Crater Rings (Idaho) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crater Rings |
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Crater Rings
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| Highest point | |
| Geography | |
| Location | Elmore County, Idaho, United States |
| Topo map | USGS Crater Rings |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | Less than 2 million years |
| Mountain type | volcanic craters of a Shield Volcano |
| Designated: | 1980 |
Crater Rings are two amazing, round holes in the ground located in Idaho, United States. They are found about 8 miles northwest of Mountain Home, Idaho. These unique features are actually old volcanic craters. They are special because there are not many volcanic craters like them in the continental U.S. The craters sit on top of a wide, gently sloped volcano called a shield volcano.
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What Are the Crater Rings?
The Crater Rings are two holes that are right next to each other. They are very similar in shape. These craters are at the very top of a large, flat shield volcano. A shield volcano is a type of volcano that looks like a warrior's shield lying on the ground. It has gentle slopes because the lava that flows from it is very runny.
How Big Are They?
The eastern crater is quite large, measuring about 3,000 feet (914 meters) across. It is also about 350 feet (107 meters) deep. The western crater is a bit smaller. It is about 2,500 feet (762 meters) across and 300 feet (91 meters) deep.
What Were They Like?
Scientists believe these craters were once lava lakes. A lava lake is a large pool of molten rock, or lava, that collects in a volcanic crater. They might have been similar to the famous Halemaʻumaʻu lava lake inside the Kīlauea volcano in Hawaii.
How Old Are They?
The volcano that formed Crater Rings is the youngest of the shield volcanoes in the area near Mountain Home. Experts think it is less than 2 million years old. This might sound very old, but in terms of Earth's history, it is quite young!
Why Are Crater Rings Important?
Crater Rings are considered very special. In 1980, they were named a National Natural Landmark. This means they are a nationally important natural site. They are protected because they show important parts of Earth's natural history.
Who Protects Them?
The land where Crater Rings are located is owned by the Bureau of Land Management. This is a government agency that manages public lands. The Crater Rings are part of the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area. This area is important for protecting many birds of prey, like eagles and hawks.
See also
- In Spanish: Crater Rings (Idaho) para niños
