Double Crater facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Double Crater |
|
|---|---|
Double Crater, facing southeast.
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 8,007 ft (2,441 m) |
| Prominence | 944 ft (288 m) |
| Geography | |
 Double Crater
Location in Arizona
|
|
| Location | Coconino County, Arizona, U.S. |
| Topo map | USGS Sunset Crater East |
| Geology | |
| Volcanic field | San Francisco volcanic field |
Double Crater is an ancient volcano located in Arizona, United States. It is found north of the city of Flagstaff, Arizona. This volcano is part of a larger group of volcanoes called the San Francisco volcanic field.
Double Crater is considered an extinct volcano. This means it is no longer active and is not expected to erupt again. It formed a very long time ago during a period known as the Pleistocene epoch.
Contents
Double Crater: An Ancient Volcano
Double Crater is a unique landform in Arizona. It stands tall at about 8,007 feet (2,441 meters) above sea level. This makes it a noticeable feature in the landscape near Flagstaff.
The name "Double Crater" comes from its shape. It likely has two distinct crater areas at its top. This gives it a special appearance compared to other volcanoes.
What is a Volcano?
A volcano is an opening in the Earth's surface. When a volcano erupts, hot molten rock, ash, and gases escape from deep inside the Earth. Over time, these materials build up around the opening, forming a mountain or hill.
Volcanoes can be active, dormant, or extinct. An active volcano has erupted recently or is expected to erupt soon. A dormant volcano has not erupted for a long time but could erupt again. An extinct volcano, like Double Crater, is one that scientists believe will never erupt again.
Where is Double Crater Located?
Double Crater is found in Coconino County, Arizona. This area is known for its beautiful natural features and diverse landscapes. It is situated within the San Francisco volcanic field.
The San Francisco volcanic field is a large area in northern Arizona. It contains hundreds of volcanoes and volcanic vents. These include famous ones like Sunset Crater, which is located southeast of Double Crater. This field shows how active the Earth's crust once was in this region.
How Old is Double Crater?
Double Crater formed during the Pleistocene epoch. This geological time period lasted from about 2.6 million years ago to 11,700 years ago. It is often called the "Ice Age" because large parts of the Earth were covered in glaciers.
Because it formed so long ago, Double Crater has had a lot of time to erode. This means wind and water have slowly worn down its original shape. Even so, its volcanic features are still very clear today.
