Black Bay Peninsula facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black Bay Peninsula |
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 Location in Ontario
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| Location | Thunder Bay, Unorganized, Ontario |
| Coordinates | 48°38′08″N 88°16′44″W / 48.63556°N 88.27889°W |
| Length | 55 km (34 mi) |
| Width | 25 km (16 mi) |
The Black Bay Peninsula is a cool piece of land in Ontario, Canada. It's like a big finger of land that sticks out into Lake Superior, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world! This peninsula is special because it was formed by volcanoes a very, very long time ago. It separates two bays, Black Bay and Nipigon Bay, on the north shore of Lake Superior.
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What is the Black Bay Peninsula?
The Black Bay Peninsula is a unique landform in Northwestern Ontario. A peninsula is a piece of land almost surrounded by water but connected to the mainland on one side. This particular peninsula is known for its volcanic past. It's made up of more than 300 layers of ancient lava flows! These are called "flood basalts" because huge amounts of lava flowed out of the ground, covering vast areas like a flood.
Where is the Black Bay Peninsula Located?
You can find the Black Bay Peninsula in the Unorganized Thunder Bay District in Ontario, Canada. It's right on the North Shore of Lake Superior. This area is part of the vast and beautiful Canadian wilderness.
How Was the Peninsula Formed?
The Black Bay Peninsula was formed by ancient volcanic activity. Imagine volcanoes erupting not with big explosions, but with slow, steady flows of lava. Over millions of years, these lava flows piled up, one on top of another, creating the landform we see today. Geologists have found over 300 different layers of these lava flows, showing how much volcanic activity happened here long ago.
What Makes the Peninsula Special?
The Black Bay Peninsula is important for a few reasons:
- Volcanic History: It's a great example of how massive volcanic eruptions can shape the Earth's surface. The layers of lava tell a story of ancient geological events.
- Porphyry Island: Off the very tip of the peninsula lies Porphyry Island. This island is entirely part of Porphyry Island Provincial Park, a protected natural area.
- Protected Area: A large part of the peninsula, about 49 square kilometers (19 square miles), is set aside as the Black Bay Peninsula Enhanced Management Area. This means the area is managed carefully to protect its natural features and wildlife.
