About Hornopiren
Hornopiren is a stratovolcano rising to 1,572 meters (5,158 feet) in Chile's South America Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 340 CE. The volcano has produced 3 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 4.
Geography & Climate
Hornopiren is located in Chile, within the Southern Andean Volcanic Arc of the broader South America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 41.87° S, 72.43° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,572 meters above sea level, Hornopiren is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. 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
Hornopiren 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 Hornopiren, 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
Hornopiren has 3 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 3720 BCE to 1835 CE. The most powerful recorded event was a cataclysmic eruption with ash columns reaching the stratosphere in 3720 BCE, reaching VEI 4 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. These eruptions span roughly 5,555 years of volcanic history.
Significance
With a maximum recorded VEI of 4, Hornopiren has demonstrated the capacity for significant explosive eruptions that can impact regional aviation, agriculture, and communities tens of kilometers from the summit. VEI 4 eruptions produce ash columns reaching 15-25 kilometers into the atmosphere.
GVP Reference Summary
Volcán Hornopirén, located SSW of Yate volcano, is a morphologically youthful basaltic andesite stratovolcano that is mostly forested. The volcano, whose name means "snow oven," lies along a graben defined by the major regional Liquiñe-Ofqui fault zone, N of the Hornopirén strait and immediately S of Lago Cabrera. Prominent lava flows descend beyond the SW base of the volcano and overlie the graben floor. The volcano was said to be in eruption in 1835, although no details are known.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
3 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1835 | — | Uncertain Eruption | — |
| 340 | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 3720 BCE | 4 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Hornopiren
Is Hornopiren an active volcano?+
Hornopiren is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 340 CE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Hornopiren last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Hornopiren occurred in 1835 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Uncertain Eruption." Hornopiren has 3 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Hornopiren?+
Hornopiren has a summit elevation of 1,572 meters (5,158 feet) above sea level. At 1,572 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Hornopiren?+
Hornopiren 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 Hornopiren located?+
Hornopiren is located in Chile, in the South America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Southern Andean Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -41.874° latitude, -72.431° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Hornopiren?+
Hornopiren 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.
