Volcanic Processes in Central Mexico

Central Mexico lies astride the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, a continental arc formed by the subduction of the Cocos and Rivera plates beneath the North American Plate. Within this region, volcanic activity ranges from persistent stratovolcanoes such as Popocatépetl and Nevado de Toluca to monogenetic fields exemplified by Parícutin and the Michoacán–Guanajuato volcanic field. Magma genesis is controlled by slab dehydration, mantle wedge melting and crustal assimilation, producing a spectrum from basaltic andesite to dacite. The evolution of magmatic systems is recorded in complex plumbing architectures, where deep mafic melts intrude and hybridise with upper-crustal silicic mushes. Caldera collapse and ignimbrite formation at sites like Acoculco have created high-potential geothermal reservoirs. Surface processes include effusive flank eruptions, explosive Plinian events and phreatomagmatic interactions. Seismic swarms, ground deformation and geochemical proxies such as radon release and ultra-low frequency electromagnetic perturbations serve as key monitoring tools. The interplay of tectonics, hydrothermal circulation and magma recharge underpins both volcanic hazards for densely populated centres and opportunities for geothermal energy development, with global relevance for volcanic arcs elsewhere.

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Volcanic Processes in Central Mexico publication trend

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Technical terms

Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt: A regional volcanic arc formed by the oblique subduction of the Cocos and Rivera plates beneath central Mexico.

Magma hybridization: The mixing and chemical interaction between distinct magmas or between magma and crystal mush within a volcanic plumbing system.

Monogenetic volcano: A volcano that erupts only once, producing a single edifice such as a cinder cone or maar.

Plumbing system: The network of magma reservoirs, dykes and conduits through which magma ascends from source to surface.

Caldera: A large, often circular depression formed by collapse of the crust following the evacuation of a magma chamber.

References

1. New Insights into the Simulations of Electric Currents for Discharges and ULF Magnetic-Field Perturbations: Applications to the Popocatepetl Volcano and a Micro-Discharge Model. Remote Sensing (2023).
2. Geology of the late Pliocene – Pleistocene Acoculco caldera complex, eastern Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (México). Journal of Maps (2018).
3. Integrated Stress Field Estimation and Implications for Enhanced Geothermal System Development in Acoculco, Mexico. Geothermics (2021).
4. A Pyroxenic View on Magma Hybridization and Crystallization at Popocatépetl Volcano, Mexico. Frontiers in Earth Science (2020).
5. Repeated seismic swarms near Paricutin volcano: precursors to the birth of a new monogenetic volcano in the Michoacán-Guanajuato volcanic field, México?. Bulletin of Volcanology (2023).
6. The Long-Term Life-Cycle of Nevado de Toluca Volcano (Mexico): Insights Into the Origin of Petrologic Modes. Frontiers in Earth Science (2020).
7. Petrology, magnetostratigraphy and geochronology of the Miocene volcaniclastic Tepoztlán Formation: implications for the initiation of the Transmexican Volcanic Belt (Central Mexico). Bulletin of Volcanology (2010).