About Infiernillo
Infiernillo is a volcanic field rising to 3,007 meters (9,866 feet) in Argentina's South America Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 6890 BCE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Infiernillo is located in Argentina, within the Southern Andean Volcanic Arc of the broader South America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 35.12° S, 69.90° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. At 3,007 meters above sea level, Infiernillo 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 cluster, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Infiernillo is an intraplate volcano, meaning it formed away from any plate boundary. These volcanoes are often powered by hotspots — plumes of abnormally hot mantle material rising from deep within the Earth. Hotspot volcanoes like Infiernillo tend to produce effusive eruptions with lava flows that can be relatively predictable, giving nearby communities in Argentina more time to prepare. However, they can also produce explosive phases, particularly when magma interacts with groundwater. 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
Infiernillo has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 6890 BCE to 6890 BCE.
GVP Reference Summary
Infiernillo, a late-Pleistocene to Holocene basaltic andesite volcanic field along the Río Salado in Argentina lies about 70 km east of the crest of the Andes and NW of the town of Malargüe. Several vents controlled by extensional tectonics produced lava flows with prominent flow features that reached to the river. A radiocarbon date of about 8840 years before present was obtained from Volcán Hoyo Colorado.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6890 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Volcán Hoyo Colorado |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Infiernillo
Is Infiernillo an active volcano?+
Infiernillo is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 6890 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Infiernillo last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Infiernillo occurred in 6890 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Infiernillo has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Infiernillo?+
Infiernillo has a summit elevation of 3,007 meters (9,866 feet) above sea level. At 3,007 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Infiernillo?+
Infiernillo 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 Infiernillo located?+
Infiernillo is located in Argentina, in the South America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Southern Andean Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -35.123° latitude, -69.900° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Infiernillo?+
Infiernillo can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Argentina may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
