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Calbuco

Photo of this volcano
  • Country
  • Volcanic Region
  • Landform | Volc Type
  • Last Known Eruption
  • 41.33°S
  • 72.618°W

  • 1,974 m
    6,476 ft

  • 358020
  • Latitude
  • Longitude

  • Summit
    Elevation

  • Volcano
    Number

Most Recent Weekly Report: 19 August-25 August 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

According to the civil protection agency, ONEMI, on 18 August OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN reported that seismicity at Calbuco fluctuated at low levels and continued to decline, and only water vapor emissions rose from the vents. The Alert Level was lowered to Green (the lowest level on a four-color scale). ONEMI maintained an elevated Alert Level of Yellow (mid-level on a 3-color scale) for the Llanquihue and Puerto Octay provinces, and an Alert Level Green for Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas. On 21 August the 10-km exclusion zone around the volcano was lifted, but SERNAGEOMIN warned that the 1.5 km exclusion zone around the craters remained in effect and the public should continue to stay away from drainages.

Source: Oficina Nacional de Emergencia-Ministerio del Interior (ONEMI)


Most Recent Bulletin Report: June 2015 (BGVN 40:06) Citation IconCite this Report

Eruption during 22-27 April 2015 with plumes above 15 km altitude; evacuations

Since an eruption in 1972, Calbuco's activity had been limited to a weak fumarole emission in May 1995 and a strong fumarole emission in August 1996 (BGVN 21:09). No further activity was reported until increased seismic activity and an eruption in April 2015. The volcano is monitored by the Observatorio Volcanológico de los Andes del Sur - El Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería (OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN).

According to OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN, Calbuco erupted explosively at 1804 on 22 April 2015, sending an ash plume to more than 15 km above the crater, where it drifted primarily ENE (figure 1). The eruption had been immediately preceded by only 2-3 hours of increased seismicity (one hour of volcano-tectonic events followed by long-period events). During the 90-minute eruption, column collapses occurred locally and radially, affecting the headwaters of major rivers.

Figure (see Caption) Figure 1. Photograph of the Calbuco explosion on 22 April 2015, taken from Puerto Montt, about 30 km SW of the volcano. Photo by Keraunos ob, posted on the Earth of Fire blog by Bernard Duyck.

On 23 April at 0100 stronger activity began which lasted six hours and generated another ash plume that rose higher than 15 km and drifted NNE and E. Incandescent tephra was ejected as far as 5 km; deposits were concentrated to the N and NE, with thicknesses varying from tens of centimeters in the Región de Los Lagos to a few millimeters in the Los Ríos and La Araucanía regions. Pyroclastic flows traveled a maximum distance of 7 km and lahars traveled 15 km. Pumice fell in Región de Los Lagos, and ash fell in Los Ríos and La Araucanía. Tephra also fell in Argentine territory, NE of the volcano. Several roads and bridges were impassable due to ashfall. Scientists aboard an overflight observed ash emissions from at least six vents on the W, SW, and S sides of the old lava dome.

The eruption prompted OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN to raise the Volcanic Alert Level from Green to Red (highest on a four-color scale). The Oficina Nacional de Emergencia del Ministerio del Interior (National Office of Emergency of the Interior Ministry, ONEMI) called for the evacuation of all people within 20 km of the volcano. About 5,000 residents were evacuated. ONEMI also warned people not to go within 200 m of drainages due to lahar hazards.

On 23 April at around 2330, a third period of activity resulted in ash plumes rising 2 km and drifting NE and E. On 24 April the ash plume continued to rise 2 km and explosions were detected. News articles noted that international travel was disrupted; flights in and out of several major cities were delayed or canceled. Thermal anomalies, based on MODIS satellite data, were also observed during 23-24 April.

According to one news report, ash from the eruption reached southern Brazil on 25 April, prompting some airlines to cancel flights in and out of Santiago, Buenos Aires, and Montevideo. Some houses in areas near the volcano had collapsed from the weight of the ash. Sporadic explosions caused continued ash plumes 25 April, but to a lower height of 400 m. Seismicity declined during 26-27 April; ash rose 1.5 km, and drifted NE and SE.

