Transverse Volcanic Axis

the southern edge of the Meseta Central in Mexico. It is 800 km long and from 50 to 100 km wide. Divided by faults, it has a ridge of volcanoes, of which the largest are the Pico de Orizaba (5,700 m) and Popocatépetl (5,452 m). Earthquakes are frequent. In the lower zone (to 1,000 m) there are tropical forests of sclerophyll oaks, myrtles, laurels, and arborescent ferns. Between 1,000 and 2,000 m there are mixed forests of deciduous oaks, lindens, and pines, and in the 2,000 to 4,000 m zone, pine and fir forests. At higher elevations there are subalpine and alpine meadows; the peaks of the largest volcanoes are covered with snow. Mexico City is situated at the foot of the Transverse Volcanic Axis.