Llullaico facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Llullaillaco |
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Llullaillaco in 2006
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 6,739 m (22,110 ft) |
| Prominence | 2,344 m (7,690 ft) |
| Listing | Ultra |
| Geography | |
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| Location | Chile and Argentina border |
| Parent range | Andes, Puna de Atacama |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | Pleistocene |
| Mountain type | Stratovolcano |
Llullaillaco is a potentially active volcano located right on the border of Argentina (in Salta Province) and Chile. It is the seventh highest mountain in the mighty Andes mountain range.
This amazing volcano stands in the Puna de Atacama. This is a region of very high volcanic peaks on a high plateau within the Atacama Desert. The Atacama Desert is known as one of the driest places on Earth!
Contents
Exploring Llullaillaco's Past
It is known that the Incas climbed Llullaillaco a very long time ago, even before Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas. The first climb that was officially recorded happened on December 1, 1952. Two climbers from Chile, Bión González and Juan Harseim, made this first recorded ascent.
Between 1983 and 1985, an American archaeologist named Johan Reinhard led three trips to study archaeological sites. These sites were found on the very top of the mountain and along its sides.
The Llullaillaco Children Discovery
In 1999, something truly special was found on Llullaillaco's summit. An expedition from Argentina and Peru, led by Johan Reinhard and Argentine archaeologist Constanza Ceruti, discovered something incredible. They found the well-preserved bodies of three Inca children. These children were about 500 years old! This discovery gave us a unique look into ancient Inca rituals.
Llullaillaco's Geography and Features
This impressive volcano sits right on the border between Chile and Argentina. On the Chilean side, it is part of the Llullaillaco National Park (which is called Spanish: Parque Nacional Llullaillaco in Spanish).
Llullaillaco is a type of volcano called a stratovolcano. This means it is a tall, cone-shaped volcano built up by many layers of hardened lava, ash, and rocks. It had eruptions in 1854, 1866, and 1877. Since then, no new volcanic activity has been recorded. It is known as the world's second-highest active volcano, with only Ojos del Salado being taller.
What is an Ultra-Prominent Peak?
Llullaillaco is also known as an ultra-prominent peak, or Ultra for short. This special name is given to mountains that have a summit with a topographic prominence of 1,500 meters (about 4,921 feet) or more. This means the mountain stands out significantly from the surrounding landscape.
Gallery
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Archaeological ruins at the top of the volcano
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Llullaillaco volcano
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Paranal Observatory and Llullaillaco, 200 km away
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