Chichinautzin Volcanic Field Research Articles

Scoria cone erosional degradation by incision: Different behaviors in three volcanic fields reflect environmental conditions

Abstract Alluvial processes acting on scoria cones cause the development of a drainage network composed of radially distributed rills and gullies parallel to the volcanic edifice's downslope direction. We quantify the degree of drainage network development by applying the Average Erosion Index (AEI) method to scoria cones from the arid to semi-arid Lunar Crater volcanic field (Nevada, United States) and comparing our results with previously obtained results from two tropical volcanic fields (Sierra Chichinautzin volcanic field and the Parícutin-Tancítaro region, both in central Mexico). We show that the AEI method is useful in determining geomorphic age relations when calibrated separately for each field. Furthermore, the differences in AEI results for the three studied fields indicate that the method provides a way of quantifying the effects of different alluvial erosion rates at volcanic fields across various environments, including a delay in alluvial processes on cones in arid settings that has been qualitatively inferred by previous studies.

Heterogeneous dacitic magmas and the role of crustal assimilation in the Sierra Chichinautzin Volcanic Field, central Mexico: a perspective from crustal xenoliths

ABSTRACT The Sierra Chichinautzin Volcanic Field (SCVF) is constituted by diverse monogenetic volcanic structures with heterogeneous chemical composition. Dacitic magmas are widely distributed in this volcanic field and are the most felsic products. Tabaquillo lava is an example of such felsic rocks, it is porphyritic and highly crystalline, constituted by large phenocrysts of plagioclase and quartz (>1 mm long) + ortho and clinopyroxene + biotite and minor amphibole. Coarse-grained and equigranular clasts classified as ‘crystal-rich enclaves’ are also common in the lava flow, with variable compositions (basaltic andesite, andesite, and dacite) and ages of 0.35–0.36 Ma. The presence of metasandstone crustal xenoliths in the Tabaquillo lava flow, with a maximum sedimentation age of 150 Ma, attests to crustal assimilation of the Guerrero terrain rocks. Isotopic data of Tabaquillo lava and other volcanic rocks from the SCVF show notable variations (87Sr/86Sr = 0.70379–0.70474; 143Nd/144Nd = 0.51272–0.51288). Most of them lie in the mantle array but trending to the more radiogenic metasandstone xenolith and Guerrero terrain rocks (87Sr/86Sr = 0.71271 and 0.71627), suggesting that SCVF magmas have partially assimilated these rocks. Interaction between SCVF magmas with metasandstone, quartzite, and skarn rocks took place at depths > 1.3 km, imprinting geochemical and isotopic characteristics on the felsic magmas and produced the diverse compositional lithologies in the entire SCVF. Additionally, crystal-rich enclaves produced during previous magmatic pulses stalled at different depths, were later mixed with the ascending mafic magma, and subsequently incorporated into the crystal cargo that reached the surface. The common presence of quartz crystals (sometimes with reaction rims of clinopyroxene) found in many SCVF lavas could derive from the crystal-rich magmatic enclaves and/or from the metasandstone basement rocks.

Innovative methodology for estimating Mountain-Front Recharge in data-scarce regions: A case study in Mexico City

Despite the critical role mountainous regions play in the hydrological cycle, the scarcity of subsurface hydrogeological data hampers accurate estimations of mountain-front recharge (MFR) and its components. This research proposes a cost-effective and replicable methodology for the preliminary estimation of MFR components in conditions of data scarcity. The proposed methodology, encompassing three phases, involves developing a hydrological conceptual model, creating a rainfall-runoff model, and estimating MFR values and their components (surface mountain-front recharge and mountain-block recharge); it enhances understanding of hydrologic processes in mountain zones by interpreting relationships among precipitation, altitude, and geology, influencing variations in recharge and water table position. A key contribution is the methodology's replicability in any mountainous area, even in the absence of detailed information, such as in protected natural areas. A case study is presented by estimating MFR in the Conservation Area of Mexico City (officially known as Suelo de Conservación), composed by the mountain ranges of Sierra de las Cruces and Chichinautzin Volcanic Field. The results emphasize the distinct distribution of MFR components and water table position in the two mountain regions, suggesting a need for a tailored approach to water management in the basin. The proposed methodology is cost-effective to understand the water dynamics in data-scarce regions, contributing to mountain-front recharge management.

