Miniques

Stratovolcano(es) in Chile

Key Facts

Elevation

5,910 m (19,390 ft)

Type

Stratovolcano(es)

Location

-23.820°, -67.770°

Region

Central Andean Volcanic Arc

Rock Type

Andesite / Basaltic Andesite

Tectonic Setting

Subduction zone

Location

Loading map...

Overview

Volcán Miñiques is a large basaltic andesite to dacitic volcanic complex S of Laguna Miscanti and Laguna Miñiques. The summit is cut by three overlapping craters. Larger craters, partially filled by lava domes and flows, are located W and NE of the summit.

The stratovolcano and lava-dome complex was considered to have been active from the Pliocene to the Holocene (González-Ferrán, 1995); de Silva (2007 pers. comm. ) assigned it a possible Holocene age.

A prominent lava flow extends NW from the summit to the lower flanks, separating Laguna Miñiques from Laguna Miscanti.

Volcanic Hazards & Risk Assessment

Primary Hazards

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

Evidence Uncertain

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	Unknown	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: 355102
•Evidence: Evidence Uncertain
•Epoch: Holocene

About the Photo

The broad Volcán Miñiques massif rises to the SE above Laguna Miñiques. The 5910-m-high summit of the volcano is cut by three overlapping, E-W-trending craters. Larger craters, partially filled by lava domes and flows, are located west and NE of the summit of the volcano, which is of late Pleistocene or Holocene age. A prominent lava flow, not visible in this image, extends NW-ward from the summit to the lower flanks, separating Laguna Miñiques from Laguna Miscanti to the north.

Photo by Jos Offermans, 2008.