List of volcanic craters in Alaska facts for kids
Alaska is a state in the United States known for its amazing natural beauty. It is also home to many volcanoes. When volcanoes erupt, they can sometimes create large bowl-shaped holes called craters. The U.S. National Geodetic Survey has found thirteen important craters in Alaska. These craters are often found in areas where volcanoes have been active for a very long time.
Contents
What are Craters?
A crater is a bowl-shaped dip or hole in the ground. Most craters in Alaska are formed by volcanoes. When a volcano erupts with great force, its top can collapse inward, forming a large crater called a caldera. Other craters can be formed by explosions of gas and steam.
Alaska is part of the "Ring of Fire." This is a large area around the Pacific Ocean where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions happen. This is why Alaska has so many volcanoes and craters.
Craters in Alaska's Regions
Aleutians East Borough
This area is home to some interesting craters.
Fisher Caldera
Fisher Caldera is a large crater on Unimak Island. It was named after a geologist named Bernard Fisher. He was exploring the area in 1946 when he sadly passed away. This caldera is quite big, about 8 miles (13 km) long and 6 miles (10 km) wide.
Aleutians West Census Area
This region also has notable volcanic features.
Okmok Caldera
Okmok Caldera is a very active volcano. It is known for its large caldera. This caldera formed after a huge eruption thousands of years ago.
Bethel Census Area
This area includes Nunivak Island, which has unique craters.
Binalik Crater
Binalik Crater is found on Nunivak Island. The local Yupik people gave it its name. It was first reported in 1937. This crater is about 0.3 miles (0.5 km) across.
Ikathiwik Crater
Ikathiwik Crater is another crater in the Bethel Census Area.
Nanwaksjiak Crater
Nanwaksjiak Crater is also located in this region.
Kodiak Island
Kodiak Island is known for its rugged landscape.
Kaguyak Crater
Kaguyak Crater is a significant crater on Kodiak Island. It is part of a volcano that has erupted in the past.
Lake and Peninsula Borough
This area is famous for its many lakes and volcanoes.
Aniakchak Crater
Aniakchak Crater is a huge caldera. It is one of the largest and most impressive volcanic craters in Alaska. It formed after a massive eruption.
Novarupta
Novarupta is not a typical crater. It is a lava dome that formed during one of the largest volcanic eruptions of the 20th century. This eruption happened in 1912. It created a large ash cloud and changed the landscape.
Ukinrek Maars
The Ukinrek maars are two small craters. They formed during an eruption in 1977. A "maar" is a broad, low-relief volcanic crater. It is formed by an explosive eruption.
Nome Census Area
This region is in western Alaska.
Twin Calderas
The Twin Calderas are two craters located close to each other. They show signs of past volcanic activity.
Valdez-Cordova Census Area
This area is known for its mountains and glaciers.
East Crater
East Crater is one of the craters in this region.
Mount Wrangell
Mount Wrangell is a large active volcano. It has several craters on its summit.
North Crater
North Crater is another crater found in the Valdez-Cordova Census Area.
Images for kids
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Novarupta, July 1987
See also
- Avak crater - confirmed impact crater near Barrow