Testing less-conventional methods to date a late-pleistocene to Holocene eruption: Radiocarbon dating of paleosols and 36Cl exposure ages at Pelado volcano, Sierra Chichinautzin, Central Mexico

Despite their significance for estimating hazards and forecasting future activity, dating young volcanic deposits and landforms (<50,000 yrs old) remains a challenge due to the limitations inherent to the different isotopic chronometers used. The Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt is one of the most active and populated continental arcs worldwide, yet its temporal pattern of activity is poorly constrained. Such deficiency is particularly problematic for the Sierra Chichinautzin Volcanic Field (SCVF) that is located at the doorstep of Mexico City and Cuernavaca and is hence a major source of risk for these cities. Existing ages for this area derive mostly from either radiocarbon on charcoal, which is rare and may be contaminated, or 40 Ar/ 39 Ar on rock matrix, which is poorly precise for this time period and rock type. Here, we focus on the Pelado monogenetic volcano, which is located in the central part of the SCVF and erupted both explosively and effusively, producing a large lava shield and a widespread tephra blanket. This unique eruptive event was previously dated at ∼12 calibrated (cal) kyrs BP, using radiocarbon dating on charcoal from deposits related to the eruption. To test alternative dating approaches and confirm the age of this significant eruption, we applied two less conventional techniques, radiocarbon dating of bulk paleosol samples collected below the complete tephra sequence at nine sites around the shield, and in-situ 36 Cl exposure dating of two samples of an aphyric lava from the base of the shield. Radiocarbon paleosol ages span a continuous time interval from 13.2 to 20.2 cal kyrs BP (2σ), except for one anomalously young sample. This wide age spread, along with the low organic contents of the paleosols, may be due to erosive conditions, related to the sloping topography of the sampling sites and the cool and relatively dry climate of the Younger Dryas (11.7–12.9 ka), during which the Pelado eruption probably occurred. The two 36 Cl-dated lava samples have consistent ages at 1σ analytical errors of 15.5 ± 1.4 ka and 13.2 ± 1.2 ka, respectively, yielding an average age of 14.3 ± 1.6 ka for this lava flow. The high full uncertainty in 36 Cl ages (24%) is due to high rock Cl content. We conclude that paleosol radiocarbon dating is useful if numerous samples are analyzed and climatic and relief conditions at the time of the eruption and at the sites of tephra deposition are considered. The 36 Cl dating technique is an alternative method to date volcanic eruptions, as it gave consistent results, but in the specific case of Pelado volcano, the high Cl content in the analyzed rocks increases the age uncertainties. • Catalogue of recent eruptions in Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt is incomplete. • 14 C on paleosol and 36 Cl dating are used on a previously dated monogenetic volcano. • New ages are coherent with previous 14 C charcoal age. • Spread in paleosol ages likely due to erosive conditions at time of eruption. • 36 Cl ages are statistically consistent but poorly precise, due to high Cl in rock.

Digital Elevation Model resolution: Effects on the chronometry-oriented morphological analysis of monogenetic scoria cones in the Sierra Chichinautzin, central Mexico

Morphological characterization of monogenetic cones provides essential information on different genetic, evolutionary, and hazard-related features of dispersive volcanism. Specifically, it may be used to measure the degree of erosional shape alteration of scoria cones, and from there, to estimate the age of individual volcanoes in extensive volcanic fields and the hazard implications of the cones' age distribution. Here we compare diverse morphometric parameters, some resulting from the elevation profiles analyses, and a novel one obtained from a shape characterization of elevation contours using Elliptical Fourier Descriptors, of 19 radiometrically-dated monogenetic scoria cones in the Sierra Chichinautzin Volcanic Field in Central Mexico. The parameters were calculated from two independent Digital Elevation Models with different resolutions: the 12 m resolution TanDEM-X SAR database, and a 5 m resolution airborne LIDAR DEM. From the analysis of the available information on the volcanic cones in the age range 1.6 to 222 ka, we conclude that the age-relevant morphometric parameters calculated from the TanDEM-X satellite DEM render alike values and perform equally well as the LIDAR airborne DEM for the morpho-chronological characterization of scoria cones, expanding the role of digital satellite elevation data to the study of detailed features of distributed volcanism at a global level.

