About Jocotitlan
Jocotitlan is a stratovolcano rising to 3,900 meters (12,796 feet) in Mexico's Middle America-Caribbean Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1270 CE. The volcano has produced 2 recorded eruptions.
Geography & Climate
Jocotitlan is located in Mexico, within the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Arc of the broader Middle America-Caribbean Volcanic Regions. Situated at 19.73° N, 99.76° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. Standing at 3,900 meters above sea level, Jocotitlan towers above the alpine zone, where vegetation gives way to bare rock, snow, and ice for much of the year. The high elevation means the upper slopes experience significantly colder temperatures than surrounding lowlands. The volcanic landform is characterized as a composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Jocotitlan sits in a subduction zone, where one tectonic plate dives beneath another, creating intense heat and pressure that generates magma. Subduction zones are responsible for many of the world's most explosive volcanoes and deadliest eruptions. For communities in Mexico near Jocotitlan, this tectonic setting means the volcano is capable of producing powerful explosive eruptions, pyroclastic flows, and lahars that can threaten populated areas within tens of kilometers of the summit. The dominant rock type is dacite, an intermediate to silica-rich volcanic rock. This composition typically produces more viscous magma, leading to more explosive eruptions with ash columns and pyroclastic flows. Andesitic and dacitic magmas build pressure before erupting, which is why volcanoes with this rock chemistry are often associated with Plinian-style eruptions that can send ash tens of kilometers into the atmosphere and disrupt aviation across entire regions.
Eruption History Summary
Jocotitlan has 2 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 7740 BCE to 1270 CE. These eruptions span roughly 9,010 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
Jocotitlán is an isolated composite volcano that rises above the Toluca basin 60 km WNW of Mexico City. The volcano was constructed during the Pleistocene of andesitic-to-dacitic lava flows. A major obsidian-bearing dacitic Plinian eruption was followed by the emplacement of a dacitic lava-dome complex, accompanied by lava effusion, pumice-fall eruptions, and pyroclastic surges. The most prominent feature is a horseshoe-shaped escarpment open to the NE that formed as a result of gravitational failure of the summit during the early Holocene. The resulting debris-avalanche deposit covers an 80 km2 area to the NE. Lava dome emplacement accompanied by pyroclastic flows and surges subsequently filled much of the avalanche scarp. The latest known eruption occurred about 700 years ago and produced block-and-ash flows and pyroclastic surges.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
2 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1270 | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 7740 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Jocotitlan
Is Jocotitlan an active volcano?+
Jocotitlan is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 1270 CE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Jocotitlan last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Jocotitlan occurred in 1270 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Jocotitlan has 2 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Jocotitlan?+
Jocotitlan has a summit elevation of 3,900 meters (12,796 feet) above sea level. At 3,900 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Jocotitlan?+
Jocotitlan is classified as a Stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes (also called composite volcanoes) are steep, conical volcanoes built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. They are among the most common and dangerous types, known for explosive eruptions.
Where is Jocotitlan located?+
Jocotitlan is located in Mexico, in the Middle America-Caribbean Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 19.730° latitude, -99.758° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Jocotitlan?+
Jocotitlan can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Mexico may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
