The Incapillo volcanic complex, also known as Corona del Inca, has once again captured scientific attention after research revealed evidence of geothermal activity beneath its surface.
This system, located in the province of La Rioja and considered for years as an extinct volcano, could transform into a strategic source for the development of clean energy in Argentina.
The caldera is located in the heart of the Central Andes and is recognized as one of the world’s highest explosive volcanic structures. Although it is estimated that its last major eruption occurred about 500,000 years ago, new analyses show that there is still circulation of hot fluids at depth.
Additionally, specialists from the National Scientific and Technical Research Council detected signals compatible with the presence of residual magmatic heat, opening a new stage for geothermal study in extreme high mountain environments.
A geothermal system that still retains internal energy
The research published in Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research allowed the reconstruction of the thermal evolution of the Incapillo complex. Based on mineralogical and micropaleontological studies, experts identified signs that the system reached temperatures close to 90 degrees in the past.
However, the analyses also show that currently, the system may have evolved towards moderate temperatures of around 40 degrees. Even so, the existence of hot fluids demonstrates that the volcano is not completely inactive.
On the other hand, scientists emphasized that the detected activity does not imply an immediate eruptive risk. The observed behavior corresponds to deep hydrothermal processes linked to the slow cooling of ancient magmatic chambers.
Consequently, the Incapillo complex has begun to be considered a point of interest for future explorations aimed at the generation of sustainable geothermal energy in Argentina.
Geothermal energy gains ground as a renewable alternative
Geothermal energy harnesses the Earth’s internal heat to produce electricity or heating through the use of steam and hot underground fluids. This renewable resource stands out for generating low carbon emissions and offering constant energy supply, regardless of the weather.
Unlike solar or wind energy, geothermal can operate 24 hours a day, making it a key tool for diversifying energy matrices and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Additionally, volcanic regions like the Andean mountain range have enormous potential for this type of development due to the proximity between heat sources and the Earth’s surface. Therefore, numerous countries are advancing in geothermal projects to address the climate crisis and strengthen the energy transition.
What is geothermal activity and why does it occur?
Geothermal activity occurs when the Earth’s internal heat rises to surface layers through fractures and underground reservoirs. This phenomenon is often associated with volcanic regions, where deep magma maintains high temperatures beneath the crust.
In places like Incapillo, water infiltrated into the subsoil comes into contact with hot rocks and generates hydrothermal systems capable of producing steam, hot springs, and gas emissions. Although some volcanoes stop recording eruptions, internal heat can persist for hundreds of thousands of years.
Furthermore, the presence of geothermal activity is crucial for understanding the dynamics of mountain ecosystems and regional climate behavior. These environments also host extremophile microorganisms and unique geological processes that are studied by environmental science.
The case of La Rioja demonstrates that ancient volcanic systems can still play a relevant role in the search for renewable energies and in understanding the natural processes that shape the Andes.