Analysis of geomagnetic secular variation for the last 1.5 Ma recorded by volcanic rocks of the Trans Mexican Volcanic Belt: new data from Sierra de Chichinautzin, Mexico

SummaryThe great wealth of volcanism along the Trans Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB) and the need to improve the secular variation curve of the Earth magnetic field of the region is the aim of this research. 300 oriented cores from 33 sites and 21 individual cooling units were acquired from Sierra de Chichinautzin volcanic field (ChVF) and Sierra de Santa Catarina (SSC). Directional analysis and rock magnetic experiments were performed (e.g. thermal demagnetization, hysteresis loop, susceptibility vs temperature), achieving 21 new averaged palaeomagnetic directions. New results are consistent with the previous studies on the same cooling unit. We compiled all the palaeomagnetic studies performed on the ChVF, updating age and calculating an average direction per cooling unit and estimating an overall mean direction for the ChVF (Dec = 359.1°, Inc = 35.3°, N = 33, k = 21.6, α95 = 5.5°, Plat = 87.7° N, Plong = 227.4° E, K = 31.8, A95 = 4.5°).Afterwards, we compiled all the previous palaeomagnetic studies along the whole TMVB with age ranging from 0 to 1.5 Ma, and constrained the directional analyses by specific quality criteria such as well-defined age, number of samples and quality of kappa) on the cooling unit consistency.The mean direction and virtual geomagnetic pole (VGP) estimated for the TMVB, during the periods 0–40 ka and 0–1.5 Ma, are close to the geographic pole, supporting the validity of the geocentric axial dipole hypothesis. The directional results of this study also fit well with the predictions at Mexico City of the models SHA.DIF.14k and CALS10k2 calculated for the last 14 ka. The dispersion of the VGP's on the TMVB are also consistent with the expected values proposed by different models of palaeosecular variation. However, large gaps in the temporal record remain that should be filled by further palaeomagnetic studies.

Comprehensive Paleomagnetic Study of Chichinautzin Volcanic Field, Central Mexico

Comprehensive Paleomagnetic Study of Chichinautzin Volcanic Field, Central Mexico

Pómez Bosque de Tlalpan, producto de una erupción de gran magnitud en el margen suroeste de la cuenca de México

In this contribution we describe a white pumice fall deposit, informally named pómez Bosque de Tlalpan (PBT), found in several outcrops in the southern Mexico basin. The most representative sequence occurs at the Bosque de Tlalpan park, Delegación Tlalpan, in Mexico City. In this site the deposit is 3 m thick, massive, and contains 80–90 vol. % of pumice clasts, predominantly of coarse lapilli-sized and some block-sized fragments. The PBT has a dacitic composition (64.9–66 wt. % SiO2, on anhydrous basis) of calc-alkaline affinity, and a mineral assemblage represented by plagioclase &gt; amphibole &gt; orthopyroxene &gt; biotite, ±Fe-Ti oxides, with quartz in lesser proportions, and zircon as accesory mineral, in a vesicular and glassy matrix. According to data collected from seven outcrops, thickness and clast size of the deposit decrease towards the NE and therefore the vent source should be located to the SW of Bosque de Tlalpan. Possible sources are the volcanoes Ajusco and San Miguel, which are part of the Sierra de Las Cruces volcanic range, and are located in this direction at ~11 km from Bosque de Tlalpan. The age of the PBT deposit was determined by radiocarbon dating of underlying paleosoils that yielded 25,730 ± 130 to 37,450 ± 330 yrs B.P. (Late Pleistocene). Additionally, thermoluminscence dating of one sample yielded an age of 30,300 ± 5,000 years, similar to the radiocarbon ages. Hence, the PBT represents the youngest reported deposit from the Sierra de Las Cruces volcanic range. Although only seven outcrops were described in this work, we interpret the PBT deposit as produced by a plinian-type eruption, based on its massive structure, its ca. 3 m thickness, and the presence of pumice clasts in coarse lapilli to block sizes, as well as 3.5 cm sized lithics, at 11 km from the possible vent source, characteristic of this kind of deposits. We discard the monogenetic volcanoes from the Chichinautzin volcanic field as the vent source of the PBT deposit, because this kind of volcanoes is relatively mafic in composition and do not produce plinian-type deposits.

