The Aztec or Nahuatl word “Popocatépetl” translates to “smoking mountain,” an apt name for Popocatépetl Volcano. Affectionately known as El Popo in Mexico, the stratovolcano remained inactive for over 70 years until erupting in December, 1994. Since then, it’s continued to semi-regularly command attention with toxic fumes, ash, and flying hot rock fragments.
From May 19 to 22, 2023, Mexico-based photographer Enrique Barquet captured these time-lapse and drone sequences of an active Popocatépetl. The one minute 15 second video ends with real-time footage.
Located around 70 kilometers (45 miles) southeast of Mexico City, Popocatépetl is one of the world’s most closely-monitored geological phenomenon. Via LAist:
“Scientists in Mexico say it’s impossible to tell how long this new activity will last, or whether recent activity might lead to such a blast… Mexico has deployed about 7,000 troops to the region to help prepare for an evacuation if one is needed. More than 25 million people live within 60 miles of the peak.”
Luckily, scientists believe that stronger volcanic activity would still give them enough warning to evacuate.
Barquet has filmed Popocatépetl volcano for years. In March 2020, he wrote (translated from Spanish):
“This sacred mountain has been a source of inspiration since pre-Columbian times, to date. This video summarizes at least 8 months of work and many cold nights at the feet of this colossus.”
Watch these volcano videos next:
• What makes volcanoes erupt?
• Time-lapse eruption videos of Chile’s Calbuco Volcano
• Volcano Summer Camp
• Volcanic Eruptions 101: How It Happens
• The Geldingardalsgos eruption in Fagradalsfjall: Daring drone and time-lapse videos
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