About Tilocalar
Tilocalar is a lava cone(es) rising to 3,109 meters (10,201 feet) in Chile's South America Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Tilocalar is located in Chile, within the Central Andean Volcanic Arc of the broader South America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 23.97° S, 68.13° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subtropical climate zone. At 3,109 meters above sea level, Tilocalar 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 minor, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Tilocalar 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 Tilocalar, 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.
GVP Reference Summary
Two small eruptive vents that produced lava flows lie about 3 km apart in the Callejón de Tilocálar area. Lava flows overlie Pliocene ignimbrites and were considered to be of Pleistocene-Holocene age by González-Ferrán (1995). The larger feature, Tilocálar Sur, lies about 3.5 km SW of Tilocálar Norte. Four basaltic andesite to andesitic lava flows originated from Tilocálar Sur, and an explosion crater lies a kilometer to the south. The Tilocálar Norte lies near the eastern wall of the Callejón de Tilocálar and produced lava flows that traveled primarily to the north.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Tilocalar.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Tilocalar
Is Tilocalar an active volcano?+
Tilocalar is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Evidence Uncertain." No recorded eruptions have been documented. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
How high is Tilocalar?+
Tilocalar has a summit elevation of 3,109 meters (10,201 feet) above sea level. At 3,109 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Tilocalar?+
Tilocalar is classified as a Lava cone(es). Lava cone(es) volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Tilocalar located?+
Tilocalar is located in Chile, in the South America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Central Andean Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -23.970° latitude, -68.130° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Tilocalar?+
Tilocalar 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.