By 28 April, a satellite-based estimate of sulfur dioxide emissions was 0.3-0.4 Tg (Tg is one million metric tons), detected as high as 21 km altitude. Although most ash had fallen out of the plume over Chile and Argentina, some may have remained in the stratospheric plume drifting around the globe; the leading edge of the gas plume was detected over the Indian Ocean, S of Madagascar.

Seismic activity gradually declined, especially after 15 May 2015. OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN reduced the Alert Level to Orange on 19 May and Yellow on 28 May. During the first part of August 2015, the Alert Level was decreased to Green, the lowest level. However, ONEMI maintained the Alert Level of Yellow for the province of Llanquihue and city of Puerto Octay (45 km NW of Calbuco), and an Alert Level Green for the cities of Puerto Montt (31 km SW of Calbuco) and Puerto Varas (31 km W of Calbuco).

According to ONEMI, on 18 August 2015 OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN reported that seismicity fluctuated at low levels and continued to decline, with only water vapor rising from the vents. On 21 August the 10-km exclusion zone around the volcano was lifted, but SERNAGEOMIN warned that the 1.5 km exclusion zone around the craters remained in effect and the public should continue to stay away from drainages.

Information Contacts: Oficina Nacional de Emergencia del Ministerio del Interior (National Office of Emergency of the Interior Ministry, ONEMI) (URL: http://www.onemi.cl/); Observatorio Volcanológico de Los Andes del Sur (OVDAS) del Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería (SERNAGEOMIN) (URL: http://www.sernageomin.cl/); Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology (HIGP) MODVOLC Thermal Alerts System, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Univ. of Hawai'i, 2525 Correa Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA (URL: http://modis.higp.hawaii.edu/); Wall Street Journal (URL: http://www.wsj.com/); Reuters (URL: http://www.reuters.com/); Simon Carn, Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences, Michigan Technological University, 630 Dow Environmental Sciences, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931 USA (URL: https://so2.gsfc.nasa.gov/); Earth of Fire Blog (Bernard Duyck), 23 April 2015 (URL: http://www.earth-of-fire.com/archive/2015-04/).

Weekly Reports - Index


2015: April | May | August


19 August-25 August 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

According to the civil protection agency, ONEMI, on 18 August OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN reported that seismicity at Calbuco fluctuated at low levels and continued to decline, and only water vapor emissions rose from the vents. The Alert Level was lowered to Green (the lowest level on a four-color scale). ONEMI maintained an elevated Alert Level of Yellow (mid-level on a 3-color scale) for the Llanquihue and Puerto Octay provinces, and an Alert Level Green for Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas. On 21 August the 10-km exclusion zone around the volcano was lifted, but SERNAGEOMIN warned that the 1.5 km exclusion zone around the craters remained in effect and the public should continue to stay away from drainages.

Source: Oficina Nacional de Emergencia-Ministerio del Interior (ONEMI)


27 May-2 June 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

On 27 May OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN reported that seismicity at Calbuco fluctuated at low levels and continued to decline. According to ONEMI, the 10-km evacuation zone remained in effect, with controlled access to some communities allowed for part of the day; about 500 people remained displaced. On 28 May OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN lowered the Alert Level to Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-color scale).

Source: Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería (SERNAGEOMIN)


20 May-26 May 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN reported that during 20-26 May activity at Calbuco fluctuated at low levels and continued to decline. Inclement weather prevented observations of the summit area on most days; white plumes were observed rising 300-400 m and drifting SE during 24-26 May, and incandescence at the crater was observed at night during 25-26 May. According to ONEMI, the number of evacuees within the 20-km evacuation zone remained at 6,685 on 26 May. The Alert Level remained at Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale), and the 10-km-radius exclusion zone continued to be in effect.

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


13 May-19 May 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN reported that during 13-19 May activity at Calbuco fluctuated at low levels and continued to decline. Inclement weather prevented daily observations of the summit area, although incandescence at the crater was observed during 17-18 May. According to ONEMI, the number of evacuees within the 20-km evacuation zone remained at 6,685 on 18 May. On 19 May the Alert Level was lowered to Orange (the second highest level on a four-color scale), and the exclusion zone was changed to a 10-km radius.

