WEEK 5: VOLCANOES

Chile has more than 500 volcanoes, with 90 of them being active. This makes it one of the most volcanic regions in the world. The country has a diverse range of volcanic types, including stratovolcanoes, shield volcanoes, and calderas. The most active volcanic regions in Chile are the Central Andes, the Southern Andes, and the Southern Volcanic Zone. The history of volcanic activity dates back to millions of years ago. The Andes mountain range, which runs along the western side of Chile, was formed due to tectonic activity that pushed the South American Plate over the Nazca Plate. This collision created a subduction zone, where the Nazca Plate is pushed under the South American Plate, leading to the formation of the Andes mountain range and the volcanic activity associated with it.

Chile has had several significant volcanic eruptions throughout history. One of the most notable eruptions was that of the Llaima Volcano in 1640, which was one of the largest recorded eruptions in South America. The eruption produced ashfall, pyroclastic flows, and lava flows, which covered an area of approximately 60 square kilometers. The ashfall from the eruption was also reported as far away as Buenos Aires, Argentina. In recent times, the Chaitén Volcano erupted in 2008 after being dormant for over 9,000 years. The eruption produced an ash plume that reached an altitude of 30 kilometers and covered nearby towns with ash and pyroclastic flows. The eruption led to the evacuation of over 4,000 people from the region. The Puyehue-Cordón Caulle Volcanic Complex also erupted in 2011, causing widespread ashfall and disrupting air travel across South America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Chile has developed a robust system to monitor volcanic activity and ensure public safety in the event of an eruption. The National Geology and Mining Service (SERNAGEOMIN) is responsible for monitoring volcanic activity in Chile and issuing alerts when necessary. The organization has established a network of monitoring stations across the country to monitor seismic activity, gas emissions, and other volcanic indicators. The nation has also established the Volcano Observatory of the Southern Andes (OVDAS), a center dedicated to monitoring and studying volcanic activity in the Southern Andes. The center works in collaboration with SERNAGEOMIN to provide information on volcanic activity and support decision-making during volcanic emergencies.

Despite the measures taken to ensure public safety, Chile faces several challenges related to volcanic activity. The country's high number of active volcanoes, combined with its complex tectonic setting, makes it challenging to predict volcanic eruptions accurately. Additionally, the high frequency of eruptions in the country can also cause complacency among residents and tourists, leading to a lack of preparedness. Climate change is also a significant concern for the nation as it could exacerbate the impacts of volcanic activity. Increased melting of glaciers and snowpack in the Andes could lead to lahars, which are mudflows triggered by volcanic activity, causing significant damage to infrastructure and communities downstream. 

REFERENCES: 

https://www.worlddata.info/america/chile/volcanos.php

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volcanism_of_Chile

https://www.eskp.de/en/basic-knowledge/natural-hazards/infographics-on-volcanic-eruptions-935629/

https://www.coolgeography.co.uk/A-level/AQA/Year%2013/Plate%20Tectonics/Volcanoes/LEDC%20case%20study.html 

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00445-022-01526-y

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Map-of-active-volcanoes-in-mainland-Chile_fig3_331487842