Mexican volcanic belt: present state of knowledge and unsolved problems

Abstract

A brief review is first given of the available studies (upto 1984) related to the Mexican Volcanic Belt (MVB). A synthesis is then presented of the most important results of the papers included in the Special Volume on the MVB (Geofís. Int., Vol. 24, Nos. 1 & 4; Vol. 26, Nos. 1 & 2). Although the MVB Volume (containing 28 papers) has provided a quantum jump in our knowledge of this volcanic province, large gaps still persist and many unanswered questions exist. A coordinated and systematic effort is therefore very much necessary if we are to obtain a significant progress (during our own lif-times!) concerning this important circum-Pacific province.