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


6 May-12 May 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN reported that on 6 May activity at Calbuco fluctuated; a sudden increase of tremor that began at 1304 and lasted two hours was accompanied by increased gas-and-ash emissions. During 7-11 May the gas-and-ash emissions were steady and low (less than 1 km), and drifted E, SE, and S; inclement weather prevented observations during 8-10 and 12 May. Moderate levels of tremor were detected through 9 May, and then decreased to low levels through 12 May. According to ONEMI, the number of evacuees within the 20-km evacuation zone remained at 6,685 on 12 May. In addition 3,221 animals, including sheep, goats, cows, and horses, had been evacuated. The Alert Level remained at Red (the highest level on a four-color scale).

Satellite images showed that the aerosol plume from the initial few days of the eruption had traveled around the world once; faint layers of the plume were 14-16 km above parts of South America during 8-9 May.

Sources: Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería (SERNAGEOMIN); Oficina Nacional de Emergencia-Ministerio del Interior (ONEMI); Mike Fromm, US Naval Research Laboratory


29 April-5 May 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN reported that on 29 April a weak ash plume rose as high as 1.5 km above Calbuco and seismicity remained stable. An event that began at 1308 on 30 April produced an ash plume that rose 3-5 km and drifted SE. A small lahar in the Blanco River may have been caused by a pyroclastic flow. Tremor amplitude increased and became sustained after the event. On 2 May the number of earthquakes increased. Seismicity significantly increased on 3 May, characterized by a swarm of volcano-tectonic events, and then decreased afterwards. Seismicity was low and stable on 5 May. A plume rose less than 1 km during 1-3 May; cloud cover prevented visual observations of the volcano during 4-5 May. According to ONEMI, the number of evacuees totaled 6,685 on 5 May. The Alert Level remained at Red (the highest level on a four-color scale).

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


22 April-28 April 2015 Citation IconCite this Report

OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN reported that an eruption from Calbuco began at 1804 on 22 April, prompting the Alert Level to be raised to Red (the highest level on a four-color scale) and causing a 20-km exclusion zone to be declared. The eruption was preceded by an hour-long period of volcano-tectonic events followed by long-period events; no increases in seismicity had been noted since 2009 when real-time seismic monitoring started. After a large seismic event detected at 1735, a 90 minute eruption generated a sub-Plinian, gray ash plume that rose 15 km above the main crater and drifted mainly ENE, although fine ash drifted N and NW. Column collapses occurred locally and radially, affecting the headwaters of major rivers. Residents within the exclusion zone, in Chamiza, Lago Chapo, and Correntoso sectors, and in the town of Puerto Montt, were ordered to evacuate. Several roads and bridges were impassable due to ashfall.

A larger second event on 23 April began at 0100, lasted six hours, and also generated a sub-Plinian ash plume that rose higher than 15 km and drifted N, NE, and E. Incandescent tephra was ejected as far as 5 km; deposits were concentrated to the N and NE, with thicknesses varying from tens of centimeters in the Región de Los Lagos to a few millimeters in the Los Ríos and La Araucanía areas. Pyroclastic flows traveled a maximum distance of 7 km and lahars traveled 15 km. Pumice fell in Región de Los Lagos, and ash fell in Los Ríos and La Araucanía. Tephra also fell in Argentine territory, NE of the volcano. Scientists aboard an overflight observed ash emissions from at least six vents on the W, SW, and S sides of the old lava dome. About 5,000 people had been evacuated and ONEMI warned people not to go within 200 m of drainages due to lahar hazards. At around 2330 a third phase of surficial activity was noted; ash plumes rose 2 km and drifted NE and E. On 24 April the ash plume continued to rise 2 km and explosions were detected. News articles noted that international flights in and out of several major cities were delayed or canceled. According to a news article, ash from the eruption reached southern Brazil on 25 April prompting some airlines to cancel flights using airports in Santiago, Buenos Aires, and Montevideo. Some houses in areas near the volcano collapsed from the weight of the ash. The ash plume persisted on 25 April, but rose to a lower height of 400 m, and sporadic explosions were detected. Seismicity declined during 26-27 April; the ash plume rose 1.5 km, and drifted NE and SE. ONEMI noted on 27 April that 246 of 4,514 evacuees were in shelters; the number of displaced people had peaked at 6,514 during 24-26 April.

