About Longavi, Nevado de
Longavi, Nevado de is a stratovolcano rising to 3,175 meters (10,417 feet) in Chile's South America Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 4890 BCE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Longavi, Nevado de is located in Chile, within the Southern Andean Volcanic Arc of the broader South America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 36.20° S, 71.16° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. At 3,175 meters above sea level, Longavi, Nevado de rises above the surrounding terrain into montane or subalpine conditions. The elevation creates distinct ecological zones along its flanks, from forested lower slopes to exposed rocky terrain near the summit. 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
Longavi, Nevado de 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 Longavi, Nevado de, 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
Longavi, Nevado de has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 4890 BCE to 4890 BCE.
GVP Reference Summary
The conical Nevado de Longaví is a late-Pleistocene to Holocene, dominantly andesitic stratovolcano constructed over a basement of Tertiary volcaniclastic and granitic rocks. Two edifice-collapse events modified the E and SW flanks of a pre-Holocene edifice, and Holocene activity has been concentrated at the summit and on the E flanks. Andesitic-to-dacitic lava domes occupy the summit region. The latest eruptions produced a lava dome in the upper part of the collapse scarp and summit region that partially collapsed to the E, forming block-and-ash flow deposits. Fumarolic activity has been reported.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4890 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Longavi, Nevado de
Is Longavi, Nevado de an active volcano?+
Longavi, Nevado de is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 4890 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Longavi, Nevado de last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Longavi, Nevado de occurred in 4890 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Longavi, Nevado de has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Longavi, Nevado de?+
Longavi, Nevado de has a summit elevation of 3,175 meters (10,417 feet) above sea level. At 3,175 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Longavi, Nevado de?+
Longavi, Nevado de 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 Longavi, Nevado de located?+
Longavi, Nevado de is located in Chile, in the South America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Southern Andean Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -36.196° latitude, -71.164° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Longavi, Nevado de?+
Longavi, Nevado de 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.
