Intrusive Volcano

An intrusive or plutonic volcano contains a mass of magma that rarely reaches the surface but instead manifests inside of the crust where it solidifies.  This magma can later become exposed over time after erosion and or weathering of the surface area.   Lautaro Volcano in Patagonia, a volcano difficult to study due to its heavy snowfall and weather conditions, is part of the Andean Austral Volcanic Zone and South Patagonian Ice Field.  Alternatively, extrusive volcanoes are formed when igneous rock is hardened from extruding magma or erupting lava explosions.  Patagonia and the Andean Austral Volcanic Zone to the Antarctic Peninsula geography suggests there was significant magmatism around the same time frame. This would have occurred in the intraplate to the continental margin, creating volcanoes formed over 30 million years around the same timeframe.    

Weathering, the breakdown of rocks and soil through contact with the atmosphere, can be both physical and chemical.  One of the most amazing examples of weathering in Patagonia, Chile is the Azure temple.  The Azure temple is a network of three caves.  This is one of the destinations highest on my bucket list.  The water surrounding the caves generated by glaciers fashion unique blue water that complements the marble cave walls in the center of General Carrera Lake.  This is the worlds largest formation of marble.  

Photos:

http://www.adventurearchive.com/data/books_videos/order.asp

http://www.travmateholidays.com/blog/amazing-places-in-the-world/

http://blog.tripcheat.com/marble-islands-of-chile/

http://www.lovethesepics.com/2011/06/marvel-at-the-magnificent-marble-caves-35-pics/

http://www.scielo.cl/scielo.php?pid=s0716-02082006000100008&script=sci_arttext

Content:

Menzies, M. A. Volcanic Rifted Margins. Vol. 362. Boulder, CO: Geological Society of

America, 2002. Print.

"Revista Geológica De Chile - Geologic Reconnaissance of Lautaro Volcano, Chilean

Patagonia." Revista Geológica De Chile - Geologic Reconnaissance of Lautaro Volcano,

Chilean Patagonia. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Sept. 2014.

Reporter, Daily Mail. "The Marble Cathedral of Chile: Are These the World's Most

Beautiful Caves?" Mail Online. Associated Newspapers, 1 Aug. 2011. Web. 23 Sept. 2014.