A satellite-based estimate of sulfur dioxide emissions was 0.3-0.4Tg by 28 April, detected as high as 21 km altitude. Although most ash had fallen out of the plume over Chile and Argentina, some may have remained in the stratospheric plume drifting around the globe; the leading edge of the gas plume had reached the Indian Ocean, S of Madagascar.

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


Bulletin Reports - Index

Reports are organized chronologically and indexed below by Month/Year (Publication Volume:Number), and include a one-line summary. Click on the index link or scroll down to read the reports.

09/1996 (BGVN 21:09) Strong fumarolic emission from main crater

06/2015 (BGVN 40:06) Eruption during 22-27 April 2015 with plumes above 15 km altitude; evacuations




Information is preliminary and subject to change. All times are local (unless otherwise noted)


September 1996 (BGVN 21:09) Citation IconCite this Report

Strong fumarolic emission from main crater

On the morning of 12 August, the ~250,000 residents of Puerto Montt (35 km SW) and Puerto Varas (36 km SW) were alarmed by strong fumarolic emissions from the 1.5-km-diameter main crater of Calbuco. In May 1995 a weak fumarole was noticed and filmed from a helicopter. Prior to that, Calbuco had showed no signs of activity since a 1972 eruption that lasted for ~4 hours.

Calbuco is a very explosive late Pleistocene to Holocene andesitic volcano S of Lake Llanquihue that underwent edifice collapse in the late Pleistocene, producing a volcanic debris avalanche that reached the lake. One of the largest historical eruptions in southern Chile took place from Calbuco in 1893-1894. Violent eruptions ejected 30-cm bombs to distances of 8 km from the crater, accompanied by voluminous hot lahars. Several days of darkness occurred in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina (>100 km SE). Strong explosions occurred in April 1917, and a lava dome formed in the crater accompanied by hot lahars. Another short explosive eruption in January 1929 also included an apparent pyroclastic flow and a lava flow. The last major eruption of Calbuco, in 1961, sent ash columns 12-15 km high and produced plumes that dispersed mainly to the SE as far as Bariloche; two lava flows were also emitted.

Information Contacts: Hugo Moreno, Observatorio Volcanologico de los Andes del Sur (OVDAS), Universidad de la Frontera, Casilla 54-D, Temuco, Chile.


June 2015 (BGVN 40:06) Citation IconCite this Report

Eruption during 22-27 April 2015 with plumes above 15 km altitude; evacuations

Since an eruption in 1972, Calbuco's activity had been limited to a weak fumarole emission in May 1995 and a strong fumarole emission in August 1996 (BGVN 21:09). No further activity was reported until increased seismic activity and an eruption in April 2015. The volcano is monitored by the Observatorio Volcanológico de los Andes del Sur - El Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería (OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN).

According to OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN, Calbuco erupted explosively at 1804 on 22 April 2015, sending an ash plume to more than 15 km above the crater, where it drifted primarily ENE (figure 1). The eruption had been immediately preceded by only 2-3 hours of increased seismicity (one hour of volcano-tectonic events followed by long-period events). During the 90-minute eruption, column collapses occurred locally and radially, affecting the headwaters of major rivers.

Figure (see Caption) Figure 1. Photograph of the Calbuco explosion on 22 April 2015, taken from Puerto Montt, about 30 km SW of the volcano. Photo by Keraunos ob, posted on the Earth of Fire blog by Bernard Duyck.

On 23 April at 0100 stronger activity began which lasted six hours and generated another ash plume that rose higher than 15 km and drifted NNE and E. Incandescent tephra was ejected as far as 5 km; deposits were concentrated to the N and NE, with thicknesses varying from tens of centimeters in the Región de Los Lagos to a few millimeters in the Los Ríos and La Araucanía regions. Pyroclastic flows traveled a maximum distance of 7 km and lahars traveled 15 km. Pumice fell in Región de Los Lagos, and ash fell in Los Ríos and La Araucanía. Tephra also fell in Argentine territory, NE of the volcano. Several roads and bridges were impassable due to ashfall. Scientists aboard an overflight observed ash emissions from at least six vents on the W, SW, and S sides of the old lava dome.

