Sabancaya

Sabancaya is a stratovolcano located in the Andes of southern Peru, approximately 70 kilometers southwest of Arequipa. It is the most active volcano in Peru and is part of the larger Ampato-Sabancaya volcanic complex. The volcano stands at an elevation of 5,977 meters (19,609 feet) and is characterized by its cone-shaped summit and steep slopes.

The recent eruptive activity of Sabancaya began in May 2016, marking a significant increase in its seismic and thermal signals. Prior to this, the volcano had been relatively quiet for several decades. Eruptions have typically involved the emission of ash plumes, volcanic gases, and incandescent lava flows. The ash plumes can reach considerable altitudes, posing a hazard to aviation and impacting local air quality. Lava flows have generally been effusive, descending the flanks of the volcano.

The geological setting of Sabancaya is within the Central Volcanic Zone of the Andes, a region known for its intense volcanic and seismic activity due to the subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate. The magma feeding Sabancaya is thought to be derived from the melting of the mantle wedge above the subducting slab.

Local communities, particularly those in the vicinity of Arequipa, are vulnerable to the impacts of Sabancaya's eruptions, including ashfall, potential lahars (volcanic mudflows), and volcanic gases. Volcanological observatories continuously monitor Sabancaya to track its activity and provide early warnings to mitigate potential risks.