Miravalles Volcano facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Miravalles Volcano
Miravalles Volcano in 1988
Highest point
Elevation	2,028 m (6,654 ft)
Listing	List of volcanoes in Costa Rica
Geography
Miravalles Volcano Location in Costa Rica
Parent range	Cordillera de Guanacaste
Geology
Age of rock	1.5 Myr
Mountain type	Stratovolcano
Last eruption	September 1946

The Miravalles Volcano is a large stratovolcano located in Costa Rica. It's a type of volcano known for its cone shape and explosive eruptions. This volcano is made mostly of a rock called andesite.

A huge bowl-shaped area called a caldera formed at the top of Miravalles. This happened after several very powerful eruptions between 1.5 and 0.6 million years ago. These eruptions sent out massive amounts of hot ash and rock, known as pyroclastic flows.

The only eruption recorded in recent history was a small burst of steam in 1946. Even though it hasn't erupted much recently, Miravalles still has a lot of heat deep inside. This heat is used to create clean energy.

Miravalles: A Towering Peak

The Miravalles Volcano stands tall at about 2,023 metres (6,637 ft) (or 6,637 feet) high. This makes it the tallest mountain in the Guanacaste Mountains range. Its impressive height makes it a key landmark in the area.

Power from the Earth: Geothermal Energy

One of the most interesting things about Miravalles is how its heat is used. The volcano's natural heat helps to power a large geothermal energy plant. This plant is located at a place called Las Hornillas.

How Geothermal Energy Works

Geothermal energy uses the heat from inside the Earth. At Miravalles, water is pumped deep underground near the hot rocks of the volcano. The water turns into steam, which then rises to the surface. This steam is used to spin turbines, which create electricity. It's a clean and renewable way to get power! The Institute of Electricity runs this important plant in Costa Rica.

See also

In Spanish: Volcán Miravalles para niños