Nevados de Chillan volcanic threat

The Nevados de Chillan volcano located in the southern volcanic zone of the Chilean Andes is one of the highest risk volcanoes in the country due to high levels of historic activity and the rapid development of economic activity in the area.

At least three pyroclastic flow eruptions have occurred during the Holocene (last 10,000 years) and lahar deposits are common in the valleys around the volcano. Lahars due to the melting of snow and ice have been recorded in the historic past, and these (especially during winter) and landslides are expected to be a hazard to economic developments on the lower flanks and surrounding valleys during future eruptions.

¹ Dixon, H.J., Murphy, M.D., Sparks, S.J., Chavex, R., Naranjo, J.A., Dunkley, P.N., Young, S.R., Gilbert, J.S. & Pringle, M.R. 1999. The geology of Nevados de Chillan Volcano, Chile. Revista Geologica de Chile. Vol. 26.