Antillanca Group facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Antillanca Group |
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Antillanca ski resort
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,990 m (6,530 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Antillanca Group
Location in Chile
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| Parent range | Andes |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Stratovolcanoes |
| Last eruption | 230 BCE ± 200 years |
The Antillanca Group is a fascinating collection of volcanoes found in Chile. It's not just one big volcano, but many smaller ones, including different types like scoria cones, maars, and stratovolcanoes. This area is home to the famous Antillanca ski resort, which is located on the side of the tallest volcano in the group, called Casablanca. You can also find natural hot springs here, like Aguas Calientes and Puyehue Hot Springs.
This volcanic area covers a large space, about 380 square kilometers (147 square miles). On its western side, it's bordered by two beautiful lakes, Puyehue and Rupanco. A big part of the Antillanca Group is protected within the Puyehue National Park, making it a special place for nature and adventure.
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Discovering the Antillanca Group
The Antillanca Group is a great example of a "volcanic group," which means it's an area with many different volcanoes close together. Instead of just one giant peak, you'll find a mix of volcanic features.
Types of Volcanoes Here
- Scoria cones: These are usually small, cone-shaped hills made from volcanic ash and rock fragments. They often have a bowl-shaped crater at the top.
- Maars: Imagine a wide, flat-bottomed crater that forms when magma (molten rock) heats groundwater, causing a big explosion. These craters can sometimes fill with water, forming lakes.
- Stratovolcanoes: These are the classic, tall, cone-shaped volcanoes you often see in pictures, like Mount Fuji. They are built up over many eruptions of lava and ash.
Casablanca Volcano and the Ski Resort
The tallest volcano in the Antillanca Group is the Casablanca stratovolcano. It stands tall at 1,990 meters (6,529 feet) above sea level. On its western side, you'll find the popular Antillanca ski resort. This resort is a fantastic place for winter sports, offering slopes for skiing and snowboarding with amazing views of the volcanic landscape.
Hot Springs and Natural Wonders
Besides the ski resort, the Antillanca Group is also known for its natural hot springs. Places like Aguas Calientes and Puyehue Hot Springs offer warm, mineral-rich waters. These springs are heated by the Earth's underground warmth, a reminder of the volcanic activity below. They are popular spots for relaxation and enjoying nature.
Location and Neighbors
The Antillanca Group is located in the Andes mountain range in Chile. Its large size means it shares borders with important natural landmarks. It's next to the beautiful lakes Puyehue and Rupanco. The area is also surrounded by other well-known volcanoes, including Puyehue, Cordón Caulle, Puntiagudo, and Osorno. This makes the region a hub of volcanic activity and stunning natural beauty.
When Did it Last Erupt?
While the Antillanca Group is an active volcanic area, its last known eruption was a very long time ago. Scientists believe it happened around 230 BCE, plus or minus 200 years. This means the last major activity was over 2,200 years ago!
See also
In Spanish: Complejo volcánico Antillanca para niños