The ~ 2000 yr BP Jumento volcano, one of the youngest edifices of the Chichinautzin Volcanic Field, Central Mexico

Abstract The Chichinautzin Volcanic Field is situated at the southern limit of the Basin of Mexico and the Metropolitan area of Mexico City, the third most populated city around the world. The Chichinautzin Volcanic field holds more than 220 monogenetic volcanoes. Xitle is the youngest of these with an estimated age of 1.6 ky BP. Xitle's eruptive activity took place during the Mesoamerican Mexican Pre-classic period and is related to the destruction of Cuicuilco Archaeological Site, the oldest civilization known in Central Mexico. However, there are still several regional cones that have not been dated. Based on 14 C ages, stratigraphic and geomorphologic criteria, we conclude that the Jumento volcano, located to the west of Xitle, is one of the youngest cones of the Chichinautzin Volcanic Field. The Jumento volcano has a basaltic andesite composition, and its eruptive activity was initially hydromagmatic, followed by Strombolian and finally effusive events occurred recorded through: (1) a sequence of hydromagmatic pyroclastic surges and ashfall layers emplaced at a radius of > 5 km from the crater with charcoal fragments at its base; this activity built the Jumento's cone with slopes of 32°; and (2) lava flows that breached the southern part of the cone and flowed for up to 2.5 km from the vent. The resulting 14 C ages for this volcano yielded a maximum age of ~ 2 ky BP. Morphometric analysis indicates that the state of degradation of Jumento cone is similar to the Xitle, suggesting that the Jumento could be in the state of degradation of a volcanic structure of similar age or younger adding credence to the probable radiocarbon age of ~ 2 ky BP for the Jumento edifice.

Volcanic stratigraphy of a high-altitude Mammuthus columbi (Tlacotenco, Sierra Chichinautzin), Central México

The discovery of a near complete skeleton of Mammuthus columbi in a cornfield located on the northern slopes of the Sierra Chichinautzin volcanic field south of Mexico City sparked the interest of the scientific and public community. Although remains of this species of mammoth are frequently discovered in central Mexico, this new find is at the southernmost and highest (ca. 2770 m asl) location yet within the Mexico Basin. In addition, the bones were found embedded in dark volcanic ash, raising the possibility of a relationship between the death of the animal and explosive activity at a neighboring scoria cone, as the site is located <10 km from several young volcanoes. Stratigraphic, sedimentological, geochemical, and geochronological studies were conducted at the discovery site and within a 5-km radius to determine the tephra stratigraphy in the area and constrain the source of the “mammoth ash” and the age and taphonomy of the fossil remains. Results show that the mammoth was buried after death by stream-flows (dilute lahars) that were triggered by torrential rain that remobilized loose scoriaceous ash ejected by the San Miguel cone some time after its eruption ca. 17,000 BP.

Rates of pedogenic processes in volcanic landscapes of late Pleistocene to Holocene age in Central Mexico

The Transmexican Volcanic Belt and its many volcanic fields of different ages offer good opportunities to study soil development on volcanic tephra of intermediate to basaltic composition. We studied a soil chronosequence within the Sierra Chichinautzin volcanic field (SCVF), south of the basin of Mexico, and aimed to establish the rates of pedogenic processes. This field has been active for around 50,000 years, and produced 221 cinder cones with their respective lava flows. We selected 11 sites located on 14C dated lava flows of ages between 1800 and 30,500 BP, at 3100–3200 m above sea level, covered with pine–fir forest, with an ustic soil moisture regime and an isomesic soil temperature regime. We also included a younger site (1000 BP) and three older sites (>100,000 years), two at 3100 masl and one at 2600 masl, from nearby volcanic fields to widen the time frame of the chronosequence. Soil profile samples were analysed for total organic carbon as well as for mineral neoformations related to clay contents, selective chemical extractions, and X-ray diffraction analyses.Within the SCVF the total soil thickness, carbon accumulation and Al, Si and Fe extracted with acid ammonium oxalate increased linearly with age on surfaces up to 10,000 years old at rates of 19 cm ky−1, 4.1 kg C m−2 ky−1, 4.6 kg Al, 2.7 kg Si and 2 kg Fe m−2 ky−1, respectively. Crystalline clay and iron oxide formation reach a maximum at the oldest site located at 2600 masl of 1650 kg clay m−2 and 70 kg Fed m−2. Their increase is linear up to ages of 10,000 years at rates of 22 kg clay m−2 ky−1, and 2.8 kg Fed m−2 ky−1. Thereafter the rates are much slower. Allophane and allophane-like minerals dominate in the clay fraction at all sites of the chronosequence, and small amounts of halloysite can be identified in soils older than 6200 years, while kaolinite was only identified at the three oldest sites (>100,000 years).The linear increases of all indicators of pedogenesis in the first 10,000 years are presumably driven by recurrent tephra deposition during this time frame. Thereafter, erosion and colluviation processes seem to disturb pedogenesis, changing its rates and redistributing its products in the landscape.

