Humboldt’s Interpretation of the Andean Geology

RAMOS, VICTOR A.

Alexander von Humboldt: Multiperspective Approaches

Springer International Publishing

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2022 p. 117 - 134

Humboldt’s output in a variety of scientific disciplines was phenomenal and quite extraordinary for his time, but the subsequent output of analyses, essays, biographies, and discussions on different aspects of his work has possibly been even greater. This paper concentrates on just one small aspect of his contributions, focusing on his understanding of the Andean mountains. The observations that he made during his two years in this mountain range are analyzed, as well as how his interpretations conflicted with the accepted theories of the time, despite his having had a conventional training at what was then one of most respected geological institutions in Europe, the Freiberg Bergakademie. One of his main legacies derives from his recognition of chains of volcanoes hundreds of kilometers in length within the Andes, parallel to their axial region, and of their relationship to major earthquakes. His meticulous description of these volcanoes led to him being acknowledged as the first Andean volcanologist. His passion for measuring and for quantifying his observations using the wide range of instruments that he carried with him on his travels enabled him to produce the first geological cross-sections of the Andes to include lithology and stratigraphy. The rock samples that he collected led to a new type of volcanic rock, known as andesite, being defined some years later. Andesite is one of the dominant types of volcanic rock in the Andes and has since been identified in many other parts of the world. Humboldt’s interpretations were instrumental in resolving an old controversy between the Neptunists (led by his former teacher, Abraham Gottlob Werner) and the Plutonists (led by James Hutton), although he waited until a few years after Werner’s death to release them. To fully appreciate Humboldt’s work, however, it is important to view his geological legacy in the context of the depth and breadth of his knowledge of nature as is clear and evident from his Cosmos treatise.