Corcovado

Stratovolcano in Chile

Last Eruption: -4920

Key Facts

Elevation

1,826 m (5,991 ft)

Type

Stratovolcano

Location

-43.189°, -72.794°

Region

Southern Andean Volcanic Arc

Rock Type

Andesite / Basaltic Andesite

Tectonic Setting

Subduction zone

Location

Loading map...

Overview

Little is known of this isolated volcano that was seen in eruption by Darwin in 1834, and an eruption was reported to have occurred in November 1835. Corcovado, probably of late-Pleistocene age, is eroded by glaciers and surrounded by Holocene cinder cones. A series of lakes flank the eastern side of the basaltic to basaltic andesite structure.

Eruptions in historical time were considered likely from these postglacial volcanoes (Moreno 1985, pers. comm. ).

Volcanic Hazards & Risk Assessment

Primary Hazards

Pyroclastic flows
Lava flows
Volcanic bombs and ballistics
Lahars and mudflows

Risk Level

Population at RiskModerate

Infrastructure RiskModerate

Aviation RiskSignificant

Geological Composition & Structure

Rock Types

Primary

Andesite / Basaltic Andesite

Silica Content

Intermediate (57-63% SiO₂)

Tectonic Setting

Subduction zone

Formed by oceanic plate subduction, typically producing explosive eruptions due to water-rich magmas.

Age & Formation

Epoch

Holocene

Evidence

Eruption Dated

Eruption Statistics & Analysis

Metric	Value	Global Ranking	Significance
Total Recorded Eruptions	Unknown	Low	Moderately active volcano
Maximum VEI	VEI Unknown	Minor	Local impact potential
Recent Activity	6946 years ago	Historical	Historically active

Monitoring & Alert Status

Monitoring Networks

Global Volcanism Program

International eruption database

Current Status

Normal

No recent activity. Routine monitoring continues.

Nearby Volcanoes in South America Volcanic Regions

Regional Volcanic Activity

The South America Volcanic Regions contains multiple active volcanic systems. Cross-regional magma interactions and tectonic stresses can influence eruption patterns across the entire arc. Monitor regional seismic activity and volcanic alerts.

Quick Info

•Smithsonian ID: 358050
•Evidence: Eruption Dated
•Epoch: Holocene

About the Photo

The dramatic summit spire of Volcán Corcovado is seen here in an aerial view from the south. Two of a string of lakes on its eastern side appear in the background. Corcovado, probably of late-Pleistocene age, is eroded by glaciers and surrounded by Holocene cinder cones. Eruptions were reported in historical time from these flank cones. Darwin observed activity from the Corcovado area in 1834, and an eruption was reported to have occurred in November 1835.

Photo by Oscar González-Ferrán (University of Chile).