Ojos del Salado

Ojos del Salado. It is the highest volcano on Earth and the second-highest peak in both the Southern Hemisphere and the Western Hemisphere, surpassed only by Aconcagua. Located on the border between Argentina and Chile within the Puna de Atacama region of the Andes, this massive stratovolcano is a dominant feature of one of the driest places on the planet. Its name, meaning "Eyes of Salt" in Spanish, is derived from the large salt deposits and endorheic basins, or "ojos," found in the surrounding Atacama Desert.

Geography and location

Ojos del Salado lies on the international frontier, with its permanent summit snowfield and crater situated within Chile's Atacama Region, while its eastern flanks extend into Argentina's Catamarca Province. The volcano is the centerpiece of the high Puna de Atacama plateau, a vast area of internal drainage characterized by extensive salars like the Salar de Maricunga. Key neighboring features include the peak of Monte Pissis to the southeast and the vibrant turquoise waters of Laguna Verde to the west. The region is part of the broader Central Volcanic Zone of the Andes, a segment known for its numerous towering volcanic edifices stretching from southern Peru through Bolivia into northern Chile and Argentina.

Geology and volcanic activity

Ojos del Salado is a complex stratovolcano constructed primarily of dacite and andesite lavas over a basement of older Paleozoic rocks. Its structure includes multiple summit craters and a prominent lava dome, with evidence of past activity including pyroclastic flow deposits and extensive lava fields. Although considered dormant, it retains active fumarole fields near its summit, and the last confirmed eruptive activity occurred around 700 CE, as dated by radiocarbon dating of associated deposits. The volcano's formation is linked to the subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate, a process responsible for the volcanism throughout the Andean Volcanic Belt. The surrounding landscape is also marked by large ignimbrite sheets from enormous explosive eruptions at nearby calderas like the Cerro Galán complex.

Climbing and exploration

The first ascent was achieved in 1937 by Polish climbers Justyn Wojsznis and Jan Szczepański as part of the Polish Andean Expedition led by Stefan Osiecki. Modern ascents typically begin from the Chilean side, utilizing a base camp near Laguna Verde before progressing to high camps like Atacama or Tejos. The standard non-technical route involves a long scramble over rocky and sandy terrain, though the final section to the true summit requires navigating a short, exposed rock wall. The mountain is a primary objective for climbers pursuing the Seven Second Summits and the Volcanic Seven Summits, and its slopes have also been used for high-altitude vehicle records, including a modified Suzuki Samurai driven by the Chilean Army in 2007.

Height and records

With an elevation of 6,893 meters, Ojos del Salado is recognized as the world's highest volcano, a title confirmed by multiple surveys including those by the University of Chile and the Argentine National Geographic Institute. It is the second-highest peak in the Americas after Aconcagua and holds significant prominence, ranking as the fifth-most prominent summit in the Andes. The mountain is a listed peak on several notable mountaineering challenges, including the Seven Second Summits and the Volcanic Seven Summits. Its status as the highest point in Chile and the Atacama Region adds to its geographical significance, while its arid environment creates a unique climbing experience distinct from the more glaciated peaks of the Cordillera Blanca or the Patagonian Ice Field.

Climate and environment

The climate is extremely arid and cold, characteristic of a high-altitude desert, with precipitation often less than 100 millimeters annually. Temperatures can plummet below -30°C at the summit, and fierce winds are common, driven by the regional pressure systems of the South Pacific High. The environment supports minimal life, with only the hardiest extremophiles, such as certain lichen species, found at the highest elevations. The lower flanks are part of the Central Andean dry puna ecoregion, which includes sparse vegetation like Festuca grasses and Azorella cushion plants. The area is a critical habitat for wildlife including the Andean flamingo and the vicuña, and it lies near protected areas such as the Nevado Tres Cruces National Park. Category:Mountains of Chile Category:Mountains of Argentina Category:Stratovolcanoes Category:International mountains of South America