40Ar/39Ar dating, geochemistry, and isotopic analyses of the quaternary Chichinautzin volcanic field, south of Mexico City: implications for timing, eruption rate, and distribution of volcanism

Monogenetic structures located at the southern and western ends of the Chichinautzin volcanic field (Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, Central Mexico) yield 40Ar/39Ar ages ranging from 1.2 Ma in the western portion of the field to 1.0–0.09 Ma in the southern portion, all of which are older than the <0.04 Ma age previously established for the entire volcanic field. These new ages indicate: (1) an eruption rate of 0.47 km3/kyr, which is much lower than the 11.7 km3/kyr previously estimated; (2) that the Chichinautzin magmatism coexisted with the Zempoala (0.7 Ma) and La Corona (1.0 Ma) polygenetic volcanoes on the southern edge of Las Cruces Volcanic Range (Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt); and confirm (3) that the drainage system between the Mexico and Cuernavaca basins was closed during early Pleistocene forming the Texcoco Lake. Whole-rock chemistry and Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopic data indicate heterogeneous magmatism throughout the history of Chichinautzin activity that likely reflects variable degrees of slab and sediment contributions to the mantle wedge, fractional crystallization, and crustal assimilation. Even with the revised duration of volcanism within the Chichinautzin Volcanic Field, its eruption rate is higher than most other volcanic fields of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and is comparable only to the Tacambaro-Puruaran area in the Michoacan-Guanajuato Volcanic Field to the west. These variations in eruption rates among different volcanic fields may reflect a combination of variable subduction rates of the Rivera and Cocos plates along the Middle America Trench, as well as different distances from the trench, variations in the depth with respect to the subducted slab, or the upper plate characteristics.

New constraints on the subsurface geology of the Mexico City Basin: The San Lorenzo Tezonco deep well, on the basis of 40Ar/39Ar geochronology and whole-rock chemistry

The San Lorenzo Tezonco deep well, drilled in 2012 by “Sistema de Aguas de la Ciudad de México” (Water Supply System of Mexico City) in the Mexico Basin to a depth of 2008m, offers an excellent opportunity to explore the subsurface stratigraphy and general geology of the region. Unfortunately, only chipped samples from this well were recovered, which were examined and analyzed for whole-rock chemistry, 40Ar/39Ar, and U–Pb zircon geochronology, in order to reconstruct the lithology of the well. Contrary to previous deep wells of the Mexico Basin, no basement sedimentary rocks were found in this one. While the upper 70m are composed of lacustrine sediments associated with Lake Texcoco, volcanic rocks make up the majority of the well and range in age from more than 18Ma to 0.25Ma. Andesitic lavas are the most abundant products of the stratigraphic column, followed by acidic products represented by dacitic and rhyolitic lavas and ignimbrite deposits. Less abundant are basaltic andesite lavas appearing in the upper and lower parts of the column. The thickest sequence of the well is represented not only by Miocene volcanic rocks ranging from 5 to 17Ma, suggesting a period of intense volcanic activity in this area producing mainly andesitic lavas, but also by thick rhyolitic ignimbrite deposits dated at 5Ma. These deposits suggest the presence of a caldera structure, probably buried by subsequent volcanic products and lacustrine sediments. Trace element concentrations suggest that volcanism is likely produced in a subduction environment with typical negative anomalies of Nb, Ta, Ti, and P and positive anomalies in Pb and Cs. We correlated the well units with units outcropping in mountain ranges in the surrounding area, with the recognition of the following units or formations: Eocene Andesite, San Nicolás Basaltic Andesite, Tepoztlán Formation, Miocene Volcanism, Sierra de las Cruces, and Chichinautzin Volcanic Field products. By correlating the two closest deep wells (Mixhuca and Tulyehualco) we conclude that the San Lorenzo Tezonco well is located in a graben-like structure hosting the Santa Catarina volcanic range.

