About Antisana
Antisana is a stratovolcano rising to 5,753 meters (18,876 feet) in Ecuador's South America Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1802 CE. The volcano has produced 3 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2.
Geography & Climate
Antisana is located in Ecuador, within the Northern Andean Volcanic Arc of the broader South America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 0.48° S, 78.14° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. At 5,753 meters above sea level, Antisana reaches well into the permanent snow and ice zone. Glaciers and snowpack on the upper slopes create the potential for lahars — destructive volcanic mudflows — during eruptions, as heat rapidly melts ice and snow. The volcanic landform is characterized as a composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Antisana sits in a subduction zone, where one tectonic plate dives beneath another, creating intense heat and pressure that generates magma. Subduction zones are responsible for many of the world's most explosive volcanoes and deadliest eruptions. For communities in Ecuador near Antisana, this tectonic setting means the volcano is capable of producing powerful explosive eruptions, pyroclastic flows, and lahars that can threaten populated areas within tens of kilometers of the summit. The dominant rock type is andesite / basaltic andesite, a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that forms from rapidly cooling, low-viscosity lava. Basaltic eruptions tend to be less explosive and produce fluid lava flows that can travel long distances. While less immediately dangerous than explosive eruptions, basaltic lava flows can destroy structures and infrastructure in their path, and volcanic gases released during these eruptions can affect air quality over a wide area.
Eruption History Summary
Antisana has 3 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 1728 CE to 1801 CE. The most powerful recorded event was an explosive event producing ash plumes up to several kilometers in 1801 CE, reaching VEI 2 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. These eruptions span roughly 73 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
Antisana is a massive, glacier-covered stratovolcano NE of Cotopaxi, along the western margin of the Eastern Cordillera, 50 km SE of Quito. An older edifice forming the east side of the volcano was constructed over granitic and metasedimentary rocks and is itself overtopped on its NW side by the current edifice. Viscous lava flows have issued from radial fissures on the flanks. A lava flow was erupted from a vent NNE of the summit during 1801-1802.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
3 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1801 | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | Volcano Uncertain: possibly Reventador |
| 1748 | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | Volcano Uncertain: possibly Reventador |
| 1728 | 0 | Uncertain Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Antisana
Is Antisana an active volcano?+
Antisana is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in 1802 CE, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
When did Antisana last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Antisana occurred in 1801 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Antisana has 3 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Antisana?+
Antisana has a summit elevation of 5,753 meters (18,876 feet) above sea level. At 5,753 meters, it stands taller than Mount Rainier (4,392m) and is among the world's major volcanic peaks.
What type of volcano is Antisana?+
Antisana is classified as a Stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes (also called composite volcanoes) are steep, conical volcanoes built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. They are among the most common and dangerous types, known for explosive eruptions.
Where is Antisana located?+
Antisana is located in Ecuador, in the South America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Northern Andean Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -0.481° latitude, -78.141° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Antisana?+
Antisana can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Ecuador may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
