the subduction of the nazca plate beneath the south america plate occurs at a rate of and causes volcanism along the western margin of south america. this volcanism is distributed over three volcanic belts, the northern volcanic zone, the central volcanic zone and the southern volcanic zone. among these, the central volcanic zone includes the volcanoes of southern peru, a country with over 300 volcanoes. of these, el misti, huaynaputina, sabancaya, ticsani, tutupaca, ubinas and yucamane have been active during historical time. geothermal manifestations such as fumaroles, geysers and hot springs also occur in the country. despite the activity, volcanism in peru is poorly known.