6220 BCE ± 75 years Confirmed Eruption (Explosive / Effusive) VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption (Explosive / Effusive)

6220 BCE ± 75 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 6 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
- - - -	- - - -	Lava dome
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Scoria
6220 BCE ± 75 years	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

6710 BCE ± 150 years Confirmed Eruption (Explosive / Effusive) VEI: 5 (?)

Episode 1 | Eruption (Explosive / Effusive)

Upper Citlaltépetl ignimbrite

6710 BCE ± 150 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 7 Events for Episode 1 at Upper Citlaltépetl ignimbrite

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
- - - -	- - - -	Lava dome
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Scoria
- - - -	- - - -	Pumice
6710 BCE ± 150 years	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

7030 BCE ± 50 years Confirmed Eruption (Explosive / Effusive) VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption (Explosive / Effusive)

Lower Citlaltépetl ignimbrite

7030 BCE ± 50 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 8 Events for Episode 1 at Lower Citlaltépetl ignimbrite

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Phreatic activity
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
- - - -	- - - -	Lava dome
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Scoria
- - - -	- - - -	Pumice
7030 BCE ± 50 years	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

7530 BCE ± 40 years Confirmed Eruption (Explosive / Effusive)

Episode 1 | Eruption (Explosive / Effusive)

7530 BCE ± 40 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow

This compilation of synonyms and subsidiary features may not be comprehensive. Features are organized into four major categories: Cones, Craters, Domes, and Thermal Features. Synonyms of features appear indented below the primary name. In some cases additional feature type, elevation, or location details are provided.

Synonyms

Cones

Feature Name

Feature Type

Elevation

Latitude

Longitude

Espolón de Oro

Stratovolcano

Negra, Sierra

Stratovolcano

4580 m

Pico

Stratovolcano

4850 m

Torrecillas

Stratovolcano

Craters

Feature Name

Feature Type

Elevation

Latitude

Longitude

Teteltzingo

Crater

Domes

Feature Name

Feature Type

Elevation

Latitude

Longitude

Chichihuale, Cerro

Dome

Chichimeco

Dome

4160 m

19° 4' 0.00" N

97° 14' 0.00" W

Colorado, Cerro

Dome

Photo Gallery

Pico de Orizaba (Volcán Citlaltépetl) rises to 5675 m at the southern end of volcanic chain the extends north to Cofre de Perote volcano. Orizaba is seen here from its NW flank with the snow-free peak of Sarcofago halfway down the left skyline. Periodic major explosions during the Holocene from North America's highest volcano were separated by long quiescent periods. Eruptions during the past 5000 years have primarily produced dacitic lava flows. Historical activity has consisted of minor ash eruptions and the extrusion of viscous lava flows.

Copyrighted photo by Katia and Maurice Krafft, 1978.

These large hills on the outskirts of the city of Huatusco, 35 km from Orizaba, are hummocks of the Jamapa debris avalanche and debris flow deposit, which covers 350 km². The avalanche occurred during the late Pleistocene by collapse of the northern side of Torrecillas volcano, a predecessor to Orizaba, and created a 3.5-km-wide horseshoe-shaped scarp. The rapidly moving avalanche was able to ride up and over a ridge into drainages that do not originate from Orizaba.

Photo by Lee Siebert, 1997 (Smithsonian Institution).

Pico de Orizaba (Volcán Citlaltépetl) rises 4,500 m above the Gulf of Mexico coastal plain. Its summit contained a 500-m-wide crater that was 300 m deep at the time of this 1997 photo. It is seen here from the NNE with the Jamapa glacier to the right above the NW-flank peak of Sarcofago (right center). The present summit cone was constructed during the Holocene, overtopping previously collapsed edifices.

Photo by Gerardo Carrasco-Núñez, 1997 (Universidad Autónoma Nacional de México).

Pico de Orizaba, also known as Citlaltépetl ("Mountain of the Star") is seen here from the south. The snow-free peak to the left is Sierra Negra, a Pleistocene volcano that was active simultaneously with Orizaba. These volcanoes mark the southernmost extent of the Cofre de Perote-Pico de Orizaba volcanic chain.

Photo by José Macías, 1996 (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México).

The evening sun illuminates the Pico de Orizaba western flank. The smaller peak to the left is the NW-flank peak of Sarcofago. The NW-dipping lavas of Sarcofago, which is part of the Espolón de Oro edifice, were exposed by edifice collapse. The collapse event forming a horseshoe-shaped crater, inside which the modern cone was constructed.

Photo by José Macías, 1995 (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México).

Pico de Orizaba volcano towers above ridges of Cretaceous limestone on its ENE flank. The glaciated volcano was constructed during three stages and has undergone edifice collapse on several occasions. Collapse of the initial Torrecillas edifice during the Pleistocene produced the massive Jamapa debris avalanche. It traveled down the Jamapa river and overtopped gaps in limestone foothills to reach the current area of the city of Huatusco, beyond where this photo was taken.

