Date: Tue, 19 Mar 1996 20:35:20 -0600
From: bln@ENSAYES-1.cenapred.unam.mx (Bertha Lopez Najera)

Since March 11, the overall level of activity of Popocatepetl volcano
appears to have reachead a steady state, suggesting an equilibrium
condition between the internal energy sources and the volcano's capability
to release it. Fumarolic activity alternates with short-duration ash
emissions from the same vents as the 1994-95 episode, occurring four to
six times a day. These emissions form short-lived ash columns that are
carried away by the wind.  Light ashfalls have been reported from several
towns around the volcano, particularly on the East and South sectors.

Seismicity, as low-level tremor accompanied of minor A and B-type volcanic
earthquakes, also show almost stationary patterns and energy release
rates.  No deformations have been detected by the 3-tiltmeter network set
on the Northern flank of the volcano.

Monitoring is kept at 100% of the Popocatepetl network capacity, and the
level of alert remains in Yellow (in a Green-Yellow-Red scale).

Information Contacts: Servando De la Cruz-Reyna (INSTITUTO DE GEOFISICA,
UNAM and *), Roberto Quaas Weppen.*, Enrique Guevara Ortiz.*, Bertha Lopez
Najera.*, Alicia Martinez Bringas*. *CENTRO NACIONAL DE PREVENCION DE
DESASTRES, (CENAPRED), MEXICO.