Pasochoa

Last updated
Pasochoa
Pasochoa.jpg
Pasochoa as seen from Machachi
Highest point
Elevation 4,200 m (13,800 ft)
Coordinates 0°26′S78°29′W / 0.433°S 78.483°W / -0.433; -78.483 Coordinates: 0°26′S78°29′W / 0.433°S 78.483°W / -0.433; -78.483
Geography
Equador physical map.svg
Red triangle with thick white border.svg
Pasochoa
Parent range Andes

Pasochoa (4,200 metres) is an extinct volcano located in the Guayllabamba river basin in the Ecuadorian Andes. [1] The current mountain form is a collapsed crater with a semicircular shape. This structure emerged approximately 100 thousand years ago due to an eruption which destroyed the crater and occidental slope of the previous volcanic cone.

Contents

This is a shot from the Pasochoa's summit in 2018 Pasochoa volcano's summit.jpg
This is a shot from the Pasochoa's summit in 2018

Lava and ash increased the fertility of the ground in the Pasochoa region, encouraging the growth of a vibrant forest ecosystem. [2] Despite the fertile soil, difficult accessibility and an uneven surface made the area inappropriate for extensive agriculture. The Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge, established in 1996, contains one of the few remaining original Andean forests. Fundacion Natura used to manage the Pasochoa and offer programs on the natural resource conservation and environmental education and sponsors scientific research. Recently, the mountain's management has passed to the hands of the Ministerio del Ambiente. The mountain has a wonderful variety of wildlife, including pumas, foxes, skunks, a very diverse collection of birds, and a wonderful collection of plants.

Today the volcano is well known as a travel destination.

See also

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References

  1. Valencia, Renato; Jorgensen, Peter M. (June 1992). "Composition and structure of a humid montane forest on the Pasochoa volcano, Ecuador". Nordic Journal of Botany. 12 (2): 239–247. doi:10.1111/j.1756-1051.1992.tb01301.x. ISSN   0107-055X.
  2. Stern, Margaret J. (1995). "An Inter-Andean Forest Relict: Vegetation Change on Pasochoa Volcano, Ecuador". Mountain Research and Development. 15 (4): 339–348. doi:10.2307/3673810. ISSN   0276-4741. JSTOR   3673810.