Stratigraphy of the 8.5 – 9.0 ka B.P. Citlaltépetl pumice fallout sequence

Abstract

Citlaltépetl is an active volcano presently in a dormant state, belonging to the easternmost part of the Mexican Volcanic Belt. Although the volcano is characterized by long periods of volcanic repose, some explosive plinian eruptions occurred in Holocene time. In particular, an eruptive period between 8.5–9.0 ka B.P. originated an alternated sequence of pumice and scoria flows called Citlaltépetl Ignimbrite (0.26 km³ DRE) and a few ash and lapilli fallout deposits (Citlaltépetl Pumice) with a wide dispersion range around the cone. In this work we present a detailed reconstruction of the fallout Citlaltépetl Pumice stratigraphy based on the combined study of 107 vertical sections, grain-size and component analysis of each layer. The eruptive sequence comprises a succession of pyroclastic deposits, including four major eruptive episodes. New radiocarbon dating on charcoal fragments interbedded in the flow deposits beneath the fallout and in the fallout itself show ages younger than 9,475±160 yr. B.P. and older than 8,505±50 yr. B.P., respectively, which is in accordance with previous dates. Stratigraphy and dating allowed a precise stratigraphic correlation of the most representative fallout deposits of the Holocene history of Citlaltépetl volcano and their relationship with associated pyroclastic flows. Such data provide new insights on the formation and eruptive history of the Citlaltépetl Ignimbrite that is of basic importance for further eruptive column modeling with important implications in the volcanic hazard assessment.