Details - Gutierrez, Celedonio, "Field notes and observations on the activity of Paricutin Volcano," 1943, 1945-1946

Gutierrez, Celedonio, "Field notes and observations on the activity of Paricutin Volcano," 1943, 1945-1946

Title

Gutierrez, Celedonio, "Field notes and observations on the activity of Paricutin Volcano," 1943, 1945-1946

Related Titles

Contained In: William F. Foshag Collection, 1923-1965 and undated

Series: SIA RU007281

Series: Smithsonian Field Book Project : an initiative to improve access to field book content that documents natural history

By

Foshag, (William Frederick), 1894-1956

Type

Book

Material

Archival material

Publication info

1943-1946

Notes

The papers are a handwritten diary, correspondence, and part of a translated copy of Celedonio Gutierrez's observations on the activity of Paricutin Volcano, 1943, 1945-1946. Celedonio Gutierrez was an inhabitant of San Juan Parangaricutiro, a community adjacent Paricutin Volcano region, prior to its eruption and served as Foshag's assistant during fieldwork at the volcano. The diary gives a daily description of changes observed in Paricutin and Mesa de los Hornitos and the surrounding environment, including emanating debris (i.e. ash) and vapor, ongoing eruptions, changes to the crater, and individuals who explored the area. In a note included by Foshag, he states "although these notes are couched in simple terms, they constitute the only complete record of the volcano's activity and have the advantage of being free of any preconceived notions of what a volcano should do." Papers are handwritten and typed, and most are in Spanish. Handwritten notes are grouped by month and year, with the day's date listed in the left-hand margin next to entries. Some of the notes have been translated and include footnotes.