A volcano that hasn’t erupted in 250,000 years is showing signs it may be reawakening. Uturuncu, a massive stratovolcano in southwest Bolivia, has long been considered dormant—but recent activity beneath its surface suggests otherwise. Rising 6,008 metres (19,711 feet) above sea level, this towering peak sits in the Andes between La Paz and Santiago and just 25 miles from three towns. Scientists are closely monitoring it for signs of an eruption, which, although still considered unlikely in the near future, could be catastrophic if it occurred.
‘Sombrero’ Deformation Pattern
For decades, satellite and GPS data have shown a strange “sombrero” deformation pattern around Uturuncu: its peak is rising at about 1cm per year, while the surrounding land is sinking. Combined with thousands of mini earthquakes—over 1,700 detected recently—and visible gas emissions, this deformation led scientists to initially suspect a dangerous magma buildup.
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Magma or Something Else?
However, a new study published in PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences) reveals a different cause. Researchers from the University of Oxford and Cornell University used seismic tomography, a technique similar to medical imaging, to look beneath the volcano’s surface. Their findings point to hot fluids and gases—not magma—rising from a deep underground reservoir known as the Altiplano-Puna Magma Body. This massive body of magma sits beneath parts of Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina and appears to be sending heat and gases upward through chimney-like spouts beneath Uturuncu.
What Makes Uturuncu Dangerous
Uturuncu is a stratovolcano—a cone-shaped mountain formed by layers of hardened lava and ash. These volcanoes tend to erupt explosively, as thick rock layers trap gas until the pressure violently releases. Famous examples include Mount Vesuvius and Mount St. Helens. If Uturuncu were to erupt, lava flows could destroy nearby towns, and ash clouds could spread across Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile.
Low Risk, But Not No Risk
While the latest findings suggest an eruption isn’t imminent, the persistent seismic activity, deformation, and gas emissions indicate that Uturuncu is not as dead as once believed. The research team stresses that the chances of a full eruption remain low. Still, the study’s techniques provide valuable tools for monitoring other “zombie” volcanoes—those thought to be extinct but still show underground activity.
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This research could transform how scientists assess volcanic risk around the world. Co-author Professor Matthew Pritchard noted that their methods could apply to more than 1,400 potentially active volcanoes globally, as well as dozens like Uturuncu that aren’t officially active but show signs of unrest. The findings also draw parallels with other “zombie” volcanoes such as California’s Long Valley Caldera and the Yellowstone supervolcano, both of which are closely monitored despite long dormancy.