POPOCATPETL

volcano, Mxico-Puebla state line, central Mexico. Popocatpetl lies along Mexico's volcanic axis at the southern edge of the Mexican Plateau, 10 miles (16 km) south of its twin, Iztacchuatl, and 45 miles (72 km) southeast of Mexico City. The perpetually snowcapped, symmetrical cone of Popocatpetl (Nahuatl: "Smoking Mountain") rises to a height of 17,930 feet (5,465 m). The only higher Mexican volcano is Citlaltpetl (Orizaba). The first Spanish ascent of Popocatpetl is thought to have been made by one of Hernn Corts' men in 1519. After lying inactive for more than 50 years, Popocatpetl erupted in December 1994, causing an ashfall over Puebla. Volcanic activity recurred in March and October 1996.