Socompa is a large stratovolcano (composite volcano) on the border of Argentina and Chile. It has an elevation of 6,051 metres (19,852 ft) and is part of the Chilean and Argentine Andean Volcanic Belt. Socompa lies close to the pass of the same name where the Salta–Antofagasta railway crosses the border. Most of the northwestern slope of Socompa collapsed catastrophically 7,200 years ago to form an extensive debris avalanche deposit. The Socompa collapse is among the largest known on land with a volume of 19.2 cubic kilometres (4.6 cu mi) and a surface area of 490 square kilometres (190 sq mi). After the volcanic landslide, Socompa was rebuilt by the effusion of lava flows and much of the scar is now filled in. Socompa is also noteworthy for the high-altitude biotic communities that are bound to fumaroles on the mountain. They are well above the sparse regular vegetation in the region, which does not extend up the mountains. The climate on the mountain is cold and dry.

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socompa

_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

1920:

A bomb in a horse-drawn wagon exploded in front of 23 Wall Street in New York City, killing 38 people and injuring several hundred others. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wall_Street_bombing

1975:

The prototype of the Soviet Mikoyan MiG-31, one of the fastest combat jets in the world, made its maiden flight. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikoyan_MiG-31

1989:

During a tour of the United States, Soviet politician Boris Yeltsin visited a grocery store in Texas that had a major impact on his views regarding the Soviet Union's economic system. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1989_visit_by_Boris_Yeltsin_to_the_United_States

1992:

The British pound (coin pictured) was forced out of the European Exchange Rate Mechanism on Black Wednesday and suffered a major devaluation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Wednesday

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

subtle: 1. Senses relating to tangible things. 2. Of an action or movement: very delicate or slight, and thus barely noticeable; not obvious; inconspicuous, unintrusive. 3. (archaic) Having a delicate or fine substance or texture; hence, exquisite, refined. 4. (archaic) Slender, thin. 5. (archaic) Of a substance: finely powdered; also, of particles of a substance: very fine or small. 6. (archaic) Of weight: after the tare (“weight of an empty container”) has been subtracted; net. 7. (historical) Of a substance, especially a gas or liquid: of low density or thin consistency; rarefied, tenuous; hence, tending to spread everywhere due to this quality. 8. (nautical, obsolete, rare except historical) Synonym of subtile (“of a ship: narrow, slender”). 9. Senses relating to intangible things. 10. Of an argument or concept, words, etc.: requiring one to distinguish between fine points, especially if it is difficult to do so; nice; also (generally), difficult to grasp; not easily understood or obvious. 11. Giving only a slight impression; elusive, indistinct; also, skilfully restrained or understated. 12. Of an artist, a musician, etc.: having a light touch; sensitive. 13. Of a person: sensitive to the feelings of others; discreet, tactful. 14. Of a person, their intellect or mind, etc.: discerning, perceptive, shrewd, wise. 15. Acting (especially causing harm) in a stealthy, often gradual, manner; insidious. 16. (archaic) Of a person or their fingers or hands, their ability, etc.: dexterous, skilful. 17. (archaic) Of a person or animal, or of an action or words: clever or skilful in a crafty or devious way; cunning, sly, wily. 18. (obsolete) Of ground used for bowling: not smooth; uneven. 19. (obsolete) Of an object: cleverly contrived or made; also, of a plan, etc.: cleverly contrived or carried out. [...] https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/subtle

___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:

Imagination is the highest kite that can fly.   --Lauren Bacall https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Lauren_Bacall