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Nevados de Chillán

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Nevados de Chillán is a volcanic complex in the Chilean Andes, made up of several stratovolcanoes including Cerro Blanco, Volcán Viejo, and the currently active Volcán Nuevo. This complex is known for its diverse eruptive activity, ranging from lava flows to explosive eruptions. The presence of a hydrothermal system leads to features like fumaroles, hot springs, and acidic crater lakes. Nevados de Chillán is persistently active, with frequent small explosions, ash emissions, and occasional lava dome growth. This ongoing activity, combined with its proximity to tourist areas and ski resorts, requires continuous monitoring and hazard assessment. The complex volcanic processes and the potential for larger eruptions make Nevados de Chillán an important site for scientific research.

Location: Andes, Chile
Coordinates: -36.829878, -71.408933
Volcano Type: Complex

 

Nevados de Chillán’s Location

 

Nevados de Chillán’s Latest Status

2024: Not Active.

 

Nevados de Chillán’s Eruptive History

Year Eruption Activity
1600s – 1700s Intermittent explosive eruptions were recorded during this period, though detailed information is limited.
1861-1865 A significant eruption occurred at the Cerro Blanco subcomplex, producing the Santa Gertrudis lava field. This eruption was characterized by explosive activity and lava flows.
1906-1948 Eruptions occurred primarily at the Las Termas subcomplex, with a mix of explosive activity and lava dome growth. The Nuevo crater, one of the currently active vents, began forming during this period.
1973-1986 Another period of activity focused on the Las Termas subcomplex, with eruptions producing lava flows and pyroclastic flows. The Arrau crater formed during this time.
1986-2002 Relatively quiet period with only minor activity, such as fumaroles and small phreatic explosions.
2003 A series of low-magnitude explosive events occurred, producing gas and ash columns reaching heights of 400-500 meters. These eruptions were primarily phreatic.
2008 Minor ash emissions were reported.
2009 A small eruption generated an ash column that rose approximately 500 meters above the volcanic complex. This event was likely also phreatic in nature.
2015 – 2018 A new eruptive cycle began with phreatic explosions in a new vent (later named Nicanor crater). This marked the start of a period of heightened activity with cycles of lava dome growth and destruction. The dome growth led to incandescent rockfalls and small pyroclastic flows, while dome collapses generated larger pyroclastic flows. Ash emissions were frequent, and lahars (volcanic mudflows) were triggered by rainfall interacting with loose volcanic material.
2019 – 2020 Explosive and effusive activity continued, with ongoing growth and destruction of lava domes within the Nicanor crater. Ash plumes were a common occurrence, and pyroclastic flows continued to affect the surrounding area.
2021 This year saw particularly intense explosive activity, with significant ash emissions and pyroclastic flows. New lava domes continued to grow, contributing to the hazards.
2022 Eruptive activity persisted, with explosions generating ash plumes that reached heights of up to 2.7 kilometers. Pyroclastic flows continued to be a significant hazard, and incandescent ejecta was observed during some explosions.
2023 While less intense than previous years, activity continued with persistent gas-and-steam emissions, occasional explosions, and ash plumes. The volcano remains in an active state.

 

Nevados de Chillán Monitoring

For monitoring of this volcano, please refer to SERNAGEOMIN.

 

Nevados de Chillán Images

 

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