About Melimoyu
Melimoyu is a stratovolcano rising to 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) in Chile's South America Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 200 CE. The volcano has produced 2 recorded eruptions.
Geography & Climate
Melimoyu is located in Chile, within the Southern Andean Volcanic Arc of the broader South America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 44.08° S, 72.88° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. At 2,400 meters above sea level, Melimoyu 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
Melimoyu 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 Melimoyu, 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
Melimoyu has 2 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 820 BCE to 200 CE. These eruptions span roughly 1,020 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
Melimoyu is a stratovolcano with an 8-km-wide, largely buried caldera located ~40 km NW of the town of Puyuhuapi. The ice-filled caldera is drained by a glacier through a notch in the NE caldera rim. The basaltic andesite volcano is elongated 10 km in an E-W direction and has several cinder cones. A 1-km-wide crater is located at its summit, and two late-Holocene tephra layers have been documented.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
2 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 820 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Melimoyu
Is Melimoyu an active volcano?+
Melimoyu is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 200 CE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Melimoyu last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Melimoyu occurred in 200 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Melimoyu has 2 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Melimoyu?+
Melimoyu has a summit elevation of 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) above sea level. At 2,400 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Melimoyu?+
Melimoyu 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 Melimoyu located?+
Melimoyu is located in Chile, in the South America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Southern Andean Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -44.080° latitude, -72.880° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Melimoyu?+
Melimoyu 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.
