Devil Mountain (Alaska) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Devil Mountain |
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 794 ft (242 m) |
Geology | |
Mountain type | Shield volcano |
Last eruption | Pleistocene |
Devil Mountain is a small shield volcano located in the U.S. state of Alaska. It stands about 5 miles (8 km) south of the Devil Mountain Lakes. This mountain is also about 53 miles (85 km) northwest of a town called Deering.
Devil Mountain is about 794 feet (242 meters) tall. This makes it a noticeable feature in the Alaskan landscape.
What is Devil Mountain?
Devil Mountain is a type of volcano known as a shield volcano. These volcanoes are usually wide and have gentle slopes, looking like a warrior's shield lying on the ground. They are formed by many layers of runny lava that flow out easily.
Part of a Volcanic Field
This mountain is part of a larger area called the Espenberg volcanic field. A volcanic field is a region where many small volcanoes and volcanic vents are found. This particular field is located at the northern tip of the Seward Peninsula in Alaska. It is just south of the Arctic Circle.
The Espenberg volcanic field has different types of volcanoes. It includes shield volcanoes like Devil Mountain. It also has "maars," which are wide, flat-bottomed craters formed by explosive eruptions. These volcanoes were active during the Pleistocene epoch, which was a long time ago.
How Devil Mountain Got Its Name
Devil Mountain was named in 1816 by a German explorer. Lieutenant Otto von Kotzebue called it Teufelsberg. In the German language, Teufelsberg means "Devils Mountain."