The lake is surrounded by a number of Quaternary volcanic systems of various ages, including about 14 shield volcanoes and stratovolcanoes that have been degraded by glaciation. The Laguna del Maule volcanic field covers a surface area of and contains 130volcanic vents including cones, lava domes, lava flows, and shield volcanoes; 36silicic coulees and lava domes surround the lake. Over of the field is covered by these volcanic rocks. The volcanic field lies at an average height of , and some summits around Laguna del Maule reach altitudes of . Volcanic ash and pumice produced by the eruptions has been found over away in Argentina.