Putana
Stratovolcano in Chile
Key Facts
Elevation
5,884 m (19,304 ft)
Type
Stratovolcano
Location
-22.557°, -67.853°
Region
Central Andean Volcanic Arc
Rock Type
Dacite
Tectonic Setting
Subduction zone
Location
Loading map...
Overview
Volcán Putana, also known as Jorgencal or Machuca, is part of a large, roughly N-S-trending volcanic complex that covers an area of 600 km2. Vigorous fumarolic activity is visible at the summit from long distances. The main edifice, which formed primarily by lava effusion, consists of accumulated postglacial dacitic lava domes and flows mantling an older pre-Holocene volcano.
The youngest basaltic andesite lava flows are viscous and rarely extend more than 3 km. A major eruption of unspecified character was reported in the early 19th century (Rudolph, 1955; Guest 1981, pers. comm.
), although González-Ferrán (1995) indicated that no historical eruptions had occurred.
Volcanic Hazards & Risk Assessment
Primary Hazards
- Pyroclastic flows
- Lava flows
- Volcanic bombs and ballistics
- Lahars and mudflows
Risk Level
Geological Composition & Structure
Rock Types
Tectonic Setting
Age & Formation
Eruption Statistics & Analysis
| Metric | Value | Global Ranking | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Recorded Eruptions | Unknown | Low | Moderately active volcano |
| Maximum VEI | VEI Unknown | Minor | Local impact potential |
| Recent Activity | 216 years ago | Historical | Historically active |
Monitoring & Alert Status
Monitoring Networks
Current Status
Nearby Volcanoes in South America Volcanic Regions
Quick Info
- •Smithsonian ID: 355090
- •Evidence: Eruption Observed
- •Epoch: Holocene
About the Photo
Volcán Putana, seen here from the west, shows vigorous fumarolic activity at its 5890-m-high summit. Snow forming a thin diagonal line below and to the right of the summit marks a road leading to a sulfur-mining operation at the summit of the volcano. Putana is also known as Jorgencal or Machuca and is part of a large, roughly N-S-trending volcanic complex that covers an area of 600 km2 along the Chile-Bolivia border. Postglacial dacitic lava domes and short, thick lava flows form the main edifice.
Photo by Joël Boyer, 2006 (L.A.V.E.)
Authority Sources
Related Volcanoes
Basic Information
This page shows basic data from the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program. For more detailed information, visit the official Smithsonian page.