Environmental Education through an Interdisciplinary Approach: The Effects of the Volcanic Eruption of the Puyehue-Cordón Caulle Volcanic Complex on the Landscape of Southern Chile

Abstract

After the 2011 eruption of the Puyehue-Cordón Caulle volcanic complex (PCC) in southern Chile, an exhibition was prepared to show to the general public the findings of academic expeditions in the area affected. This paper discusses the objectives and content of this expedition, as well as the interpretation tools used to prepare it. A volcanic system operates (generally unnoticed) at different times and scales, creating a landscape of great scenic beauty. However, it is also a system that changes dramatically and can become dangerous. The exhibition made these changes visible to the community by using photographs, videos and oral discussions to convey the effects of the eruption on the landscape. The objective was to educate people about the differences between temporal visual effects (which are not always harmful) and others that cannot be observed but can damage the environment and for which we must be prepared. The discussion provides insight into the extent to which interpretation tools and landscape narratives can contribute to a full understanding of the dynamics and changes of natural landscapes.