Global Volcanism Program

Osorno

Google Earth Placemark with Features

Cite Volcano Profile

Chile
Southern Andean Volcanic Arc
Composite | Stratovolcano
1869 CE

Country
Volcanic Region
Landform | Volc Type
Last Known Eruption

41.105°S
72.496°W
2,659 m
8,724 ft
358010

Latitude
Longitude
Summit
Elevation
Volcano
Number

Most Recent Weekly Report: 2 May-8 May 2018 Cite this Report

Servicio Nacional de Geología and Minería (SERNAGEOMIN) Observatorio Volcanológico de Los Andes del Sur (OVDAS) raised the Alert Level for Osorno to Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-color scale) on 8 May, due to a gradual increase in the number and magnitude of seismic events recorded during 1-30 April. Earthquakes were concentrated on the NNW flank. The largest of the 294 total events was a M 3, located 2 km NW of the crater at a depth of 3.3 km.

Sources: Oficina Nacional de Emergencia-Ministerio del Interior (ONEMI), Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería (SERNAGEOMIN)

Weekly Reports - Index

2018: May

2 May-8 May 2018 Cite this Report

Sources: Oficina Nacional de Emergencia-Ministerio del Interior (ONEMI); Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería (SERNAGEOMIN)

The Global Volcanism Program has no Bulletin Reports available for Osorno.

This compilation of synonyms and subsidiary features may not be comprehensive. Features are organized into four major categories: Cones, Craters, Domes, and Thermal Features. Synonyms of features appear indented below the primary name. In some cases additional feature type, elevation, or location details are provided.

Synonyms

Cones

Feature Name

Feature Type

Elevation

Latitude

Longitude

Picada, La

Stratovolcano

1642 m

41° 3' 51" S

72° 25' 31" W

Pichihuinco, Volcán

Pyroclastic cone

41° 0' 0" S

72° 35' 0" W

Craters

Feature Name

Feature Type

Elevation

Latitude

Longitude

Monton de Trigo

Crater

Morro, El

Crater

1128 m

41° 5' 0" S

72° 32' 0" W

Negrillar de Ensenada, Volcanes el

Fissure vent

1082 m

41° 8' 0" S

72° 32' 0" W

Pumas, Los

Crater

Teski Group

Crater

Basic Data

Volcano Number

Last Known Eruption

Elevation

Latitude
Longitude

358010

1869 CE

2,659 m / 8,724 ft

41.105°S
72.496°W

Morphology

Volcano Landform
Composite

Volcano Types
Stratovolcano
Pyroclastic cone(s)
Lava dome(s)

Rock Types

Major
Basalt / Picro-Basalt
Andesite / Basaltic Andesite

Minor
Dacite

Tectonic Setting

Subduction zone
Continental crust (> 25 km)

Population

Within 5 km
Within 10 km
Within 30 km
Within 100 km

88
674
11,964
655,492

Geological Summary

The symmetrical, glaciated, Osorno volcano towers above Todos los Santos and Llanquihué lakes. It was constructed over the SW part of a roughly 250,000-year-old eroded stratovolcano, La Picada, that has a mostly buried 6-km-wide caldera. The dominantly basaltic to basaltic-andesite volcano includes two small dacitic lava domes on the NW and SSE flanks. Flank scoria cones and fissure vents, primarily on the W and SW sides, have produced lava flows that reached Lago Llanquihué. Frequent explosive eruptions including pyroclastic flows and surges have occurred during the past 14,000 years. Recorded eruptions have originated from summit and flank vents, producing basaltic and andesitic lava flows that have entered both Llanquihué and Todos los Santos lakes.

References

The following references have all been used during the compilation of data for this volcano, it is not a comprehensive bibliography.

Casertano L, 1963. Chilean Continent. Catalog of Active Volcanoes of the World and Solfatara Fields, Rome: IAVCEI, 15: 1-55.

Gonzalez-Ferran O, 1995. Volcanes de Chile. Santiago: Instituto Geografico Militar, 635 p.

IAVCEI, 1973-80. Post-Miocene Volcanoes of the World. IAVCEI Data Sheets, Rome: Internatl Assoc Volc Chemistry Earth's Interior.

Lara L, Rodriguez C, Moreno H, Perez de Arce C, 2001. Geocronologia K-Ar y geoquimica del volcanismo plioceno superior-pleistoceno de los Andes del sur (39-42° S). Rev Geol Chile, 28: 67-90. https://doi.org/10.4067/S0716-02082001000100004

Lopez-Escobar L, Parada M A, Moreno H, Frey F A, Hickey-Vargas R L, 1992. A contribution to the petrogenesis of Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes, Southern Andes (41° 00' - 41° 30' S). Rev Geol Chile, 19: 211-226.

Moreno H, 1985. (pers. comm.).