Photo by Lee Siebert, 1998 (Smithsonian Institution).

Pico de Orizaba volcano rises above the escarpment at the eastern margin of the Mexican Altiplano. It is seen here from the SE, along the road between Puebla and Orizaba. Like other volcanoes of the Pico de Orizaba-Cofre de Perote chain, deposits of Orizaba are asymmetrically distributed around the summit vent, and extend farther to the east towards the coastal plain.

Photo by Lee Siebert, 1998 (Smithsonian Institution).

A massive columnar jointed lava flow is exposed in a valley NE of Orizaba volcano. The roughly 530,000-year-old Calcahualco lava flow was erupted during the Torrecillas stage, from the first of three major volcanic edifices forming the volcano. The source vent of this flow is now buried.

Photo by Lee Siebert, 1998 (Smithsonian Institution).

Like other volcanoes in the Cofre de Perote-Pico de Orizaba chain, Orizaba was constructed on the edge of the Altiplano and consequently has higher relief on the eastern side facing the Atlantic coastal plain. Glaciated Orizaba towers 4,200 m above fields near the town of Coscomatepec on its eastern flank. The valley to the left was impacted by the voluminous clay-rich Tetelzingo debris avalanche and lahar during the late Pleistocene.

Photo by Lee Siebert, 1998 (Smithsonian Institution).

Pico de Orizaba volcano is seen here at sunrise above the town of Calcahualco. The volcano is named for the city of Orizaba below its SE flank, but is also known by the Aztec name of Citlaltépetl (Star Mountain). The volcano has a rich cultural history. Its lower slopes host Aztec villages, pyramids, and temples, and it is depicted in Aztec hieroglyphics.

Photo by Lee Siebert, 1998 (Smithsonian Institution).

Pico de Orizaba volcano is seen here from the south, with snow-free Sierra Negra volcano to its left. Sierra Negra is the southernmost major vent of the roughly NNE-SSW-trending Pico de Orizaba-Cofre de Perote volcanic chain. The construction of Sierra Negra was contemporaneous with the mid-Pleistocene early stages in the formation of Orizaba volcano. Sierra Negra is composed largely of lava flows and produced numerous pyroclastic flows mainly to the SW and W.

Photo by Lee Siebert, 1998 (Smithsonian Institution).

México's highest volcano, Pico de Orizaba, is seen here in an aerial view from the SE. The modern Citlaltépetl cone, marking the upper part of the volcano, was constructed within horseshoe-shaped scarps formed by previous edifice collapse events. The orange-brown ridges at the middle left and center are remnants of the oldest edifice, Torrecillas. The lighter-colored area between these two ridges is a thick, historical, lava flow that was erupted from the modern cone.

Photo by Gerardo Carrasco-Núñez, 1997 (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México).

Glaciated Pico de Orizaba (Citlaltépetl) rises 50 km to the SW above rolling terrain south of the town of Xico, on the lower flanks of Cofre de Perote.

Photo by Lee Siebert, 2000 (Smithsonian Institution).

The lava flow descended the SW flank of Pico de Orizaba is about 110 m thick and up to 1.3 km wide at its terminus 5.5 km from the summit, and. has at least eight individual flow lobes. A portion of the flow that was diverted by topography to the west can be seen half-way up the flank. The smaller peak on the lower SW flank to the left of the lava flow is Cerro Colorado, a less than 90,000-year-old lava dome.

Photo by Gerardo Carrasco-Núñez, 2002 (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México).

The Pico de Orizaba summit crater is 400 x 500 m with a crater floor 300 m below the summit on the NW side of the rim. Climbers' tracks can be seen on the Jamapa Glacier to the lower right.

Photo by Gerardo Carrasco-Núñez, 1997 (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México).

Pico de Orizaba (Volcán Citlaltépetl) formed on the margin of the Altiplano and has substantially higher relief on its eastern (right) side. Debris avalanches and lahars produced by edifice collapse have swept down the eastern flanks onto the coastal plain. A lava flow with lateral levees is visible on the lower SW flank below the summit. The eroded peak to the lower left beyond the lava flow terminus is Sierra Negra, the southernmost peak of the Cofre de Perote-Orizaba volcanic chain.

NASA Landsat satellite image, 1999 (courtesy of Loren Siebert, University of Akron).

Smithsonian Sample Collections Database

The following 1 samples associated with this volcano can be found in the Smithsonian's NMNH Department of Mineral Sciences collections, and may be availble for research (contact the Rock and Ore Collections Manager). Catalog number links will open a window with more information.

