Lastarria

Lastarria
Lastarria seen from Mina La Casualidad
Highest point
Elevation	5,706 m (18,720 ft)
Coordinates	25°10′S 68°31′W / 25.167°S 68.517°W / -25.167; -68.517Coordinates: 25°10′S 68°31′W / 25.167°S 68.517°W / -25.167; -68.517
Geography
Lastarria Chile, Argentina
Region, Province	Antofagasta Region Salta Province
Parent range	Central Andes
Geology
Age of rock	-Holocene (900,000 to 2400 years BP)
Mountain type	Andesitic-dacitic volcano
Volcanic belt	Central Volcanic Zone
Last eruption	2460 ± 50/60 years BP

Lastarria is a volcano that lies on the border between Chile and Argentina. It is part of the Central Volcanic Zone, one of the four segments of the volcanic arc of the Andes. Several volcanoes are located in this chain of volcanoes, which is formed by subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate.

Lastarria is formed by two volcanic edifices and one subsidiary lava flow field. There is no recorded eruptive activity, but the volcano displays vigorous fumarolic activity. It is located on top of older volcanic rocks and features both andesite and dacite.

Lastarria has produced a large landslide deposit as well as flows of molten sulfur. A progressive uplift of the terrain around Lastarria and farther south has been recognized.

Lastarria is situated in the Central Andes, in the Antofagasta Region of Chile, and straddles the border with Argentina. The city of Antofagasta lies 250 kilometres (160 mi) northwest of Lastarria. The area of the Central Andes is difficult to access and its volcanoes are usually poorly monitored. There are no human populations within 150 kilometres (93 mi) of Lastarria. From the former Catalina railway station 120 kilometres (75 mi) west, an unpaved road leads to Lastarria.

Lastarria is part of the Andean Central Volcanic Zone, which extends over 1,500 kilometres (930 mi) from Peru to Chile. Over 1,000 volcanic edifices have been identified in this zone, of which about 50 volcanoes are active or potentially active, with many exceeding 6,000 metres (20,000 ft) in altitude. In addition, the zone features 18 monogenetic volcanoes and about 6 caldera/ignimbrite systems.