Firura

Two domes form the Firura volcano, which has a low relief of 500 metres (1,600 ft).[1] Lava flows and stratovolcanoes form a 10–12 kilometres (6.2–7.5 mi) long field. Aside from the main summit Firura, there also are Soncco Orcco (5,191 metres (17,031 ft)), Jahsaya (5,144 metres (16,877 ft)) and separating Firura from Solimana Antapuna (4,852 metres (15,919 ft)). The complex has generated basaltic or basaltic andesite lava flows that reach down into inhabited areas, as well as an ignimbrite resulting from the collapse of the ancient crater.[3][4][5] A collapse of the crater was also responsible for the formation of a landslide dam in the Cotahuasi River valley.[6] The date of the last volcanic activity is Pleistocene to Holocene, but it does not appear to be a significant hazard.[3][4][5]

Much of the southern side of the volcano above 5,300 metres (17,400 ft) altitude is covered with perennial snow. A small glacier (>0.5 square kilometres (0.19 sq mi)) is found on the southern summit of Firura and reaches down to 5,255 metres (17,241 ft). This glacier appears to be located above the local equilibrium line altitude.[1]

Firura has well preserved moraine systems. A major moraine system with a relief of 80–100 metres (260–330 ft) was left by the Last Glacial Maximum, although expansion of glaciers on the northern flank was constrained on a high plateau. The prevalent aridity of the climate impedes the degradation of these moraines.[1]