Callaqui facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Callaqui |
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El Barco Lake in the foreground, Callaqui in the background left
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 3,164 m (10,381 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Chile |
| Parent range | Andes |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Fissure stratovolcano |
| Last eruption | October 1980 |
Callaqui is a large stratovolcano located in the Bío Bío Region of Chile. A stratovolcano is a tall, cone-shaped volcano built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, pumice, and volcanic ash. Callaqui is special because it's covered in ice and has a unique shape.
This volcano stretches out in a long line, about 11 kilometers (7 miles) long. This is because it formed along a giant crack in the Earth, called a fissure. Many smaller volcanoes, called cinder cones, and rivers of melted rock, known as lava flows, have erupted from this long crack.
Most of Callaqui's activity involves fumaroles. These are vents that release steam and volcanic gases. It's like the volcano is breathing out hot air!
Contents
Callaqui's Eruptions
Callaqui has had a few small eruptions over the years. Minor eruptions were recorded in 1751, 1864, and 1937. The most recent eruption happened in October 1980.
What was the 1980 eruption like?
The 1980 eruption was a small phreatic eruption. This means it happened when hot magma or gases deep inside the volcano heated up groundwater. The water then turned into steam very quickly, causing an explosion of steam, water, ash, and rock. It's like a giant, natural pressure cooker!
A Unique Volcano Shape
Callaqui is quite rare in its shape. It's one of only a few volcanoes in the world that sits between two main types: a crater row and a stratovolcano.
What is a crater row?
A crater row is a line of small craters or vents that form along a long crack in the Earth's surface. Think of it like a string of small volcanoes all in a row.
How is Callaqui different?
While Callaqui has the long, linear shape of a crater row, it also has the tall, cone-like structure of a stratovolcano. This means it was built up from both lava flows and ash eruptions, giving it a mixed appearance. Another famous volcano with a similar unique shape is Hekla in Iceland.
Callaqui and Nature
Callaqui volcano is a central feature of the Ralco National Reserve. This reserve is a protected area, meaning it's a special place where nature is kept safe. It's home to many plants and animals, and the volcano adds to the amazing landscape.
See also
- List of volcanoes in Chile
In Spanish: Volcán Callaqui para niños
