Islay Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Islay Hill |
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Viewed from the south. Righetti Hill (formerly Mine Hill), a minor peak, is seen to the left.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 783+ ft (239+ m) NAVD 88 |
| Geography | |
| Location | San Luis Obispo County, California, U.S. |
| Parent range | Santa Lucia Range |
| Topo map | Arroyo Grande NE |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | 20 million years |
| Mountain type | Volcanic plug |
Islay Hill is a special kind of mountain in San Luis Obispo County, California. It's actually a volcanic cone, which means it was formed by an ancient volcano.
Islay Hill is the most southern of nine unique hills and mountains. These are all part of a group called the Nine Sisters.
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Islay Hill: A California Volcano
Islay Hill is a very old hill, about 20 million years old! It's located in central California. This hill is known for being a volcanic plug. This means it's the hardened lava that once filled the vent of an ancient volcano.
Even though it's called a "volcanic cone," the volcano that formed it is no longer active. Scientists believe it is either extinct (meaning it won't erupt again) or dormant (meaning it's sleeping and could possibly erupt again, but it's very unlikely).
What is a Volcanic Cone?
A volcanic cone is a cone-shaped hill or mountain. It forms around a volcano's opening. When a volcano erupts, ash, rocks, and lava build up around the vent. Over time, this material creates the cone shape we see. Islay Hill is a great example of this natural process.
The Nine Sisters: A Chain of Hills
Islay Hill is part of a famous chain of nine hills. They are all ancient volcanoes. This group is known as the Nine Sisters. They are also sometimes called the Morros.
Most of the Nine Sisters are volcanic plugs. This means they are the hard rock that was once inside a volcano's vent. Over millions of years, the softer rock around them wore away. This left the harder volcanic plugs standing tall.
Where Are the Nine Sisters?
The chain of the Nine Sisters stretches across San Luis Obispo County. It starts near Morro Bay in the northwest. From there, it goes southeast all the way to Islay Hill. Islay Hill is located on the southeast side of the city of San Luis Obispo.
Each of the Nine Sisters has its own unique shape and size. They are important landmarks in the area. They remind us of California's volcanic past.
Exploring Islay Hill Today
Today, Islay Hill is a beautiful natural area. People can enjoy its scenery and learn about its geology. It's a great place to see how ancient volcanoes shaped the land. The hill offers views of the surrounding landscape. It's a popular spot for nature lovers.
