About Pular
Pular is a stratovolcano(es) rising to 6,233 meters (20,450 feet) in Chile's South America Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 1.
Geography & Climate
Pular is located in Chile, within the Central Andean Volcanic Arc of the broader South America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 24.19° S, 68.05° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subtropical climate zone. At 6,233 meters above sea level, Pular 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
Pular 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 Pular, 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
Pular has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 1990 CE to 1990 CE. The most powerful recorded event was a gentle, effusive event in 1990 CE, reaching VEI 1 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. The most recent eruption in 1990 CE places this volcano within the modern era of volcanological observation.
GVP Reference Summary
Cerro Pular on the NE end and Cerro Pajonales on the SW form a 12-km-long volcanic ridge NE of Socompa volcano that is mostly pre-Holocene, but may have experienced some more recent activity. The chain lies NW of the Salar de Pular, about 15 km W of the Argentinian border. Extensive andesitic lava flows reach the lower flanks of the volcanoes, and about 10 craters are present. A major satellite vent W of the ridge appears to be the youngest feature of the volcanic complex. An uncertain small explosive eruption was reported in 1990, but the vent location was not known.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 1 | Uncertain Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Pular
Is Pular an active volcano?+
Pular is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Evidence Uncertain." No recorded eruptions have been documented. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Pular last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Pular occurred in 1990 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 1. The eruption was classified as a "Uncertain Eruption." Pular has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Pular?+
Pular has a summit elevation of 6,233 meters (20,450 feet) above sea level. This makes it one of the tallest volcanoes in the world, comparable in height to some of the highest peaks in the Andes.
What type of volcano is Pular?+
Pular is classified as a Stratovolcano(es). Stratovolcano(es) volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Pular located?+
Pular is located in Chile, in the South America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Central Andean Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -24.188° latitude, -68.054° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Pular?+
Pular 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.
