Volcanic Mass Flows of Popocatépetl (Mexico): Timing, Mechanics & Process
Volcanoes produce a range of products when they erupt from ash through to lava. Arguable some of the most catastrophic are associated with large mass flows. These range from hot pyroclastic flows through cold mud-flows (lahars) to debris avalanches associated with the flank collapse of the volcanic cones. The aim of this project is to enhance our understanding of the sedimentological products of these mass flows in order to better understand the processes involved. Professor Bennett in collaboration with Professor Huddart (Liverpool John Moores University) has been working for the last 2 years on a range volcanic mass flows around the flanks of Popocatépetl one of the largest and most active volcanoes within the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. By understand past event we can help predict future events, which is of some importance given that over 30 million people live around the flanks of this volcano in Mexico City - the world's largest city - and in the city of Puebla. To datethe work has focused on the sedimentology and flow dynamics of large lahars.
For more details contact Professor Matthew Bennett
