Tupungatito (Chile-Argentina): Recorded Eruptions and Historical Activity

Tupungatito is a stratovolcano located along the border between Chile and Argentina at an elevation of 5,660 meters. Situated in a subduction zone and continental crust setting greater than 25 kilometers thick, the volcano has a documented historical record consisting entirely of confirmed eruptions assessed with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2.0.

Overview of Recorded Eruptions

According to the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program, Tupungatito has a total of 18 confirmed eruptions spanning from the 19th century CE through the 20th century CE. All 18 events feature recorded VEI observations of 2.0. The historical record indicates that confirmed activity occurred across two centuries: 4 eruptions took place in the 19th century CE, and 14 eruptions took place in the 20th century CE.

Chronology of Historical Activity

The earliest recorded eruption in the official dataset began on July 2, 1829. Subsequent confirmed eruptions took place at intervals across the 19th and 20th centuries, documented primarily through reported observations. For example, a confirmed eruption started on April 16, 1901, followed decades later by activity such as an eruption starting on January 16, 1958. Another documented event began on August 3, 1964, and ended on September 19, 1964.

The latest confirmed eruption in the official record began on November 28, 1987, and ended on November 30, 1987. The profile's last known eruption year is recorded as 1987.