Chaitén

Chaitén volcano, located in Southern Chile, unexpectedly erupted in 2008 after being dormant for approximately 9,400 years. This eruption generated massive ash columns, reaching heights of 17 kilometers, and caused significant ashfall across the region, disrupting air travel. The eruption devastated the nearby town of Chaitén, forcing its evacuation. Notably, this was the first major explosive eruption of rhyolite magma in nearly a century. After the initial explosive phase, Chaitén began extruding a viscous rhyolite lava dome that continued to grow for several years.

Location:	Southern Chile
Coordinates:	-42.836165, -72.652109
Volcano Type:	Caldera

Chaitén’s Location

Chaitén’s Latest Status

2024: Not Active.

Chaitén’s Eruptive History

~7420 BC ± 75 years	Previous significant eruption, based on initial radiocarbon dating. Details are limited.
2008	Major Eruption: Began with a Plinian phase, producing ash columns up to 17 km high. Significant ashfall occurred throughout the region and caused widespread disruption. Transitioned to an effusive phase with the extrusion of a rhyolite lava dome.
2009	Continued lava dome growth and occasional ash emissions. Lahars (volcanic mudflows) were a significant hazard due to heavy rainfall and remobilization of volcanic material.
2010	Lava dome growth continued at a slower pace. Occasional small explosions and ash venting occurred.
2011	Reduced activity, with mainly gas emissions and minor ash venting.
2012-2013	Declining seismicity, thermal emissions, and plumes.
2014 – Present	Generally quiet, with low-level activity and ongoing monitoring.

Chaitén Monitoring

For monitoring of this volcano, please refer to SERNAGEOMIN.

Chaitén’s Location

Chaitén’s Latest Status

Chaitén’s Eruptive History

Chaitén Monitoring

Chaitén Images