Moreno H, 2004. Osorno-Calbuco. IAVCEI Gen Assembly 2004 Pucon, Chile Field Trip Guide C4, 14 p.

Moreno H, 1974. Airplane flight over active volcanoes of central-south Chile. Internatl Symp Volc Andean & Antarctic Volc Problems Guidebook, Excur D-3, 56 p.

Moreno H, Naranjo J A, 1991. The southern Andes volcanoes (33°-41° 30' S), Chile. 6th Geol Cong Chile, Excur PC-3, 26 p.

Eruptive History

There is data available for 17 confirmed Holocene eruptive periods.

1869 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption

1869 - Unknown

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Phreatomagmatic
1869	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1855 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2 (?)

Episode 1 | Eruption

1855 - Unknown

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Phreatomagmatic
1855	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1852 ] Discredited Eruption

1851 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2 (?)

Episode 1 | Eruption

1851 - Unknown

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 2 Events for Episode 1

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
	1851	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1837 Nov 7 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption

1837 Nov 7 - Unknown

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Phreatomagmatic
1837 Nov 7	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1834 Nov 29 - 1835 Feb 24 ± 4 days Confirmed Eruption VEI: 3 (?)

Episode 1 | Eruption

Summit & SSW side (Negrillar de Ensenada)

1834 Nov 29 - 1835 Feb 24 ± 4 days

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at Summit & SSW side (Negrillar de Ensenada)

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow
1834 Nov 29	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1790 Mar 9 - 1791 Dec 26 ± 5 days Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption

SE base

1790 Mar 9 - 1791 Dec 26 ± 5 days

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at SE base

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow
- - - -	- - - -	Lahar or Mudflow
1790 Mar 9	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1765 ± 14 years Confirmed Eruption VEI: 1

Episode 1 | Eruption

1765 ± 14 years - Unknown

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion	weak or small
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
1765 ± 14 years	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1719 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption

1719 - Unknown

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 1 Events for Episode 1

	Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
	1719	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1644 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption

1644 - Unknown

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion	Uncertain
- - - -	- - - -	Flames
1644	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1640 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption

1640 - Unknown

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion	Uncertain
- - - -	- - - -	Flames
1640	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1575 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption

1575 - Unknown

Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion	Uncertain
- - - -	- - - -	Flames
1575	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1310 ± 75 years Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

1310 ± 75 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 5 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Scoria
- - - -	- - - -	Pumice

1220 ± 100 years Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

1220 ± 100 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 5 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Scoria
- - - -	- - - -	Pumice

0910 ± 100 years Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

0910 ± 100 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 4 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Scoria

0420 ± 100 years Confirmed Eruption VEI: 4 (?)

Episode 1 | Eruption

0420 ± 100 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 5 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Pumice
0420 ± 100 years	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

0210 BCE ± 75 years Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

0210 BCE ± 75 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 4 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Pumice

1710 BCE ± 75 years Confirmed Eruption

Episode 1 | Eruption

1710 BCE ± 75 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 5 Events for Episode 1

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Scoria
- - - -	- - - -	Pumice

Deformation History

There is no Deformation History data available for Osorno.

Emission History

There is no Emissions History data available for Osorno.

Photo Gallery

The symmetrical, glacier-clad Osorno stratovolcano forms a renowned landmark between Todos Los Santos and Llanguihue lakes. It is seen here from the north, with Calbuco volcano visible at the extreme right. The 2652-m-high Osorno is one of the most active volcanoes of the southern Chilean Andes. Flank scoria cones and fissure vents, primarily on the west and SW sides, have produced lava flows that reached Lago Llanguihue. Historical eruptions have originated from both summit and flank vents.

Photo by Hugo Moreno (University of Chile).

A field of fresh-looking, unvegetated lava flows blankets the SW flank of Osorno volcano. Prominent flow levees mark channels of individual flow lobes. Some of these lava flows were erupted from cinder cones on the SSW flank of Osorno in 1835. Explosive activity beginning on November 29, 1834 was followed by lava effusion starting January 19, 1835 that lasted until the end of February.

Photo by Hugo Moreno (University of Chile).

Along with its neighbor Osorno (upper left), Calbuco is one of the most active volcanoes of the southern Chilean Andes. The summit of Calbuco, seen at the left in this view from the SW, is the remnant of an older volcano that collapsed during the late Pleistocene, producing a debris avalanche that swept NNW into Lake Llanquihue. The smooth, snow-covered summit at the right is a young, historical lava-dome complex that postdates one of the largest historical eruptions in southern Chile during 1893-1894.

Photo by Hugo Moreno (University of Chile).

GVP Map Holdings

Maps are not currently available due to technical issues.

Smithsonian Sample Collections Database

There are no samples for Osorno in the Smithsonian's NMNH Department of Mineral Sciences Rock and Ore collection.

