About Tinguiririca
Tinguiririca is a stratovolcano rising to 4,280 meters (14,043 feet) in Chile's South America Volcanic Regions. It last erupted in 1917 CE, and volcanologists consider it an active volcanic system. The volcano has produced 2 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2.
Geography & Climate
Tinguiririca is located in Chile, within the Southern Andean Volcanic Arc of the broader South America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 34.81° S, 70.35° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subtropical climate zone. Standing at 4,280 meters above sea level, Tinguiririca towers above the alpine zone, where vegetation gives way to bare rock, snow, and ice for much of the year. The high elevation means the upper slopes experience significantly colder temperatures than surrounding lowlands. 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
Tinguiririca 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 Tinguiririca, 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
Tinguiririca has 2 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 1917 CE to 1994 CE. The most powerful recorded event was an explosive event producing ash plumes up to several kilometers in 1994 CE, reaching VEI 2 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. These eruptions span roughly 77 years of volcanic history. The most recent eruption in 1994 CE places this volcano within the modern era of volcanological observation.
GVP Reference Summary
Tinguiririca is composed of at least seven Holocene scoria cones W of the Chile-Argentina border constructed along a NNE-SSW fissure over an eroded Pleistocene stratovolcano. The complex was constructed during three eruptive cycles dating back to the middle Pleistocene. The latest activity produced a series of youthful small stratovolcanoes and craters, of which the youngest appear to be Tinguiririca and Fray Carlos. Constant fumarolic activity occurs within and on the NW wall of the summit crater. Hot springs and fumaroles with sulfur deposits are found on the W flanks of the summit cones. A single historical eruption was recorded in 1917.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
2 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 2 | Uncertain Eruption | — |
| 1917 | 1 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Tinguiririca
Is Tinguiririca an active volcano?+
Yes, Tinguiririca is considered an active volcano. Its most recent eruption was in 1917 CE. The volcano is monitored by geological agencies, and its activity status is based on observed eruptions within recorded history.
When did Tinguiririca last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Tinguiririca occurred in 1994 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2. The eruption was classified as a "Uncertain Eruption." Tinguiririca has 2 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Tinguiririca?+
Tinguiririca has a summit elevation of 4,280 meters (14,043 feet) above sea level. At 4,280 meters, it stands taller than Mount Rainier (4,392m) and is among the world's major volcanic peaks.
What type of volcano is Tinguiririca?+
Tinguiririca 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 Tinguiririca located?+
Tinguiririca is located in Chile, in the South America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Southern Andean Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -34.814° latitude, -70.352° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Tinguiririca?+
Visiting Tinguiririca requires checking current volcanic activity and alert levels. As an active volcano with eruptions as recent as 1917 CE, conditions can change rapidly. Always consult local geological authorities and follow official warnings before visiting. Many active volcanoes have designated safe viewing areas and guided tour options.
