The volcano Ljulyayljako is part of the mountain system - the Andes in South America. In clear weather, its bulk can be seen over 200 kilometers. Its conical peak, covered with snow and ice, is especially noticeable. Ljulyayljako volcano is the fifth volcano in the world by height.
General characteristics of the volcano
Ljulyaylyako belongs to the category of stratovolcanoes (active). Despite the long lull, his calm is deceptive. So in the late 70s of the 18th century, icy silence gave way to a sharp explosive eruption. Therefore, despite the fact that the Ljulyayljako volcano again fell asleep for a long time, the locals are not deceived by its sensitive sleep. He is called a "liar" (as the name translates).
The Ljulyayljako volcano itself is located directly on the Chilean-Argentine border. It is located in the central part of the longest mountain system in South America - in the Andes. You can find out exactly where the Ljulyayljako volcano is located by looking at the map. It is located in close proximity to the planet’s most waterless desert - Atacama. Here you can also determine the geographical coordinates of the Ljulyayljako volcano. It is part of the Western Cordillera Range, the Pune de Atacama Plateau. 25 degrees 12 minutes S, 68 degrees 53 minutes W Are the coordinates of the Ljulyayljako volcano. Latitude and longitude, respectively, are southern and western.
The geological history of Ljulyayljako
The first stage in the formation of a volcanic massif is considered to be the events that took place in the Pleistocene. During this geological period , the formation of a massive cone took place, the upper part of which collapsed 150 millennia ago. These events are indicated by piling up of the remains of igneous rocks in the eastern part of the volcanic massif. Many kilometers of placer volcanic glass go to Argentine territory.
The second stage of the formation of Ljulyayljako took place about ten millennia ago. During this period, the formation of an additional cone and several domes. Significant lava flows remained from this period, most of which are concentrated in the northern and southern parts of the volcano.
The current state of Lulhaillac
At the moment, the Ljulyayljako volcano is in a sleeping phase (solfatar stage). This stage is expressed by the periodic release of superheated gaseous sulfur compounds from the cavities.
The current height of the volcano is more than 6.7 km (absolute height) and about 2.3 km (relative height). These parameters make it possible to attribute it to the second largest active volcano on the planet.
The unique location of the volcano (near the most arid and very hot areas of the Earth) also led to a record height of the snowfield - more than 6 km. This is the highest level of snow line on the planet.
Ljulyayljako and historical find
At the end of the twentieth century, scientists discovered on the mountainside the mummies of three Inca children - an echo of the ancient bloody ritual of the ancestors of modern Incas. According to historians, the children were sacrificed on Ljulyaylyako. According to scientists, this happened about five centuries ago. It is noteworthy that the mummies were immediately nicknamed “the children of the Ljulyayljako volcano”, and the older girl is called the Ice Virgin Juanita.
Such an amazing find was made possible thanks to the unique climate of the peak - very cold and dry air. As a result of a specially conducted expedition, all three mummies were taken out and placed in the freezers of the museum of the city of Salta (Argentina). Currently, they can be seen on the exhibition stands of the museum.
This event gave the volcano the status of a historical monument. At the place of discovery, a special pointer is set.
The Conquest of Ljulyayljako
The first conquest of the volcano recorded in written sources was committed in 1952. This year climbers B. Gonzalez and H. Harzame climbed the summit. Climbing the summit is relatively simple: it does not require the equipment of intermediate stations and camps from athletes and is usually completed within 24 hours. The best time for such a trip is from May to October. There are strong winds on the side of the mountain.
Travel Tips:
- Climbing is possible only according to the approved routes. In other directions, difficult areas may come across, in addition, you can run into a minefield. The northern route is 4600 meters, the southern - 5000 meters.
- Before the ascent, it is necessary to obtain permission signed by CONAF, to leave in this organization data on the composition of the group, the route and the estimated time of the expedition.
- To save time and effort, it is better to use the services of a local guide.
- In preparation for the hike, it is necessary to collect the necessary equipment (first of all, ice axes and special climbing shoes will be required to overcome the hard crust), clothes (on the top of the mountain, on a snowfield, the temperature will be much lower), water and food (there are no cafes and shops in the reserve , so you’ll have to carry everything with you).
Ljulyayljako volcano is the fifth highest and second largest in the world. In addition, it has the highest snow line on the planet.