External Sites

Copernicus Browser

The Copernicus Browser replaced the Sentinel Hub Playground browser in 2023, to provide access to Earth observation archives from the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem, the main distribution platform for data from the EU Copernicus missions.

MIROVA

Middle InfraRed Observation of Volcanic Activity (MIROVA) is a near real time volcanic hot-spot detection system based on the analysis of MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) data. In particular, MIROVA uses the Middle InfraRed Radiation (MIR), measured over target volcanoes, in order to detect, locate and measure the heat radiation sourced from volcanic activity.

MODVOLC Thermal Alerts

Using infrared satellite Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data, scientists at the Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, University of Hawai'i, developed an automated system called MODVOLC to map thermal hot-spots in near real time. For each MODIS image, the algorithm automatically scans each 1 km pixel within it to check for high-temperature hot-spots. When one is found the date, time, location, and intensity are recorded. MODIS looks at every square km of the Earth every 48 hours, once during the day and once during the night, and the presence of two MODIS sensors in space allows at least four hot-spot observations every two days. Each day updated global maps are compiled to display the locations of all hot spots detected in the previous 24 hours. There is a drop-down list with volcano names which allow users to 'zoom-in' and examine the distribution of hot-spots at a variety of spatial scales.

WOVOdat
   Single Volcano View
   Temporal Evolution of Unrest
   Side by Side Volcanoes

WOVOdat is a database of volcanic unrest; instrumentally and visually recorded changes in seismicity, ground deformation, gas emission, and other parameters from their normal baselines. It is sponsored by the World Organization of Volcano Observatories (WOVO) and presently hosted at the Earth Observatory of Singapore.

GVMID Data on Volcano Monitoring Infrastructure The Global Volcano Monitoring Infrastructure Database GVMID, is aimed at documenting and improving capabilities of volcano monitoring from the ground and space. GVMID should provide a snapshot and baseline view of the techniques and instrumentation that are in place at various volcanoes, which can be use by volcano observatories as reference to setup new monitoring system or improving networks at a specific volcano. These data will allow identification of what monitoring gaps exist, which can be then targeted by remote sensing infrastructure and future instrument deployments.

Volcanic Hazard Maps

The IAVCEI Commission on Volcanic Hazards and Risk has a Volcanic Hazard Maps database designed to serve as a resource for hazard mappers (or other interested parties) to explore how common issues in hazard map development have been addressed at different volcanoes, in different countries, for different hazards, and for different intended audiences. In addition to the comprehensive, searchable Volcanic Hazard Maps Database, this website contains information about diversity of volcanic hazard maps, illustrated using examples from the database. This site is for educational purposes related to volcanic hazard maps. Hazard maps found on this website should not be used for emergency purposes. For the most recent, official hazard map for a particular volcano, please seek out the proper institutional authorities on the matter.

IRIS seismic stations/networks

Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) Data Services map showing the location of seismic stations from all available networks (permanent or temporary) within a radius of 0.18° (about 20 km at mid-latitudes) from the given location of Osorno. Users can customize a variety of filters and options in the left panel. Note that if there are no stations are known the map will default to show the entire world with a "No data matched request" error notice.

UNAVCO GPS/GNSS stations

Geodetic Data Services map from UNAVCO showing the location of GPS/GNSS stations from all available networks (permanent or temporary) within a radius of 20 km from the given location of Osorno. Users can customize the data search based on station or network names, location, and time window. Requires Adobe Flash Player.

DECADE Data

The DECADE portal, still in the developmental stage, serves as an example of the proposed interoperability between The Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program, the Mapping Gas Emissions (MaGa) Database, and the EarthChem Geochemical Portal. The Deep Earth Carbon Degassing (DECADE) initiative seeks to use new and established technologies to determine accurate global fluxes of volcanic CO₂ to the atmosphere, but installing CO₂ monitoring networks on 20 of the world's 150 most actively degassing volcanoes. The group uses related laboratory-based studies (direct gas sampling and analysis, melt inclusions) to provide new data for direct degassing of deep earth carbon to the atmosphere.

Large Eruptions of Osorno

Information about large Quaternary eruptions (VEI >= 4) is cataloged in the Large Magnitude Explosive Volcanic Eruptions (LaMEVE) database of the Volcano Global Risk Identification and Analysis Project (VOGRIPA).

EarthChem

EarthChem develops and maintains databases, software, and services that support the preservation, discovery, access and analysis of geochemical data, and facilitate their integration with the broad array of other available earth science parameters. EarthChem is operated by a joint team of disciplinary scientists, data scientists, data managers and information technology developers who are part of the NSF-funded data facility Integrated Earth Data Applications (IEDA). IEDA is a collaborative effort of EarthChem and the Marine Geoscience Data System (MGDS).