The eruption prompted OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN to raise the Volcanic Alert Level from Green to Red (highest on a four-color scale). The Oficina Nacional de Emergencia del Ministerio del Interior (National Office of Emergency of the Interior Ministry, ONEMI) called for the evacuation of all people within 20 km of the volcano. About 5,000 residents were evacuated. ONEMI also warned people not to go within 200 m of drainages due to lahar hazards.

On 23 April at around 2330, a third period of activity resulted in ash plumes rising 2 km and drifting NE and E. On 24 April the ash plume continued to rise 2 km and explosions were detected. News articles noted that international travel was disrupted; flights in and out of several major cities were delayed or canceled. Thermal anomalies, based on MODIS satellite data, were also observed during 23-24 April.

According to one news report, ash from the eruption reached southern Brazil on 25 April, prompting some airlines to cancel flights in and out of Santiago, Buenos Aires, and Montevideo. Some houses in areas near the volcano had collapsed from the weight of the ash. Sporadic explosions caused continued ash plumes 25 April, but to a lower height of 400 m. Seismicity declined during 26-27 April; ash rose 1.5 km, and drifted NE and SE.

By 28 April, a satellite-based estimate of sulfur dioxide emissions was 0.3-0.4 Tg (Tg is one million metric tons), detected as high as 21 km altitude. Although most ash had fallen out of the plume over Chile and Argentina, some may have remained in the stratospheric plume drifting around the globe; the leading edge of the gas plume was detected over the Indian Ocean, S of Madagascar.

Seismic activity gradually declined, especially after 15 May 2015. OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN reduced the Alert Level to Orange on 19 May and Yellow on 28 May. During the first part of August 2015, the Alert Level was decreased to Green, the lowest level. However, ONEMI maintained the Alert Level of Yellow for the province of Llanquihue and city of Puerto Octay (45 km NW of Calbuco), and an Alert Level Green for the cities of Puerto Montt (31 km SW of Calbuco) and Puerto Varas (31 km W of Calbuco).

According to ONEMI, on 18 August 2015 OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN reported that seismicity fluctuated at low levels and continued to decline, with only water vapor rising from the vents. On 21 August the 10-km exclusion zone around the volcano was lifted, but SERNAGEOMIN warned that the 1.5 km exclusion zone around the craters remained in effect and the public should continue to stay away from drainages.

Information Contacts: Oficina Nacional de Emergencia del Ministerio del Interior (National Office of Emergency of the Interior Ministry, ONEMI) (URL: http://www.onemi.cl/); Observatorio Volcanológico de Los Andes del Sur (OVDAS) del Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería (SERNAGEOMIN) (URL: http://www.sernageomin.cl/); Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology (HIGP) MODVOLC Thermal Alerts System, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Univ. of Hawai'i, 2525 Correa Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA (URL: http://modis.higp.hawaii.edu/); Wall Street Journal (URL: http://www.wsj.com/); Reuters (URL: http://www.reuters.com/); Simon Carn, Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences, Michigan Technological University, 630 Dow Environmental Sciences, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931 USA (URL: https://so2.gsfc.nasa.gov/); Earth of Fire Blog (Bernard Duyck), 23 April 2015 (URL: http://www.earth-of-fire.com/archive/2015-04/).

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.

Eruptive History

There is data available for 36 confirmed Holocene eruptive periods.

2015 Apr 22 - 2015 May 26 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption Summit crater
2015 Apr 22 - 2015 May 26 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 36 Events for Episode 1 at Summit crater

