Pocho volcanic field facts for kids

The Pocho volcanic field is a special area in Argentina where volcanoes once erupted. It's connected to a crack in the Earth's crust called the Ojo de Agua Lineament.

This volcanic field is found in the Sierras de Cordoba mountain range. It formed a long time ago, during the late Miocene epoch. At that time, a large piece of the Earth's crust, called the Nazca Plate, was slowly sliding under another plate. As it slid more shallowly, the volcanic activity moved about 500 kilometers (310 miles) away from the main Andes mountains and into the land behind them. This movement caused the rocks at Pocho to have a special chemical makeup.

When Did Pocho Volcanoes Erupt?

The volcanoes at Pocho were active around 4.7 million years ago. This activity happened in two main periods. Even today, there might be some magma still deep underground. This could explain why scientists see unusual seismic waves in the area.

What Is a Volcanic Field?

A volcanic field is a region with many small volcanoes and vents. These areas are often formed by magma rising from deep within the Earth. Unlike a single large volcano, a volcanic field can have eruptions happening in different spots over time.

Where Is the Pocho Volcanic Field Located?

The Pocho volcanic field is located in the central part of Argentina. It sits within the beautiful Sierras de Córdoba mountain chain. This area is known for its unique geology and landscapes.

How Do Volcanic Fields Form?

Volcanic fields form when hot, molten rock, called magma, rises from the Earth's mantle. This magma can create many small eruptions over a wide area. The way the Earth's plates move and interact plays a big role in where and how these fields develop.

See also

In Spanish: Volcanes de Pocho para niños