Uturuncu Volcano

Latest News 

• International Study: Scientists from China, the UK, and the U.S. analyzed Uturuncu’s underground magma dynamics, identifying that its unrest stems from magmatic fluid and gas movement, not imminent eruption risks.

  • Significance: Alleviates concerns about sudden eruptions, though continuous monitoring is advised due to its “zombie” status.

Overview

• Location: Southwestern Bolivia, Andes Mountains (near borders of Chile and Argentina).

• Type: Stratovolcano (layered volcano) with dacitic lava domes and flows.

• Elevation: 6,008 meters (19,711 ft) — tallest peak in southern Bolivia.

• Last Eruption: ~250,000 years ago (Pleistocene epoch).

Geological Features

1. Altiplano-Puna Magma Body (APMB):

   • Size: One of Earth’s largest magma reservoirs, spanning 70 km in diameter and extending ~17–19 km underground.

   • Role: Fuels Uturuncu’s seismic activity and surface uplift (ground rising ~1–2 cm/year).

2. “Zombie” Volcano:

   • Definition: Dormant for millennia but shows persistent seismic/geothermal activity (e.g., gas emissions, minor earthquakes).

   • Current Activity: Magma movement causes ground deformation but no imminent eruption.

Key Findings from Recent Study

• Causes of Unrest:

  • Magmatic fluids (water, CO₂) migrating upward, creating pressure but not enough to trigger eruptions.

  • No Fresh Magma Intrusion: Existing magma is cooling and crystallizing, reducing eruption likelihood.

• Monitoring Tools: Satellite radar (InSAR), seismic sensors, and gas emission analysis.

Ecological & Human Impact

• Risk Assessment:

  • Low Immediate Threat: No historical eruptions in human records.

  • Long-Term Concerns: APMB’s potential for future supervolcanic activity (unlikely in centuries).

• Regional Significance:

  • Proximity to lithium-rich salt flats (Salar de Uyuni) raises stakes for disaster preparedness.

Key Takeaways

• Uturuncu’s “zombie” status reflects persistent but non-eruptive activity driven by the APMB.

• Recent studies emphasize fluid/gas dynamics over magma ascent, easing eruption fears.

• Continuous monitoring is vital for understanding Andean volcanism and regional geological risks.

FAQs

1. Where is Uturuncu Volcano located?

   • Southwestern Bolivia, Andes Mountains.

2. What type of volcano is Uturuncu?

   • Stratovolcano dominated by dacitic lava.

3. What is the Altiplano-Puna Magma Body (APMB)?

   • A massive underground magma reservoir beneath Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.