Popocatépetl

Popocatépetl, volcano in south central Mexico, in Puebla State, near Mexico City. It is sometimes called Puebla Volcano after the state in which it is located. It is the second highest peak in Mexico, 5,452 m (17,887 ft) above sea level. The volcano, which has a snow-covered cone, occasionally emits smoke. In 2000 Popocatépetl had its largest eruption in more than 1,000 years, spewing hot rocks and ash. The crater is 612 m (2,008 ft) across at the widest point and 400 m (1,312 ft) across at its narrowest point and has a maximum depth of 505 m (1,657 ft). Sulfur is obtained from the crater. Popocatépetl means “Smoking Mountain” in the Native American Nahuatl language.