Level Mountain Range facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Level Mountain Range |
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Highest point | |
Peak | Meszah Peak |
Elevation | 2,166 m (7,106 ft) |
Geography | |
Country | Canada |
Province | British Columbia |
District | Cassiar Land District |
Range coordinates | 58°23′26″N 131°24′06″W / 58.39056°N 131.40167°W |
Topo map | NTS 104J/06 |
Geology | |
Formed by | Stratovolcano, lava domes |
Age of rock | Neogene-to-Quaternary |
The Level Mountain Range is a cool group of mountains found on top of a big flat-topped mountain called Level Mountain in northern British Columbia, Canada. It's located between two rivers, the Tuya River to the east and the Sheslay River to the west. This range is a high spot on the Nahlin Plateau. What makes it special is that it's much younger than the rest of Level Mountain, having formed in the last 7.1 million years!
Contents
How Level Mountain Range Was Born (Volcanoes!)
The Level Mountain Range was created by volcanoes! It's made up of an old, worn-down stratovolcano and several lava domes. These volcanic features were formed during the Miocene and Pleistocene periods.
What is a Stratovolcano?
A stratovolcano is a tall, cone-shaped volcano. It's built up over time by many layers of hardened lava, ash, and rocks. Think of it like building a sandcastle, but with fiery volcanic materials!
What are Lava Domes?
Lava domes are different. They form when very thick, sticky lava erupts slowly. Instead of flowing far away, this lava piles up around the volcanic vent. It creates a dome-shaped mound.
When Did It Form?
The Level Mountain Range is considered "geologically younger" because it formed in the last 7.1 million years. This might sound like a long time, but in Earth's history, it's quite recent! The Miocene period lasted from about 23 to 5.3 million years ago. The Pleistocene period followed, from 2.6 million to about 11,700 years ago.
Exploring Meszah Peak
The highest point in the Level Mountain Range is Meszah Peak. It's located at the northern end of the range. Meszah Peak stands tall at 2,166 meters (7,106 feet) above sea level. It's a significant landmark in this part of British Columbia.
Where is the Level Mountain Range?
This mountain range is in a remote part of northern British Columbia, Canada. It sits on the broad, flat top of Level Mountain. The range is bordered by the Tuya River to its east and the Sheslay River to its west. It's part of the larger Nahlin Plateau, which is an elevated area of land.