"The Process of Melt Differentiation in Arc Volcanic Rocks: Insights from OIB-type Arc Magmas in the Central Mexican Volcanic Belt" by Straub et al., A Critical Comment

The recent paper by Straub et al. (2012) provides a detailedgeochemical study of the compound Texcal lava flow andthe eruptive products of Chichinautzinvolcano, twomono-genetic volcanoes located in close proximity to each otherin the central part of the Sierra Chichinautzin VolcanicField (SCVF) south of Mexico City. The authors chosethese mafic [ocean island basalt (OIB)-type] volcanoesthat belong to the Mexican Volcanic Belt because theyerupted lavas displaying a range of compositions and inaddition are believed to have retained some of their initialgeochemical sub-arc mantle and subducted slab signatures.The latter allowed these authors to make inferences re-garding magma generation processes in a subduction-related tectonic setting.I would like to comment here on one specific point onwhich I hold a significantly different opinion, and whichis important to address because of its diverse ramifications(including volcanic hazard assessment in a densely popu-lated area). This concerns the exact location and morph-ology of the vent(s) and the timing and eruptive style ofthe eruption that produced the Texcal lava flows. In theirfig. 1, Straubet al. (2012) present a geological sketch map,which they call a‘refined’ version of a previous map pub-lished by Siebe et al. (2004a, 2004b). At first sight, the‘refined’map seems almost identical to the map publishedby Siebe et al. (2004a, 2004b). However, a closer look (seeFig. 1a) reveals that the source vent for the compoundTexcal lava flow has been changed.The Guespalapa align-ment of scoria cones, which formed between 4700 and2800 years

Magmatic processes at the volcanic front of Central Mexican Volcanic Belt: Sierra de Chichinautzin Volcanic Field (Mexico)

The Sierra de Chichinautzin (SCN) volcanic field is considered one of the key areas to understand the complex petrogenetic processes at the volcanic front of the Mexican Volcanic Belt (MVB). New as well as published major- and trace-element and Sr and Nd isotopic data are used to constrain the magma generation and evolution processes in the SCN. From inverse and direct modelling, combined ^{87}Sr/^{86}Sr and ^{143}Nd/^{144}Nd data, and use of multi-dimensional log-ratio discriminant function based diagrams and other geological and geophysical considerations, we infer that mafic magmas from the SCN were generated by partial melting of continental lithospheric mantle in an extensional setting. Inverse modelling of primary magmas from the SCN further indicates that the source region is not depleted in high-field strength elements (HFSE) compared to large ion lithophile elements (LILE) and rare-earth elements (REE). The petrogenesis of evolved magmas from the SCN is consistent with the partial melting of the continental crust facilitated by influx of mantle-derived magmas. Generally, an extensional setting is indicated for the SCN despite continuing subduction at the Middle America Trench.

Geology and geochemistry of Pelagatos, Cerro del Agua, and Dos Cerros monogenetic volcanoes in the Sierra Chichinautzin Volcanic Field, south of México City

