About Puntiagudo-Cordon Cenizos
Puntiagudo-Cordon Cenizos is a stratovolcano rising to 2,493 meters (8,180 feet) in Chile's South America Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1850 CE. The volcano has produced 2 recorded eruptions.
Geography & Climate
Puntiagudo-Cordon Cenizos is located in Chile, within the Southern Andean Volcanic Arc of the broader South America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 40.97° S, 72.26° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. At 2,493 meters above sea level, Puntiagudo-Cordon Cenizos 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
Puntiagudo-Cordon Cenizos 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 Puntiagudo-Cordon Cenizos, 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
Puntiagudo-Cordon Cenizos has 2 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 1850 CE to 1930 CE. These eruptions span roughly 80 years of volcanic history. The most recent eruption in 1930 CE places this volcano within the modern era of volcanological observation.
GVP Reference Summary
The Puntiagudo-Cordón Cenizos volcanic chain lies between Lago Rupanco and Lago Todos Los Santos in the Chilean lake district. Volcán Puntiagudo is a late-Pleistocene andesitic stratovolcano with a prominent sharp-peaked summit that results from glacial dissection. An 18-km-long fissure system with more than 40 late-Pleistocene to Holocene basaltic scoria cones and small stratovolcanoes extends to the NE. Lava flows from these centers descend to the NW and SE, in some cases reaching to the shores of the two lakes, forming irregular peninsulas. The only historical eruption occurred in 1850, when ashfall was reported from the Cordón Cenizos chain.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
2 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1930 | — | Uncertain Eruption | — |
| 1850 | — | Confirmed Eruption | Cordón Cenizos |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Puntiagudo-Cordon Cenizos
Is Puntiagudo-Cordon Cenizos an active volcano?+
Puntiagudo-Cordon Cenizos is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in 1850 CE, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
When did Puntiagudo-Cordon Cenizos last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Puntiagudo-Cordon Cenizos occurred in 1930 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Uncertain Eruption." Puntiagudo-Cordon Cenizos has 2 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Puntiagudo-Cordon Cenizos?+
Puntiagudo-Cordon Cenizos has a summit elevation of 2,493 meters (8,180 feet) above sea level. At 2,493 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Puntiagudo-Cordon Cenizos?+
Puntiagudo-Cordon Cenizos 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 Puntiagudo-Cordon Cenizos located?+
Puntiagudo-Cordon Cenizos is located in Chile, in the South America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Southern Andean Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -40.969° latitude, -72.264° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Puntiagudo-Cordon Cenizos?+
Puntiagudo-Cordon Cenizos 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.
