Payachata facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Payachata |
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The Pomerape (left) and Parinacota (right) volcanoes
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | Parinacota: 6,348 m (20,827 ft); Pomerape: 6,282 m (20,610 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Bolivia-Chile |
| Parent range | Andes |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Stratovolcano |
| Last eruption | 290 AD ± 300 years (Parinacota) |
Payachata is a special name that means "two mountains" in the Aymara and Pukina languages. It refers to a pair of large volcanoes found right on the border between Bolivia and Chile. These two volcanoes are called Pomerape and Parinacota.
They stand tall directly north of a beautiful place called Chungará Lake. Payachata is part of the huge Andes mountain range, which stretches across South America.
The Twin Volcanoes
The Payachata complex is made up of two main peaks. To the north, you'll find the volcano named Pomerape. To the south, there's the volcano called Parinacota.
These volcanoes are known as stratovolcanos. This means they are cone-shaped and built up over time by many layers of hardened lava, ash, and rock.
Where are they located?
On the Bolivian side, these volcanoes are in the Oruro Department, specifically in the Sajama Province. The closest town is Curahuara de Carangas Municipality.
On the Chilean side, they are located in the Arica y Parinacota Region, within the Parinacota Province. Their location makes them a significant landmark for both countries.
Are they still active?
Payachata is considered a complex of potentially active volcanoes. This means they could erupt again in the future, even if they haven't recently.
Scientists have studied the age of these volcanoes. They use a method called helium surface dating to learn about their past activity.
According to these studies, the Parinacota volcano has erupted within the last 2,000 years. Its last known eruption was around 290 AD, plus or minus 300 years. The Pomerape volcano is much older, dating back to a time called the Pleistocene epoch.
See also
- List of volcanoes in Bolivia
- List of volcanoes in Chile
