And although there are more outstanding giants, the Cotopaxi volcano is rightfully recognized as the highest among those active around the world. He charms not only with his unpredictable behavior, but also with the unusual beauty of the peak shimmering from ice. This is also notable because of where the stratovolcano is, as snow in the tropics of Ecuador is a very rare phenomenon.
Geographic data about Cotopaxi volcano
By type, Cotopaxi belongs to stratovolcanoes, like its counterpart in Southeast Asia, Krakatau. This type of rock formation has a layered structure formed from ash, solidified lava and tephra. Most often, in shape, they resemble a regular cone; due to their relatively porous composition, they often change their height and area during strong eruptions.
Cotopaxi is the highest peak of the Cordillera Real mountain range: it rises above sea level at 5897 m.For Ecuador, the country in which the active volcano is located, this is the second largest peak, but it is he who is known as the most striking landmark and treasure of the state. The crater area is approximately 0.45 sq. km, and its depth reaches 450 m. If you need to determine the geographic coordinates, you should focus on the highest point. Its latitude and longitude in degrees is 0 ° 41 ′ 3 ″ S. latitude, 78 ° 26 ′ 14 ″ W etc.
The giant became the center of the national park of the same name; here you can find unique flora and fauna. But its main feature is considered to be snow-capped peaks, which is unusual for the tropics. Cotopaxi Peak is covered in a thick layer of ice that casts glare from the sun and shimmers like a jewel. Ecuadorians are proud of their landmark, despite the fact that many tragic events are associated with it.
Eruptions of a stratovolcano
For those who do not yet know whether the Cotopaxi volcano is active or extinct, it should be said that it is active, but at the moment it is in hibernation. It is very difficult to predict the exact time of its awakening, since during its existence it showed its "explosive" character with varying degrees of power.
So, the awakening happened in 2015. On August 15, a five-kilometer column of smoke, mixed with ash, flew into the sky. There were five such outbreaks, after which the volcano calmed down again. But this does not mean at all that his awakening will not become the beginning of a strong lava eruption months or years later.
Over the past 300 years, the volcano has erupted about 50 times. Until recent emissions, Cotopaxi showed no significant signs of activity for over 140 years. The first documented eruption is considered to be an explosion that occurred in 1534. The most tragic event is considered to be in April 1768. Then, in addition to the emissions of sulfur and lava, a strong earthquake happened in the area of the giant's explosion, which destroyed the whole city and nearby settlements.
Interesting facts about Cotopaxi
Since most of the time the volcano shows no signs of activity, it is a popular tourist destination. Walking along the paved paths, you can bump into llamas and deer, see fluttering hummingbirds or admire the Andean lapwings.
The volcano Cotopaxi is of great interest to brave climbers who dream of conquering the top of this mountain range. The first ascent took place on November 28, 1872, Wilhelm Rice made this extraordinary act.
We advise you to read about the Krakatoa volcano.
Today, everyone and, most importantly, trained climbers can do the same thing. The ascent to the peak begins at night, so that by dawn you can already return to the starting point. This is due to the fact that the summit is covered with a thick layer of ice, which begins to melt during the daytime, which makes it simply impossible to climb it.
However, even an ordinary walk at the foot of Cotopaxi will bring a lot of impressions, because in this part of Ecuador you can enjoy picturesque views. No wonder, according to one version, the name is translated not as "smoking mountain", but as "shining mountain".
