Jordan Craters facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jordan Craters |
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Coffeepot Crater (left center) was the source of voluminous basaltic lava flows in the Jordan Craters volcanic field of SE Oregon.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 4,833 ft (1,473 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Malheur County, Oregon, U.S. |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | less than 30,000 years |
| Mountain type | Volcanic field |
| Last eruption | 1250 BCE |
The Jordan Craters are a fascinating area in eastern Oregon, U.S.. This place is a volcanic field, which means it's an area with many volcanoes and lava flows. The lava flows here are some of the newest in Oregon.
Scientists believe this volcanic field is about 3,200 years old. It was formed when basalt lava, a type of dark volcanic rock, flowed out from different openings in the ground.
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What Are the Jordan Craters?
The Jordan Craters are a special type of volcanic field. This field is known for its large flows of basalt lava. These flows are the most recent ones in eastern Oregon.
How Did Jordan Craters Form?
The Jordan Craters formed from lava called pahoehoe (pronounced "pah-HOY-hoy"). This type of lava is very smooth and rope-like when it cools. It flowed out from many vents, or openings, in the ground.
Scientists studied lake sediments in 1986. Their findings helped them figure out the age of these lava flows. They believe the field is about 3,200 years old.
Coffeepot Crater: A Key Feature
The newest lava flows at Jordan Craters came from a place called Coffeepot Crater. This crater is a large cinder cone that has broken open on one side.
What Makes Coffeepot Crater Special?
Coffeepot Crater shows amazing examples of "inflated lava." This happens when lava flows expand and swell up as they cool. It creates unique shapes and tunnels.
Long ago, it's thought that Coffeepot Crater held a pool of hot lava. This lava would sometimes spill over the sides. When it did, it flowed freely into the surrounding area.
Where Are the Jordan Craters Located?
The Jordan Craters are in a remote part of Oregon. They are about 120 miles (200 km) southwest of Boise, Idaho. They are also about 18 miles (30 km) northwest of a small town called Jordan Valley, Oregon.
Visiting Jordan Craters
The Jordan Craters are open to everyone. You can visit them for free all year round. It's a great place to see unique volcanic landscapes.
