About Casiri, Nevados
Casiri, Nevados is a stratovolcano(es) rising to 5,626 meters (18,459 feet) in Peru's South America Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Casiri, Nevados is located in Peru, within the Central Andean Volcanic Arc of the broader South America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 17.49° S, 69.79° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. At 5,626 meters above sea level, Casiri, Nevados 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
Casiri, Nevados 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 Peru near Casiri, Nevados, 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 trachyte / trachydacite, an intermediate to silica-rich volcanic rock. This composition typically produces more viscous magma, leading to more explosive eruptions with ash columns and pyroclastic flows. Andesitic and dacitic magmas build pressure before erupting, which is why volcanoes with this rock chemistry are often associated with Plinian-style eruptions that can send ash tens of kilometers into the atmosphere and disrupt aviation across entire regions.
GVP Reference Summary
The Nevados Casiri compound volcano in Peru, also known as Paugarani, lies near the Chilean border ~25 km N of Tacora volcano. The trachytic and trachyandesitic complex consists of four volcanic edifices, with the youngest cone on the SE side. Two dark younger lava flows are SE of the most recently active cone, which has a well-defined summit crater. An older lava dome is located to the west. Sulfur has been mined on the NW and SE flanks.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Casiri, Nevados.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Casiri, Nevados
Is Casiri, Nevados an active volcano?+
Casiri, Nevados is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in prehistoric times, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
How high is Casiri, Nevados?+
Casiri, Nevados has a summit elevation of 5,626 meters (18,459 feet) above sea level. At 5,626 meters, it stands taller than Mount Rainier (4,392m) and is among the world's major volcanic peaks.
What type of volcano is Casiri, Nevados?+
Casiri, Nevados is classified as a Stratovolcano(es). Stratovolcano(es) volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Casiri, Nevados located?+
Casiri, Nevados is located in Peru, in the South America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Central Andean Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -17.485° latitude, -69.789° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Casiri, Nevados?+
Casiri, Nevados can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Peru may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