This study focuses on the geology and geochemistry of three closely-spaced monogenetic volcanoes that are located in the NE sector of the Sierra Chichinautzin Volcanic Field near México City. Pelagatos (3020 m.a.s.l.) is a small scoria cone (0.0017 km 3) with lava flows (0.036 km 3) that covered an area of 4.9 km 2. Cerro del Agua scoria cone (3480 m.a.s.l., 0.028 km 3) produced several lava flows (0.24 km 3) covering an area of 17.6 km 2. Dos Cerros is a lava shield which covers an area of 80.3 km 2 and is crowned by two scoria cones: Tezpomayo (3080 m.a.s.l., 0.022 km 3) and La Ninfa (3000 m.a.s.l., 0.032 km 3). The eruptions of Cerro del Agua and Pelagatos occurred between 2500 and 14,000 yr BP. The Dos Cerros eruption took place close to 14,000 yr BP as constrained by radiocarbon dating. Rocks from these three volcanoes are olivine-hypersthene normative basaltic andesites and andesites with porphyritic, aphanitic, and glomeroporphyritic textures. Their mineral assemblages include olivine, clinopyroxene, and orthopyroxene phenocrysts (≤ 10 vol.%) embedded in a trachytic groundmass which consists mainly of plagioclase microlites and glass. Pelagatos rocks also present quartz xenocrysts. Due to their high Cr and Ni contents, and high Mg#s, Pelagatos rocks are considered to be derived from primitive magmas, hence the importance of this volcano for understanding petrogenetic processes in this region. Major and trace element abundances and petrography of products from these volcanoes indicate a certain degree of crystal fractionation during ascent to the surface. However, the magmas that formed the volcanoes evolved independently from each other and are not cogenetically related. REE, HFSE, LILE, and isotopic (Sr, Nd, and Pb) compositions point towards a heterogeneous mantle source that has been metasomatized by aqueous/melt phases from the subducted Cocos slab. There is no clear evidence of important crustal contributions in the compositions of Pelagatos and Cerro del Agua rocks. The Sr-isotopic composition of Dos Cerros, however, indicates a small degree of crustal contamination.

Self-similar clustering of cinder cones and crust thickness in the Michoacan–Guanajuato and Sierra de Chichinautzin volcanic fields, Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt

The spatial clustering of basaltic vents in monogenetic volcanic fields has been used as a proxy for crustal thickness in extensional and back-arc tectonic settings. The basaltic vents have a fractal clustered distribution (self-similar clustering) described by a power-law. The power-law is defined over a range, the size range of the distribution, of values (in this case the vents' separation) delimited by a lower and an upper cut-offs. Here we apply the fractal clustering analysis to the two largest monogenetic volcanic fields of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB), a continental arc built on different crustal terranes. The Michoacan–Guanajuato volcanic field (MGVF), located in the central-western TMVB, includes over 1000 vents of late Pliocene to Quaternary age, built on attenuated crust of Mesozoic to Tertiary age. The Sierra de Chichinautzin volcanic field (SCVF), in the central-eastern TMVB, is composed of ~ 220 Late Pleistocene to Holocene vents laying above thicker crust of Precambrian to Tertiary age. Monogenetic vents in both volcanic fields show self-similar clustering with fractal exponent D = 1.67 in the range 1.3–38 km (MGVF) and D = 1.56 in the range 1.5–32 km (SCVF). The upper cut-off (Uco) for the power-law distribution of the MGVF well fits the crustal thickness below the volcanic field as derived from independent geophysical data. The Uco value of SCVF indicates a crust thickness of about 32 km, this value is in agreement with new geophysical data that indicate magma underplating the crust beneath the volcanic field area.

Soil organic carbon stocks and forest productivity in volcanic ash soils of different age (1835–30,500 years B.P.) in Mexico

Volcanic soils have a large potential for organic carbon storage and for forest growth, in particular under moist temperate climate. Documenting both potentials may offer incentives for forest conservation and exploitation, and for the allocation of bonds for environmental services. We studied sites on lava flows of different ages (1835, 4200, 6200, 8000, 10,000 and 30,500 years B.P.) covered by volcanic ashes within the Sierra del Chichinautzin Volcanic Field, under pine or fir forest. We analyzed the accumulation of organic carbon in the soils and its relation with the evolution of site quality, forest productivity indicators and C storage in tree biomass. We also studied the relation between soil C accumulation and different soil properties as soil pH, clay contents and pyrophosphate extractable Al and oxalate extractable Al and Si contents. Results show that carbon accumulation in the soil increases linearly with age within 1835 and 10,000 years old sites with a mean accumulation rate of 4.33 kg m − 2 each 1000 years. However, between 10,000 and 30,500 years the amount of C stored decreases again by about 30% of the maximum soil C accumulation. During the first 8000 years of the chronosequence site quality improves with soil development. Tree growth indexes approach stabilization at sites of ages between 10,000 and 30,500 years. Adult pine trees reach an accumulation of 27 kg C per tree each year. During the first 10,000 years carbon accumulation in mineral surface horizons is associated with the formation of Al-bearing organo–mineral complexes (characterized by pyrophosphate extractions), which seem to compete with the neoformation of short range order clay minerals. As clay and Al-oxide formation progresses these soil variables contribute also to stabilize soil C, although they are by far not as efficient as the organo–mineral complexes.

