About Quimsachata-Oroscocha
Quimsachata-Oroscocha is a lava dome rising to 3,848 meters (12,625 feet) in Peru's South America Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 4450 BCE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Quimsachata-Oroscocha is located in Peru, within the Central Andean Volcanic Arc of the broader South America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 14.13° S, 71.36° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. Standing at 3,848 meters above sea level, Quimsachata-Oroscocha towers above the alpine zone, where vegetation gives way to bare rock, snow, and ice for much of the year. The high elevation means the upper slopes experience significantly colder temperatures than surrounding lowlands. The volcanic landform is characterized as a minor (silicic), which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Quimsachata-Oroscocha 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 Peru near Quimsachata-Oroscocha, 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 rhyolite, a silica-rich volcanic rock associated with highly viscous magma. Rhyolitic eruptions can be extremely explosive and are responsible for some of the largest volcanic events in Earth's history, including supervolcanic caldera-forming eruptions. The high silica content traps dissolved gases, building enormous pressure that can lead to catastrophic explosive releases.
Eruption History Summary
Quimsachata-Oroscocha has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 4450 BCE to 4450 BCE.
GVP Reference Summary
The Quimsachata-Oroscocha group consists of two late Pleistocene and Holocene monogenetic volcanoes at the foot of the Cordillera Oriental, far east of the main volcanic front. Quimsachata is a high-potassium andesitic scoria cone surrounded by a lava shield that was erupted in flat terrain along the Vilcanota River about 11,500 years ago. Oroscocha is a rhyolitic lava dome with a short, thick lava flow erupted from a N-S-trending fissure about 6,400 years ago.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4450 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Oroscocha |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Quimsachata-Oroscocha
Is Quimsachata-Oroscocha an active volcano?+
Quimsachata-Oroscocha is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 4450 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Quimsachata-Oroscocha last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Quimsachata-Oroscocha occurred in 4450 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Quimsachata-Oroscocha has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Quimsachata-Oroscocha?+
Quimsachata-Oroscocha has a summit elevation of 3,848 meters (12,625 feet) above sea level. At 3,848 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Quimsachata-Oroscocha?+
Quimsachata-Oroscocha is classified as a Lava dome. Lava dome volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Quimsachata-Oroscocha located?+
Quimsachata-Oroscocha is located in Peru, in the South America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Central Andean Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -14.131° latitude, -71.363° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Quimsachata-Oroscocha?+
Quimsachata-Oroscocha can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Peru may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
