Lascar (volcano)

Lascar
The Lascar volcano, seen from the Chaxas lagoon on the Gran Salar. To the left, in the background, the Aguas Calientes volcano.
Highest point
Elevation	5,592 m (18,346 ft)
Coordinates	23°22′S 67°44′W / 23.367°S 67.733°W / -23.367; -67.733Coordinates: 23°22′S 67°44′W / 23.367°S 67.733°W / -23.367; -67.733
Geography
Lascar Chile
Location	Northern Chile
Parent range	Andes
Geology
Mountain type	Stratovolcano
Last eruption	October 30, 2015

Lascar, a stratovolcano of the Central Volcanic Zone of the Andes, is a volcanic arc that spans the countries of Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile. It is the most active volcano of the region, with records of eruptions going back to 1848. It is constructed from two separate cones with six or five summit craters. The westernmost crater of the eastern cone is presently active. Volcanic activity is characterized by constant release of volcanic gas and occasional Vulcanian eruptions.

Lascar has been active since at least 56,000 or 220,000 years ago. The first known activity occurred at the eastern cone, before shifting to the western cone and back again. The magma supplied to the volcano ultimately comes from the subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South America Plate. A number of other volcanoes are found in the neighbourhood, such as Aguas Calientes and Cordon de Puntas Negras and the giant La Pacana caldera.

Major eruptions of Lascar occurred 26,500, 26,450 ± 500, and between 9,200 and 9,100 years ago. The second of these eruptions released 10–15 cubic kilometres (2.4–3.6 cu mi) of material and is known as the Soncor eruption. The largest historical eruption of Lascar occurred in April 1993 and was accompanied by ash fall as far as Buenos Aires. Because Lascar is located in a remote area, it is monitored primarily by remote sensing. Explosive eruptions are the biggest hazard at Lascar volcano.