About Putana
Putana is a stratovolcano rising to 5,884 meters (19,305 feet) in Chile's South America Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1810 CE. The volcano has produced 2 recorded eruptions.
Geography & Climate
Putana is located in Chile, within the Central Andean Volcanic Arc of the broader South America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 22.56° S, 67.85° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. At 5,884 meters above sea level, Putana 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
Putana 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 Chile near Putana, 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 dacite, 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.
Eruption History Summary
Putana has 2 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 1810 CE to 1972 CE. These eruptions span roughly 162 years of volcanic history. The most recent eruption in 1972 CE places this volcano within the modern era of volcanological observation.
GVP Reference Summary
Volcán Putana, also known as Jorgencal or Machuca, is part of a large, roughly N-S-trending volcanic complex that covers an area of 600 km2. Vigorous fumarolic activity is visible at the summit from long distances. The main edifice, which formed primarily by lava effusion, consists of accumulated postglacial dacitic lava domes and flows mantling an older pre-Holocene volcano. The youngest basaltic andesite lava flows are viscous and rarely extend more than 3 km. A major eruption of unspecified character was reported in the early 19th century (Rudolph, 1955; Guest 1981, pers. comm.), although González-Ferrán (1995) indicated that no historical eruptions had occurred.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
2 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | — | Uncertain Eruption | — |
| 1810 | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Putana
Is Putana an active volcano?+
Putana is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in 1810 CE, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
When did Putana last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Putana occurred in 1972 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Uncertain Eruption." Putana has 2 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Putana?+
Putana has a summit elevation of 5,884 meters (19,305 feet) above sea level. At 5,884 meters, it stands taller than Mount Rainier (4,392m) and is among the world's major volcanic peaks.
What type of volcano is Putana?+
Putana 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 Putana located?+
Putana is located in Chile, in the South America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Central Andean Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -22.557° latitude, -67.853° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Putana?+
Putana can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Chile may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
