Morphology, Petrography, and Geochemistry of the Gualcala Volcanic Complex, Nariño, Colombia
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https://doi.org/10.32685/0120-1425/bol.geol.53.1.2026.766Keywords:
Gualcala Volcano, Nariño (Colombia), spine, Dedo de Dios, morphology, petrography, geochemistry
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Abstract
This research presents the first morphological, petrographic, and geochemical characterization of Cerro Gualcalá, a poorly studied volcanic structure located in the department of Nariño. Geomorphological analysis identified three main craters, which include six collapse scars, lava flows, and volcanic domes; a volcanic spine, locally known as “El Dedo de Dios” (“The Finger of God”), stands out in the landscape. Petrographically, the samples mainly correspond to andesites and basalts with porphyritic texture. Additionally, fragmental rocks composed of fragments of these lithologies were identified. Microtextures such as plagioclase and pyroxene glomerocrysts, plagioclase zoning, resorption, broken crystals, and fine sieve texture were recognized. Geochemical analyses allow the rocks to be classified as basalts and andesites according to their silica and alkali contents. Likewise, the results suggest that the rocks belong to the calc-alkaline series. The silica and alkali contents indicate that the magmas are relatively less evolved compared to magmas from nearby volcanoes. Overall, the information obtained suggests that Cerro Gualcalá could correspond to one of the three volcanoes that make up a previously poorly documented volcanic complex. However, additional studies are necessary to define this structure more comprehensively.
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