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
2015 Apr 22    - - - - Seismicity (volcanic) The eruption was preceded by an hour-long period of volcano-tectonic events followed by long-period events; no increases in seismicity had been noted since 2009 when real-time seismic monitoring started.
2015 Apr 22    - - - - Explosion OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN reported that an eruption from Calbuco began at 1804.
2015 Apr 22    - - - - Ash Plume After a large seismic event detected at 1735, a 90 minute eruption generated a sub-Plinian, gray ash plume that rose 15 km above the main crater and drifted mainly ENE, although fine ash drifted N and NW. Column collapses occurred locally and radially, affecting the headwaters of major rivers.
2015 Apr 22    - - - - Ashfall Several roads and bridges were impassable due to ashfall.
2015 Apr 22    - - - - Evacuations Residents within the exclusion zone, in Chamiza, Lago Chapo, and Correntoso sectors, and in the town of Puerto Montt, were ordered to evacuate.
2015 Apr 22    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index) VEI 4
2015 Apr 23    - - - - Explosion A larger second event began at 0100, lasted six hours, and also generated a sub-Plinian ash plume that rose higher than 15 km and drifted N, NE, and E.
2015 Apr 23    - - - - Ash Plume A larger second event on began at 0100, lasted six hours, and also generated a sub-Plinian ash plume that rose higher than 15 km and drifted N, NE, and E. Scientists aboard an overflight observed ash emissions from at least six vents on the W, SW, and S sides of the old lava dome.
2015 Apr 23    - - - - Ash Plume At around 2330 a third phase of surficial activity was noted; ash plumes rose 2 km and drifted NE and E.
2015 Apr 23    - - - - Pyroclastic flow Pyroclastic flows traveled a maximum distance of 7 km
2015 Apr 23    - - - - Ashfall Deposits were concentrated to the N and NE, with thicknesses varying from tens of centimeters in the Región de Los Lagos to a few millimeters in the Los Ríos and La Araucanía areas.
2015 Apr 23    - - - - Incandescent ejecta Incandescent tephra was ejected as far as 5 km.
2015 Apr 23    - - - - Tephra Tephra also fell in Argentine territory, NE of the volcano.
2015 Apr 23    - - - - Pumice Pumice fell in Región de Los Lagos.
2015 Apr 23 2015 Apr 24 Thermal Anomaly Eight MODVOLC thermal alerts were issued.
2015 Apr 23    - - - - Lahar or Mudflow Lahars traveled 15 km.
2015 Apr 23    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index) VEI 4
2015 Apr 24    - - - - Explosion Explosions were detected.
2015 Apr 24 2015 Apr 25 Ash Plume The ash plume continued to rise 2 km and explosions were detected. The ash plume persisted on 25 April, but rose to a lower height of 400 m.
2015 Apr 24 2015 Apr 27 Evacuations ONEMI noted on 27 April that 246 of 4,514 evacuees were in shelters; the number of displaced people had peaked at 6,514 during 24-26 April.
2015 Apr 25    - - - - Explosion Sporadic explosions were detected.
2015 Apr 25    - - - - Ashfall According to a news article, ash from the eruption reached southern Brazil prompting some airlines to cancel flights using airports in Santiago, Buenos Aires, and Montevideo.
2015 Apr 25    - - - - Property Damage Some houses in areas near the volcano collapsed from the weight of the ash.
2015 Apr 26 2015 Apr 27 Ash Plume The ash plume rose 1.5 km, and drifted NE and SE.
2015 Apr 28    - - - - Degassing A satellite-based estimate of sulfur dioxide emissions was 0.3-0.4Tg by 28 April, detected as high as 21 km altitude. Although most ash had fallen out of the plume over Chile and Argentina, some may have remained in the stratospheric plume drifting around the globe; the leading edge of the gas plume had reached the Indian Ocean, S of Madagascar.
2015 Apr 29    - - - - Ash Plume OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN reported that a weak ash plume rose as high as 1.5 km and seismicity remained stable.
2015 Apr 30    - - - - Ash Plume An event that began at 1308 produced an ash plume that rose 3-5 km and drifted SE.
2015 Apr 30    - - - - Lahar or Mudflow A small lahar in the Blanco River may have been caused by a pyroclastic flow.
2015 May 1 2015 May 3 Ash Plume A plume rose less than 1 km.
2015 May 6    - - - - Seismicity (tremor) OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN reported that activity at Calbuco fluctuated; a sudden increase of tremor that began at 1304 and lasted two hours was accompanied by increased gas-and-ash emissions.
2015 May 6    - - - - Ash Plume OVDAS-SERNAGEOMIN reported that activity at Calbuco fluctuated; a sudden increase of tremor that began at 1304 and lasted two hours was accompanied by increased gas-and-ash emissions.
2015 May 7 2015 May 11 Ash Plume Gas-and-ash emissions were steady and low (less than 1 km), and drifted E, SE, and S.
2015 May 8 2015 May 9 Observation Satellite images showed that the aerosol plume from the initial few days of the eruption had traveled around the world once; faint layers of the plume were 14-16 km above parts of South America.
2015 May 17 2015 May 18 Incandescence Incandescence at the crater was observed.
2015 May 24 2015 May 26 Degassing White plumes were observed rising 300-400 m and drifting SE.
2015 May 25 2015 May 26 Incandescence Incandescence at the crater was observed at night.

