The Glaciers of Mexico

Abstract

Observations made over ten years on Iztaccihuatl, concerning variations in the altitude of the snow line, allow the conclusion that there is no relatively fixed limitation of this altitude. However, the accumulations of more or less static ice do adjust to a relatively stable lower level. On this mountain, there are only two small glaciers on the western slope: Ayolotepito, to the north, between the head and chest, and Avoloco, to the south, between the chest and knees. The first one completely disappears, with its temporary absence observed since 1893, while the second one, despite its retreat, does not fully disappear due to its larger snow basin.