Active volcanoes in South America

摘要

Very active volcanoes, deep blue lakes, emerald green waterfalls and forests of Monkey Puzzle trees make the Lake District that straddles the border of Chile and Argentina at about 40° south a memorable experience for the moderately intrepid geological tourist. Four of them are worthy of particular note. Osorno volcano from the Lugo Todos Los Santos (Fig. 4). For most tourists, Puerto Montt is the embarkation port for the ferry south to Puerto Natales and Torres de Pines. But many tours are available in Puerto Montt for the 'Cruce de Lagos', a journey east to Bariloche in Argentina. Catamarans takes the tourist across a series of deep blue glacial lakes which have cut through the heart of the Andes allowing unrivalled views of the magnificent volcanic landscape that marks the Chile/Argentina border. Strategically located hotels enable the trip to be taken in a leisurely two days. The first major landmark east out of Puerto Montt is the 2652 m high stratovolcano Osorno. Fabulous views of this glacier-clad, symmetrical volcano are available the Lago Todos de Santos to the east. This fine 'Fujian' volcano was last active in 1869. As with all volcanoes in this region there is a very complicated volcanic history with multiple cycles of volcano building and caldera collapse. Historical activity has been from the summit and also from scoria cones and fissure vents on the western flank. Lava flows form the western flank have deepened of the lake and forced the outfall over a fine series of rapids and 'waterfalls.