Stratovolcanoes in the Western Cordillera – Polish Scientific Expedition to Peru 2003–2012 reconnaissance research

Abstract

The Polish Scientific Expedition has been carrying out research in the Colca Canyon and the Valley of the Volcanoes (South Peru) since 2003. The National Park project, covering the mentioned areas, is the main purpose of the research. The extent and genesis of the Quaternary volcanic Andahua group is the leading theme of the investigation. The study area is surrounded with numerous Pliocene and Pleistocene stratovolcanoes: Ampato (6,288 m a.s.l.), Chachani (6,057 m a.s.l.), multi-cone Coropuna (6,425 m a.s.l.) and others. Some of them are still active, such as Misti (5,822 m a.s.l.) or Sabancaya (5,967 m a.s.l.) and pose a real hazard to the local population. In 2003–2012, the participants of the Polish Scientific Expedition climbed several times on volcanic peaks, gaining new experience and comparative samples for study.