Geochemical Evidence for Mantle Origin and Crustal Processes in Volcanic Rocks from Popocatépetl and Surrounding Monogenetic Volcanoes, Central Mexico

Elemental, isotopic, and mineral compositions as well as rock textures were examined in samples from Popocatepetl volcano and immediately surrounding monogenetic scoria cones of the Sierra Chichinautzin Volcanic Field, central Mexico. Magma generation is strongly linked to the active subduction regime to the south. Rocks range in composition from basalt to dacite, but Popocatepetl samples are generally more evolved and have mineral compositions and textures consistent with more complicated, multi-stage evolutionary processes. High-Mg calc-alkaline and more alkaline primitive magmas are present in the monogenetic cones. Systematic variations in major and trace element compositions within the monogenetic suite can mostly be explained by polybaric fractional crystallization processes in small and short-lived magmatic systems. In contrast, Popocatepetl stratovolcano has produced homogeneous magma compositions from a shallow, long-lived magma chamber that is periodically replenished by primitive basaltic magmas. The current eruption (1994–present) has produced silicic dome lavas and pumice clasts that display mingling of an evolved dacitic component with an olivine-bearing mafic component. The longevity of the magma chamber hosted in Cretaceous limestones has fostered interaction with these rocks as evidenced by the chemical and isotopic compositions of the different eruptive products, contact-metamorphosed xenoliths, and fumarolic gases. Popocatepetl volcanic products display a considerable range of Sr/Sr (0 70397–0 70463) and eNd (þ6 2 to þ3 0) whereas Pb isotope ratios are relatively homogeneous (Pb/Pb 18 61–18 70; Pb/Pb 15 56–15 60).

Geology and radiocarbon ages of Tláloc, Tlacotenco, Cuauhtzin, Hijo del Cuauhtzin, Teuhtli, and Ocusacayo monogenetic volcanoes in the central part of the Sierra Chichinautzin, México

Tláloc, Tlacotenco, Cuauhtzin, Hijo del Cuauhtzin, Teuhtli, and Ocusacayo monogenetic volcanoes located within the Sierra del Chichinautzin Volcanic Field (SCVF) at the southern margin of Mexico City were studied to further refine attendant volcanic hazards in this heavily populated region. Based on fieldwork and Landsat imagery interpretation, a geologic map was produced, morphometric parameters characterizing the cones and lava flows were determined, and the areal extent and volumes of erupted products were estimated. The longest lava flow was produced by Tlacotenco and reached 9.5 km from its source; total areas covered by lava flows from each eruption range between 12.8 km 2 (Tlacotenco) and 54.4 km 2 (Tláloc); and total erupted volumes range between 0.26 and 1.36 km 3 per volcano. Radiocarbon measurements of a paleosol underneath an ash layer from the Tláloc scoria cone yielded an age of 6200 years BP, while charcoal found within block-and-ash flow and lahar deposits from Cuauhtzin dome yielded ages of 7360 and 8225 years BP, respectively. The Tlacotenco dacite lava flow overlies Popocatépetl's Tutti Frutti Plinian pumice fall deposit dated at 14,000 years BP and is therefore younger than this prominent stratigraphic marker. On the other hand, Teuhtli and Hijo del Cuauhtzin scoria cones and the Ocusacayo andesite lava flows are overlain by the Tutti Frutti and therefore older than 14,000 years BP. These new dates together with other published dates for scoria cones in the SCVF imply that the previously determined recurrence interval during the Holocene for monogenetic eruptions in the SCVF of <1700 years [Siebe, C., Rodríguez-Lara, V., Schaaf, P., Abrams, M., 2004a. Radiocarbon ages of Holocene Pelado, Guespalapa, and Chichinautzin scoria cones, south of Mexico_City: implications for archaeology and future hazards. Bull. Volcanol. 66, 203–225.] needs to be corrected to <1250 years. This means that the time of quiescence since the last eruption of the SCVF (1670 years BP) exceeds that of the estimated recurrence interval during the Holocene.