Monogenetic volcanism in the Colombian Andes: state of the art and perspectives

Abstract Discovering previously unidentified volcanoes remains a key ambition for Colombian volcanologists. The subduction-related tectonic environment has driven volcanism in the Colombian Andes since the Miocene. While polygenetic volcanoes within the active volcanic arc have been widely studied, especially Nevado del Ruiz and Galeras due to their activity and hazards, monogenetic volcanoes have gained attention only in the past decade. Recent discoveries of new monogenetic volcanoes have led to systematic studies, revealing monogenetic structures formed by both effusive and explosive eruptions. Petrographic analyses of the products allowed identifying olivine, pyroxene, amphibole, biotite, plagioclase, and Fe–Ti oxides, indicating primitive to evolved magmas. Volcanic products range from basalts (~47 wt.% SiO 2 ) to rhyolites (~74 wt.% SiO 2 ) with a calc-alkaline signature. K/Ar and Ar/Ar new dating confirms Pleistocene ages, linking these volcanoes to the active arc. This research advances the understanding of monogenetic volcanism in the northern Andes, providing insights into distributed volcanism, magma depths and origin, geothermal potential, hazards, and geotourism opportunities in Colombia.