About Nevada, Sierra
Nevada, Sierra is a complex rising to 6,173 meters (20,254 feet) in Chile-Argentina'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
Nevada, Sierra is located in Chile-Argentina, within the Central Andean Volcanic Arc of the broader South America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 26.48° S, 68.58° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subtropical climate zone. At 6,173 meters above sea level, Nevada, Sierra 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
Nevada, Sierra 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-Argentina near Nevada, Sierra, 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 no data (checked), which influences the viscosity of the magma and, consequently, the style of eruptions this volcano produces. Rock chemistry is one of the most important factors in determining whether a volcano erupts explosively or effusively.
GVP Reference Summary
The Sierra Nevada volcanic complex, located in one of the most inaccessible parts of the Central Andes, covers an area of about 225 km2 astride the Chile-Argentina border. The complex is of partial Holocene age and includes at least 12 volcanic vents with associated lava flows (de Silva and Francis, 1991). Craters up to 400 m in diameter and large andesitic lava flows that extend up to 7 km with well-developed flow ridges are present. The oldest part of the complex, at its eastern end in Argentina, includes two stratovolcanoes, one with a 1-km-wide summit crater.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Nevada, Sierra.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Nevada, Sierra
Is Nevada, Sierra an active volcano?+
Nevada, Sierra 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 Nevada, Sierra?+
Nevada, Sierra has a summit elevation of 6,173 meters (20,254 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 Nevada, Sierra?+
Nevada, Sierra is classified as a Complex. Complex volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Nevada, Sierra located?+
Nevada, Sierra is located in Chile-Argentina, in the South America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Central Andean Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -26.480° latitude, -68.580° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Nevada, Sierra?+
Nevada, Sierra can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Chile-Argentina may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
