About Corcovado
Corcovado is a stratovolcano rising to 1,826 meters (5,991 feet) in Chile's South America Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 4920 BCE. The volcano has produced 5 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2.
Geography & Climate
Corcovado is located in Chile, within the Southern Andean Volcanic Arc of the broader South America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 43.19° S, 72.79° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,826 meters above sea level, Corcovado 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
Corcovado 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 Corcovado, 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
Corcovado has 5 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 6640 BCE to 1835 CE. The most powerful recorded event was an explosive event producing ash plumes up to several kilometers in 1835 CE, reaching VEI 2 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. This eruption frequency indicates a moderately active volcanic system with periodic reawakenings.
Significance
With 5 recorded eruptions on file, Corcovado has enough documented activity to help scientists identify patterns in its eruptive behavior.
GVP Reference Summary
Little is known of this isolated volcano that was seen in eruption by Darwin in 1834, and an eruption was reported to have occurred in November 1835. Corcovado, probably of late-Pleistocene age, is eroded by glaciers and surrounded by Holocene cinder cones. A series of lakes flank the eastern side of the basaltic to basaltic andesite structure. Eruptions in historical time were considered likely from these postglacial volcanoes (Moreno 1985, pers. comm.).
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
5 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1835 | 2 | Uncertain Eruption | — |
| 1834 | 2 | Uncertain Eruption | — |
| 4920 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 6030 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 6640 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Corcovado
Is Corcovado an active volcano?+
Corcovado is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 4920 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Corcovado last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Corcovado occurred in 1835 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2. The eruption was classified as a "Uncertain Eruption." Corcovado has 5 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Corcovado?+
Corcovado has a summit elevation of 1,826 meters (5,991 feet) above sea level. At 1,826 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Corcovado?+
Corcovado 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 Corcovado located?+
Corcovado is located in Chile, in the South America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Southern Andean Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -43.189° latitude, -72.794° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Corcovado?+
Corcovado 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.
