description Tatio fumaroles (upper field) Overview
The upper field fumaroles of El Tatio are located in the Andes Mountains of northern Chile. Sitting at an elevation of roughly 4,300 meters (14,100 feet), they are part of one of the highest-elevation geothermal fields in the world. The area features vents that release steam and volcanic gases, and the extreme altitude and cold temperatures cause the vapor to condense rapidly, creating prominent steam plumes visible in the early morning.
help Tatio fumaroles (upper field) FAQ
Where is the El Tatio geothermal field located?
The El Tatio geothermal field is located in the Andes Mountains of northern Chile. It sits at a remarkably high elevation of roughly 4,300 meters (14,100 feet) above sea level.
Are the El Tatio fumaroles active?
Yes, the El Tatio geothermal field is highly active, featuring numerous geysers, boiling water pools, and fumaroles. These vents constantly release plumes of steam and volcanic gases, which are especially visible in the cold morning air.
Why is the El Tatio field so famous?
El Tatio is known for being the third-largest geyser field in the world and the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The stark contrast between the boiling steam vents and the freezing, high-altitude desert environment makes it a highly visited tourist destination.
What exactly is a fumarole?
A fumarole is an opening in the Earth's crust, often near volcanoes, that emits steam and gases such as carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide. In the upper field of El Tatio, these vents create hissing, steaming cracks in the barren ground.
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