Yate (volcano) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yate |
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The Yate volcano seen from Huar island in the Ancud gulf (Golfo de Ancud).
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,187 m (7,175 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Chile |
| Parent range | Andes |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Stratovolcano |
| Last eruption | Unknown |
Yate Volcano is a big, ice-covered volcano in the southern Andes mountains. It is found in the Los Lagos Region of Chile. This volcano is south of the Reloncaví Estuary.
Yate sits on a large crack in the Earth's crust called the Liquiñe-Ofqui Fault Zone. It is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) northeast of a smaller volcano, Hornopiren. The last known time Yate erupted was in the year 1090 CE. There are no written records of recent eruptions. However, scientists have found signs of smaller eruptions from a very long time ago. The volcano is named after Juan Yates, also known as John Yates. He was a settler who helped explore and settle the Patagonia region.
Contents
A Big Landslide and Tsunami in 1965
What Caused the Disaster?
On February 19, 1965, something dramatic happened at Yate Volcano. Heavy summer rains caused a huge landslide of ice and rock. This was not an eruption from the volcano itself. The landslide quickly slid down about 1,500 meters (4,900 feet). It crashed into Lake Cabrera below.
The Tsunami's Impact
When the landslide hit the lake, it created a giant wave. This wave is called a tsunami. The tsunami rushed across the lake. Moments later, it swept through the small community of Lago Cabrera. People had almost no warning. The entire village was destroyed. Sadly, twenty-seven people lost their lives.
Remembering the Tragedy
This event was the worst volcano-related disaster in Chile since the Villarrica eruptions of 1948–1949. You can still see the area where the tsunami left debris today. The people of nearby Hornopirén remember this sad event every year. They make a special trip to the site and visit a memorial chapel.
Future Risks from Yate Volcano
How Climate Change Affects the Volcano
Our planet's climate is getting warmer. This means more rain and more ice melting from glaciers. This extra water could make the volcano's sides less stable. It might speed up the chances of parts of the volcano collapsing.
Potential Dangers Ahead
If parts of the volcano collapse, it could lead to more landslides. These landslides would be dangerous for the areas around the volcano. They could also cause more tsunamis in the lake. Scientists continue to study these risks to keep people safe.
See also
- List of volcanoes in Chile
- For more information in Spanish: Volcán Yates para niños