Catalog Number	Sample Description	Lava Source	Collection Date
NMNH 61330	Hornblende Andesite	--	--

External Sites

Copernicus Browser

The Copernicus Browser replaced the Sentinel Hub Playground browser in 2023, to provide access to Earth observation archives from the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem, the main distribution platform for data from the EU Copernicus missions.

MIROVA

Middle InfraRed Observation of Volcanic Activity (MIROVA) is a near real time volcanic hot-spot detection system based on the analysis of MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) data. In particular, MIROVA uses the Middle InfraRed Radiation (MIR), measured over target volcanoes, in order to detect, locate and measure the heat radiation sourced from volcanic activity.

MODVOLC Thermal Alerts

Using infrared satellite Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data, scientists at the Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, University of Hawai'i, developed an automated system called MODVOLC to map thermal hot-spots in near real time. For each MODIS image, the algorithm automatically scans each 1 km pixel within it to check for high-temperature hot-spots. When one is found the date, time, location, and intensity are recorded. MODIS looks at every square km of the Earth every 48 hours, once during the day and once during the night, and the presence of two MODIS sensors in space allows at least four hot-spot observations every two days. Each day updated global maps are compiled to display the locations of all hot spots detected in the previous 24 hours. There is a drop-down list with volcano names which allow users to 'zoom-in' and examine the distribution of hot-spots at a variety of spatial scales.

WOVOdat
   Single Volcano View
   Temporal Evolution of Unrest
   Side by Side Volcanoes

WOVOdat is a database of volcanic unrest; instrumentally and visually recorded changes in seismicity, ground deformation, gas emission, and other parameters from their normal baselines. It is sponsored by the World Organization of Volcano Observatories (WOVO) and presently hosted at the Earth Observatory of Singapore.

GVMID Data on Volcano Monitoring Infrastructure The Global Volcano Monitoring Infrastructure Database GVMID, is aimed at documenting and improving capabilities of volcano monitoring from the ground and space. GVMID should provide a snapshot and baseline view of the techniques and instrumentation that are in place at various volcanoes, which can be use by volcano observatories as reference to setup new monitoring system or improving networks at a specific volcano. These data will allow identification of what monitoring gaps exist, which can be then targeted by remote sensing infrastructure and future instrument deployments.

Volcanic Hazard Maps

The IAVCEI Commission on Volcanic Hazards and Risk has a Volcanic Hazard Maps database designed to serve as a resource for hazard mappers (or other interested parties) to explore how common issues in hazard map development have been addressed at different volcanoes, in different countries, for different hazards, and for different intended audiences. In addition to the comprehensive, searchable Volcanic Hazard Maps Database, this website contains information about diversity of volcanic hazard maps, illustrated using examples from the database. This site is for educational purposes related to volcanic hazard maps. Hazard maps found on this website should not be used for emergency purposes. For the most recent, official hazard map for a particular volcano, please seek out the proper institutional authorities on the matter.

IRIS seismic stations/networks

Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) Data Services map showing the location of seismic stations from all available networks (permanent or temporary) within a radius of 0.18° (about 20 km at mid-latitudes) from the given location of Pico de Orizaba. Users can customize a variety of filters and options in the left panel. Note that if there are no stations are known the map will default to show the entire world with a "No data matched request" error notice.

UNAVCO GPS/GNSS stations

Geodetic Data Services map from UNAVCO showing the location of GPS/GNSS stations from all available networks (permanent or temporary) within a radius of 20 km from the given location of Pico de Orizaba. Users can customize the data search based on station or network names, location, and time window. Requires Adobe Flash Player.

DECADE Data

The DECADE portal, still in the developmental stage, serves as an example of the proposed interoperability between The Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program, the Mapping Gas Emissions (MaGa) Database, and the EarthChem Geochemical Portal. The Deep Earth Carbon Degassing (DECADE) initiative seeks to use new and established technologies to determine accurate global fluxes of volcanic CO₂ to the atmosphere, but installing CO₂ monitoring networks on 20 of the world's 150 most actively degassing volcanoes. The group uses related laboratory-based studies (direct gas sampling and analysis, melt inclusions) to provide new data for direct degassing of deep earth carbon to the atmosphere.

Large Eruptions of Pico de Orizaba

Information about large Quaternary eruptions (VEI >= 4) is cataloged in the Large Magnitude Explosive Volcanic Eruptions (LaMEVE) database of the Volcano Global Risk Identification and Analysis Project (VOGRIPA).

EarthChem

EarthChem develops and maintains databases, software, and services that support the preservation, discovery, access and analysis of geochemical data, and facilitate their integration with the broad array of other available earth science parameters. EarthChem is operated by a joint team of disciplinary scientists, data scientists, data managers and information technology developers who are part of the NSF-funded data facility Integrated Earth Data Applications (IEDA). IEDA is a collaborative effort of EarthChem and the Marine Geoscience Data System (MGDS).