Chaiten Volcano Case Study, Chile

CHAITÉN
Ben & Adam…read more

BACKGROUND
· It is the first eruption in 9400 years
· Its shallow angle of subduction may be a cause of its inactivity
· It is 1122 meters above sea level at the edge of the caldera
· Small lakes north and west occupied the caldera floor
· Obsidian Rhyolitic lava dome in crater
· The Caldera is 3km in diameter
· A plinian volcano
· Category 4/5 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index…read more

BACKGROUND
· Eruption began 2nd May 2008
· Said to be still ongoing…read more

LOCATION
· South Chile, Andes
· Nazca Plate subducting under the south American plate
· 10km north east of Chaiten…read more