About Cayutue-La Vigueria
Cayutue-La Vigueria is a volcanic field rising to 506 meters (1,660 feet) in Chile's South America Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption dates to 190 BCE, in prehistoric times. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Cayutue-La Vigueria is located in Chile, within the Southern Andean Volcanic Arc of the broader South America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 41.30° S, 72.27° W in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 506 meters above sea level, Cayutue-La Vigueria is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. 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
Cayutue-La Vigueria 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 Cayutue-La Vigueria, 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
Cayutue-La Vigueria has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 190 BCE to 190 BCE.
GVP Reference Summary
The Cayutué-La Viguería volcanic field consists of about 20 basaltic maars and cinder cones of Holocene age along the N-S-trending Liquiñe-Ofqui fault zone. The field occupies a low-lying area between the southern end of Ensenada Cayutué (the southern extension of Lake Todos los Santos) and the northern end of the Estuario Reloncaví. La Viguería and Volcán Cayutué are the principal cones. Formation of La Viguería and associated lava flows temporarily dammed the Río Petrohué about 3,000 years ago, forming an ephemeral lake that was filled with deposits from Calbuco and Osorno volcanoes. Pyroclastic cones and lava flows filled the Ensenada de Cayutué depression, separating Lake Todos los Santos from Ralún Bay.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 190 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | La Viguería |
Real-Time Data
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Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Cayutue-La Vigueria
Is Cayutue-La Vigueria an active volcano?+
Cayutue-La Vigueria is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 190 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Cayutue-La Vigueria last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Cayutue-La Vigueria occurred in 190 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Cayutue-La Vigueria has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Cayutue-La Vigueria?+
Cayutue-La Vigueria has a summit elevation of 506 meters (1,660 feet) above sea level. At 506 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Cayutue-La Vigueria?+
Cayutue-La Vigueria 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 Cayutue-La Vigueria located?+
Cayutue-La Vigueria is located in Chile, in the South America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Southern Andean Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are -41.300° latitude, -72.270° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Cayutue-La Vigueria?+
Cayutue-La Vigueria 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.