1972 Aug 26 - 1972 Aug 26 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption
1972 Aug 26 - 1972 Aug 26 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 6 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Lapilli
   - - - -    - - - - Audible Sounds
   - - - -    - - - - Earthquakes (undefined)
1972 Aug 26    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1961 Feb 1 - 1961 Mar 26 (in or after) Confirmed Eruption VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption
1961 Feb 1 - 1961 Mar 26 (in or after) Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 7 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatic activity
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow
   - - - -    - - - - Earthquakes (undefined)
   - - - -    - - - - Lahar or Mudflow
   - - - -    - - - - Property Damage
1961 Feb 1    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1945 Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption
1945 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

1932 Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption
1932 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

1929 Jan 6 - 1929 Jan 6 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 3 (?)

Episode 1 | Eruption
1929 Jan 6 - 1929 Jan 6 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 9 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Pyroclastic flow
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Lightning
   - - - -    - - - - Earthquakes (undefined) weak or small
   - - - -    - - - - Lahar or Mudflow
   - - - -    - - - - Property Damage
1929 Jan 6    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1917 Apr - 1917 May Confirmed Eruption VEI: 3 (?)

Episode 1 | Eruption
1917 Apr - 1917 May Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 7 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow
   - - - -    - - - - Lava dome
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Lahar or Mudflow
   - - - -    - - - - Property Damage
1917 Apr    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1911 - 1912 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption
1911 - 1912 Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatomagmatic
1911    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1909 Mar Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption
1909 Mar - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatomagmatic
1909 Mar    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1907 Apr 22 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2 (?)

Episode 1 | Eruption
1907 Apr 22 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatomagmatic Uncertain
1907 Apr 22    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1906 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption
1906 - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Phreatomagmatic
1906    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1894 Nov 16 - 1895 (?) Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2 (?)

Episode 1 | Eruption
1894 Nov 16 - 1895 (?) Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 4 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Tephra
   - - - -    - - - - Lahar or Mudflow
1894 Nov 16    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

1893 Jan 7 - 1894 Jan 16 (in or after) Confirmed Eruption VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption
1893 Jan 7 - 1894 Jan 16 (in or after) Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 9 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow Uncertain
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Lapilli
   - - - -    - - - - Bombs
   - - - -    - - - - Lahar or Mudflow
   - - - -    - - - - Property Damage
1893 Jan 7    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)
1893 Jan 10    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

[ 1837 - 1838 ] Discredited Eruption

1792 (?) Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption
1792 (?) - Unknown Evidence from Observations: Reported

List of 5 Events for Episode 1

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Pyroclastic flow
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Lapilli
   - - - -    - - - - Blocks

1600 ± 75 years Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption
1600 ± 75 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

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

1380 ± 50 years Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption
1380 ± 50 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 4 Events for Episode 1

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

0710 ± 60 years Confirmed Eruption VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption Ca13 tephra
0710 ± 60 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at Ca13 tephra

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Pumice
0710 ± 60 years    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index) VEI 4

0520 ± 200 years Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption
0520 ± 200 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 3 Events for Episode 1

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

0220 ± 75 years Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption
0220 ± 75 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 4 Events for Episode 1

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

0160 ± 135 years Confirmed Eruption VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption Ca12 tephra
0160 ± 135 years - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at Ca12 tephra

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Pumice
0160 ± 135 years    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index) VEI 4

0040 ± 75 years Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption
0040 ± 75 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 4 Events for Episode 1

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

0100 BCE ± 100 years Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption
0100 BCE ± 100 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 5 Events for Episode 1

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

0330 BCE ± 200 years Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption
0330 BCE ± 200 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 4 Events for Episode 1

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

1920 BCE ± 50 years Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption
1920 BCE ± 50 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 4 Events for Episode 1

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

4300 BCE ± 150 years Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption
4300 BCE ± 150 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated)

List of 4 Events for Episode 1

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

5030 BCE ± 180 years Confirmed Eruption VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption Ca11 tephra layer
5030 BCE ± 180 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at Ca11 tephra layer

