Little Ring Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Little Ring Mountain |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,165 m (7,103 ft) |
| Prominence | 450 m (1,480 ft) |
| Listing | List of volcanoes in Canada List of Cascade volcanoes |
| Geography | |
| Location | British Columbia, Canada |
| Parent range | Pacific Ranges |
| Topo map | NTS 92J/06 |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Tuya |
| Volcanic arc/belt | Canadian Cascade Arc Garibaldi Volcanic Belt |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1969 John Clarke |
Little Ring Mountain, also known as Little Ring Peak, is a special type of volcano called a tuya. It's located in the Pacific Ranges of the Coast Mountains in southwestern British Columbia, Canada. This mountain sits near the start of the Squamish and Soo Rivers. It's part of a group of volcanoes known as the Mount Cayley volcanic field. Scientists believe its last eruption happened a very long time ago, likely during the Fraser Glaciation, which was a major ice age.
The mountain gets its name because it looks a lot like the bigger Ring Mountain, which is located just south of it.
Contents
What is a Tuya?
A tuya is a unique kind of volcano that forms when lava erupts under a thick glacier or ice sheet. Imagine hot lava trying to push through a huge block of ice! When this happens, the lava cools very quickly. This fast cooling makes the volcano have steep, flat sides and a flat top, almost like a table.
These volcanoes are sometimes called "table mountains" because of their distinct shape. They are a cool example of how volcanoes and glaciers can interact to create unique landforms.
Where is Little Ring Mountain?
Little Ring Mountain is found in the beautiful Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Canada. It's specifically located within the Pacific Ranges, which is a large part of the Coast Mountains. This area is known for its rugged peaks and stunning natural beauty.
The mountain is also part of a larger group of volcanoes called the Mount Cayley volcanic field. This field includes several other volcanoes that have formed over millions of years in this region.
How Little Ring Mountain Formed
Little Ring Mountain is a very old volcano. It most likely formed during the Fraser Glaciation. This was a major ice age that covered much of North America with thick glaciers. During this time, lava erupted from deep within the Earth, but instead of flowing freely, it hit the massive ice sheet.
The lava then cooled rapidly under the ice, creating the steep sides and flat top that are typical of a tuya. This process is what gives Little Ring Mountain its unique shape and makes it different from many other volcanoes.
Exploring the Mountain
Even though it's a volcano, Little Ring Mountain is also a place for adventure. The first recorded climb to the top of Little Ring Mountain happened in 1969. A mountaineer named John Clarke was the first person known to reach its summit. This shows that even ancient volcanoes can be exciting places for exploration and discovery.
