Activity of Paricutin Volcano from July 1 to December 31, 1951

Abstract

Continuous observation of activity at Parícutin Volcano during the second half of 1951 was carried on mainly by Celedonio Gutiérrez and partly by Jesús Saldañna. The senior author was at Paricutin July 10–12, August 24–27, November 14–15 and 19–22, and December 27–30, for a total of 17 days during the period. Observatory data of Gutiérrez and Saldaña are presented in the diagrams of eruptive characteristics in Figures 1–3, and their records of weather conditions, rainfall, and ashfall are summarized in Table 1. Gutiérrez also mapped the monthly advance of the lava during the period, as shown in Figure 6. The senior author prepared the summaries in Table 2 and measured the changes in horizontal distances and elevations of points on the cone, as given in Table 3, besides interpreting the data, formulating the report, and commenting on the progress of the activity.