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

5820 BCE ± 880 years Confirmed Eruption VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption Ca10 tephra layer
5820 BCE ± 880 years - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 5 Events for Episode 1 at Ca10 tephra layer

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Pyroclastic flow
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Pumice
   - - - -    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

6300 BCE ± 1035 years Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Ca9 tephra layer
6300 BCE ± 1035 years - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at Ca9 tephra layer

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Pumice

6760 BCE ± 825 years Confirmed Eruption VEI: 5

Episode 1 | Eruption Ca8 tephra layer
6760 BCE ± 825 years - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 5 Events for Episode 1 at Ca8 tephra layer

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Lava flow
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Pumice
6760 BCE ± 825 years    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)

7550 BCE ± 45 years Confirmed Eruption VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption Ca7 tephra layer
7550 BCE ± 45 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at Ca7 tephra layer

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

7930 BCE ± 275 years Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Ca6 tephra layer
7930 BCE ± 275 years - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at Ca6 tephra layer

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Pumice

7990 BCE ± 290 years Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Ca5 tephra layer
7990 BCE ± 290 years - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at Ca5 tephra layer

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Pumice

8100 BCE ± 1300 years Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Ca4 tephra layer
8100 BCE ± 1300 years - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at Ca4 tephra layer

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Pumice

8210 BCE ± 290 years Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Ca3 tephra layer
8210 BCE ± 290 years - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at Ca3 tephra layer

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Pumice

8320 BCE ± 250 years Confirmed Eruption  

Episode 1 | Eruption Ca2 tephra layer
8320 BCE ± 250 years - Unknown Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at Ca2 tephra layer

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Pumice

8460 BCE ± 155 years Confirmed Eruption VEI: 5

Episode 1 | Eruption Ca1 tephra layer
8460 BCE ± 155 years - Unknown Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at Ca1 tephra layer

Start Date End Date Event Type Event Remarks
   - - - -    - - - - Explosion
   - - - -    - - - - Ash
   - - - -    - - - - Pumice
8460 BCE ± 155 years    - - - - VEI (Explosivity Index)
Deformation History

There is no Deformation History data available for Calbuco.

Emission History

There is data available for 1 emission periods. Expand each entry for additional details.


Emissions during 2015 Apr 22 - 2015 Apr 22 [400 kt SO2 at 20 km altitude]

Start Date: 2015 Apr 22 Stop Date: 2015 Apr 22 Method: Satellite (Suomi-NPP OMPS)
SO2 Altitude Min: 20 km SO2 Altitude Max: 20 km Total SO2 Mass: 400 kt

Data Details

Date Start Date End Assumed SO2 Altitude SO2 Algorithm SO2 Mass
20150422 20.0 400.000
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).
Calbuco is one of the most active volcanoes of the southern Chilean Andes. The isolated volcano rises to 2003 m south of Lake Llanquihue, which is visible at the upper right. The summit ridge (center) of the volcano is the remnant of an older volcano that collapsed during the late Pleistocene and produced a 3 cu km debris avalanche that reached the lake. Subsequent eruptions generated andesitic lava flows, breccias, and tuffs that filled the scarp and were subsequently topped by an historical lava-dome complex (right center).

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).
A blocky andesitic lava flow traveling at an average velocity of 4 meters per hour descended the Río Tepu valley on the NE flank of Calbuco during the 1961 eruption. Explosions and lava effusion began on February 1, and lahars caused extensive damage on the north flank, where they reached Lake Llanquihue. Lava flows traveled to the NE, NW, and SW, and a large explosion took place on March 10.

Photo by Oscar González-Ferrán, 1961 (University of Chile).
GVP Map Holdings

Maps are not currently available due to technical issues.

The maps shown below have been scanned from the GVP map archives and include the volcano on this page. Clicking on the small images will load the full 300 dpi map. Very small-scale maps (such as world maps) are not included.

Smithsonian Sample Collections Database

The following 1 samples associated with this volcano can be found in the Smithsonian's NMNH Department of Mineral Sciences collections, and may be availble for research (contact the Rock and Ore Collections Manager). Catalog number links will open a window with more information.

Catalog Number Sample Description Lava Source Collection Date
NMNH 118181 Volcanic Ash -- 23 Apr 2015
External Sites