Sabancaya, Active stratovolcano in Arequipa region, Peru
Sabancaya is an active stratovolcano composed of andesite rock located in the Arequipa region. It rises to about 5,976 meters (19,600 feet) and forms part of a volcanic complex in southern Peru.
The volcano experienced major eruptions during the 18th century, followed by a significant eruption in 1990. This event marked the beginning of ongoing volcanic activity that continues today.
The volcano's name comes from the Quechua language and refers to its fire-spitting nature. Local communities view the geothermal features as connected to traditional beliefs about forces within the earth.
The area has monitoring stations equipped with GPS, seismometers, and satellite technology to track volcanic activity. Visitors should check local alert systems before visiting and should follow the guidance of local guides.
The geological foundation contains Precambrian rocks from the Arequipa Massif dating up to 1.9 billion years old. Newer sedimentary layers have accumulated over these ancient rocks, creating the current volcanic structure.
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