About Caburgua-Huelemolle
Caburgua-Huelemolle is a volcanic field rising to 1,652 meters (5,420 feet) in Chile's South America Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 5050 BCE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Caburgua-Huelemolle is located in Chile, within the Southern Andean Volcanic Arc of the broader South America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 39.25° S, 71.75° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,652 meters above sea level, Caburgua-Huelemolle is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a cluster, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Caburgua-Huelemolle 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 Caburgua-Huelemolle, 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 basalt / picro-basalt, 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
Caburgua-Huelemolle has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 5050 BCE to 5050 BCE.
GVP Reference Summary
Four groups of basaltic cinder cones lie east of Lago Villarrica and NE of Villarrica volcano. The northernmost and southernmost groups, the Volcanes de Caburgua and Volcán Huelemolle, respectively, lie along the major regional Liquine-Ofqui fault zone. Volcanes de Caburgua lies at the south end of Lago Caburgua and consists of six early Holocene basaltic cinder cones. Lava flows from these cones contributed to blockage of river drainages that formed the lake. The southernmost group, Volcán Huelemolle, consists of three early Holocene basaltic cinder cones between the Liucura and Pucón (or Minetué) rivers. The two other cone groups, Cerro Redondo and Pichares, lie to the east of Caburgua and Huelemolle. Stratigraphic evidence indicates that these basaltic cone groups were active between about 8,000 and 6,000 years ago.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5050 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Huelemolle and Caburgua cones |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Caburgua-Huelemolle
Is Caburgua-Huelemolle an active volcano?+
Caburgua-Huelemolle is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 5050 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Caburgua-Huelemolle last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Caburgua-Huelemolle occurred in 5050 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Caburgua-Huelemolle has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Caburgua-Huelemolle?+
Caburgua-Huelemolle has a summit elevation of 1,652 meters (5,420 feet) above sea level. At 1,652 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Caburgua-Huelemolle?+
Caburgua-Huelemolle is classified as a Volcanic field. Volcanic fields consist of clusters of small volcanic vents and cinder cones spread across a region. Rather than a single central vent, eruptions can occur at many points across the field.
Where is Caburgua-Huelemolle located?+
Caburgua-Huelemolle is located in Chile, in the South America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Southern Andean Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -39.250° latitude, -71.750° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Caburgua-Huelemolle?+
Caburgua-Huelemolle 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.
