A significant “Big Bang” in 1600

FUN WITH MAPS – ISSUE 2021-33 DAILY FEATURE:

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (February 19, 2021) – In Issue 2021-33 of Steve Kovacs Fun with Maps, we find a volcanic eruption in Peru

Big Bang

The biggest “bang” in recorded South American history occurred in 1600 today.  And that was the violent eruption of the Andean stratovolcano Huaynaputina in southern Peru.

The volcano’s name roughly translates to “new fire throwing mountain”.

When thinking of a volcano, typically we visualize a stratovolcano.  Stratovolcanoes have steep profiles, tend to erupt violently, and have thicker lava flows which upon cooling add to the steepness of the volcano’s profile.  Other well-known examples of stratovolcanoes are Mount Hood, Kilimanjaro, and Fuji. 

Here is an 1851 map of Peru and Bolivia by John Tallis with his characteristic vignettes.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps.

Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Antique Maps & Fun Facts here on Loveland Beacon.