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Tromen Volcanic Plateau

Stratovolcano(es) in Argentina

Last Eruption: 1822

Key Facts

Elevation

4,114 m (13,497 ft)

Type

Stratovolcano(es)

Location

-37.144°, -70.033°

Region

Southern Andean Volcanic Arc

Rock Type

Andesite / Basaltic Andesite

Tectonic Setting

Subduction zone

Location

Loading map...

Overview

Tromen is an Argentinian stratovolcano that is the primary structure in an elongated volcanic plateau or field that extends about 70 km from Tilhue in the S to Piujenta in the N, including the Boliviano caldera and Palao dome. The Pleistocene Volcán Cerro Negro del Tromen lies immediately north. At the SSW end of this chain is Cerro Tilhue, of Pleistocene-Holocene age.

The youngest lava flows originated from flank vents and descended the N and NE sides of the andesitic-to-rhyolitic volcanic complex. Holocene vents are also located in the Cerro Michico area on the lower NE flank. Eruptions were reported in the mid-18th century and in 1822.

Von Wolff (1929) attributed purported eruptions of Pomahuida in 1820, 1823, 1827, and 1828 as being from Tromen, but these are not confirmed.

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
    Eruption Observed

    Eruption Statistics & Analysis

    MetricValueGlobal RankingSignificance
    Total Recorded EruptionsUnknownLowModerately active volcano
    Maximum VEIVEI UnknownMinorLocal impact potential
    Recent Activity204 years agoHistoricalHistorically 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: 357072
    • Evidence: Eruption Observed
    • Epoch: Holocene

    About the Photo

    Dark-colored lava flows descend the northern flank of Volcán Tromen, a 3978-m-high Argentinian stratovolcano in this view from La Laguna del Tromen, NW of the volcano. This and another lake at the NW foot the volcano are renowned for their exotic bird life, including flamingos. The youngest lava flows at Tromen originated from flank vents and descended the north and NE sides of the andesitic-to-rhyolitic volcanic complex. Historical eruptions of Tromen were reported in the mid-18th century and in 1822.

    Photo by Olivier Galland, 2007 (University of Oslo).

    Basic Information

    This page shows basic data from the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program. For more detailed information, visit the official Smithsonian page.