Puyuhuapi

Pyroclastic cone(s) in Chile

Key Facts

Elevation

524 m (1,719 ft)

Type

Pyroclastic cone(s)

Location

-44.300°, -72.530°

Region

Southern Andean Volcanic Arc

Rock Type

Basalt / Picro-Basalt

Tectonic Setting

Subduction zone

Location

Loading map...

Overview

A chain of dominantly basaltic cinder cones erupted along two NE-SW-trending fissures at the head of Puyuhuapi fjord comprise the Volcanes de Puyuhuapi. The larger group of four cones lies on the W side of the fjord and fed lava flows that traveled SE to the sea. The second lineament formed a chain of four smaller cones between the head of the fjord and Lake Risopatrón to the N.

The two fractures are related to the regional Liquiñe-Ofqui fault zone. The cinder cones are extremely well preserved, suggesting a very young age.

Volcanic Hazards & Risk Assessment

Primary Hazards

Risk Level

Population at RiskModerate

Infrastructure RiskModerate

Aviation RiskSignificant

Geological Composition & Structure

Rock Types

Primary

Basalt / Picro-Basalt

Silica Content

Low (45-52% 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 Credible

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: 358053
•Evidence: Evidence Credible
•Epoch: Holocene

About the Photo

A chain of cinder cones was erupted along NE-SW-trending fissures at the head of Puyuhuapi fjord (top-center) in this NASA International Space Station image (with north to the upper left). The Volcanes de Puyuhuapi consists of a larger group of four cones on the western side of Puyuhuapi fjord and a chain of smaller cones north of the head of the fjord. The two fractures and the fjord are related to the regional Liquiñe-Ofqui fault zone. The town of Puyuhuapi lies on the western side of the fjord, about halfway down its visible length in this image.

NASA International Space Station image ISS004-E-7079, 2002 (http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/).