Cochetopa Dome facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cochetopa Dome |
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Cochetopa Dome viewed from the north.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 11,138 ft (3,395 m) |
| Prominence | 1,752 ft (534 m) |
| Isolation | 5.74 mi (9.24 km) |
| Geography | |
 Cochetopa Dome
Location in Colorado
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| Location | Saguache County, Colorado, U.S. |
| Parent range | La Garita Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS 7.5' topographic map Cochetopa Park |
Cochetopa Dome is a cool mountain in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. It's located in Saguache County. This mountain stands tall at about 11,138 feet (3,395 meters). It's part of the Gunnison National Forest, a big area of protected land.
Cochetopa Dome is not just any mountain. It's actually a special type of mountain called a lava dome. It formed from ancient volcanoes.
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What is Cochetopa Dome?
Cochetopa Dome is a type of mountain called a lava dome. It was created when thick, sticky lava pushed up from underground. This happened about 27 million years ago. The lava was a type called rhyolitic lava.
This dome sits inside a huge bowl-shaped area called the Cochetopa caldera. A caldera is like a giant crater. It forms when a volcano erupts and then collapses in on itself.
How Big is the Cochetopa Caldera?
The Cochetopa caldera is very large. It is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) wide. The ground inside the caldera sank by as much as 2,600 feet (792 meters). This shows how powerful the ancient volcanic eruption was.
The Cochetopa caldera is one of many collapsed volcanoes in the San Juan volcanic field. This whole area in Colorado has a rich volcanic past.
Why is Cochetopa Dome Special?
The Cochetopa caldera, with Cochetopa Dome inside it, is easy to spot. It looks very clear compared to other calderas nearby. There are a few reasons why it has stayed so well-preserved.
Why Can We See the Caldera So Clearly?
- Younger Age: The Cochetopa caldera formed more recently than many other big calderas in the San Juan Mountains. This means there was less volcanic activity later on to mess up its shape.
- Less Filling: The caldera didn't get filled up with too much dirt and rocks after it collapsed. Much of what did fill it was soft, ash-like material called tuff. This material has worn away easily over time.
- Strong Drainage: Water drains out of the caldera through Cochetopa Canyon. The rocks in this canyon are very old and hard. They have stopped the canyon from eroding too deeply. This helps keep the caldera's shape.
How Does Nature Help Us See It?
The different types of plants also help us see the caldera's features. The flat floor of the caldera is mostly covered in grass and shrubs. But the edges of the caldera and Cochetopa Dome itself are covered in thick forests. This difference in plants makes it easy to see the outline of the caldera from above.
Images for kids
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This image shows a labeled view of the Cochetopa caldera, including Cochetopa Dome.
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This picture shows an angled view of Cochetopa Dome and its caldera, looking south, taken in 2020.
