Laguna del Maule (volcano) about fourteen shield volcanoes and stratovolcanoes that have been degraded by glaciation. The Laguna del Maule volcanic field covers a surface area of and contains cones, lava domes, lava flows, and shield volcanoes. There are 130 volcanic vents at Laguna del Maule. The lake is surrounded by 36 silicic coulees and lava domes. Over of the field is covered by these rocks, and volcanic ash and pumice produced by the eruptions has been found in Argentina. Presently some summits around Laguna del Maule reach altitudes of . The volcanic field lies at an average height of . Among the various
Laguna del Negro Francisco is more likely. More recent fluctuations have occurred as well; a dry period may be associated with the little ice age. In 2012-2015 environmental degradation in the area has become apparent, accompanied by a shrinkage of water surfaces and dropping groundwater levels. In prehistory, first pre-ceramic hunter-gatherers and later ceramics-using people who also engaged in horticulture were active in the area of the Astaburuaga River and the Laguna del Negro Francisco. The Inca were active in the valleys south and southwest from Laguna del Negro Francisco and also on the Copiapó and Jotabeche. A 1921 publication mentioned a project to