Pali-Aike Volcanic Field
Volcanic field · 282m · Chile-Argentina
About Pali-Aike Volcanic Field
Pali-Aike Volcanic Field is a volcanic field rising to 282 meters (925 feet) in Chile-Argentina's South America Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 5550 BCE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Pali-Aike Volcanic Field is located in Chile-Argentina, within the Austral Andean Volcanic Arc of the broader South America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 52.08° S, 69.70° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. At just 282 meters above sea level, Pali-Aike Volcanic Field is a relatively low-elevation volcanic feature. Despite its modest height, it remains an active geological formation with the same underlying magmatic processes as its taller counterparts. 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
Pali-Aike Volcanic Field 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-Argentina near Pali-Aike Volcanic Field, 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
Pali-Aike Volcanic Field has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 5550 BCE to 5550 BCE.
GVP Reference Summary
The 3,000 km2 Pleistocene-to-Holocene Pali-Aike volcanic field straddles the Chile-Argentina border north of the Straits of Magellan, about 150 km NE of the town of Punta Arenas. The southernmost of the Patagonian basaltic plateau lavas, Pali-Aike contains lake-filled maars and basaltic scoria and spatter cones with associated fresh-looking lava flows. The distribution of maars and cones indicates that eruptions occurred along regional fissures oriented E-W and NW-SE. The earliest eruptions produced maars and lava flows that are now exposed only in river valleys. A second stage formed now-eroded spatter cones and soil-covered lava flows. The youngest cones and lava flows are found in the SE part of the field. The most recent volcanic event produced scoria and spatter cones and fresh lava flows not covered by soil. Ejecta covers prehistorical artifacts (Skewes and Stern, 1979).
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5550 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Pali-Aike Volcanic Field
Is Pali-Aike Volcanic Field an active volcano?+
Pali-Aike Volcanic Field is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 5550 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Pali-Aike Volcanic Field last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Pali-Aike Volcanic Field occurred in 5550 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Pali-Aike Volcanic Field has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Pali-Aike Volcanic Field?+
Pali-Aike Volcanic Field has a summit elevation of 282 meters (925 feet) above sea level. At 282 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Pali-Aike Volcanic Field?+
Pali-Aike Volcanic Field 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 Pali-Aike Volcanic Field located?+
Pali-Aike Volcanic Field is located in Chile-Argentina, in the South America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Austral Andean Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -52.082° latitude, -69.698° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Pali-Aike Volcanic Field?+
Pali-Aike Volcanic Field can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Chile-Argentina may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
