Mojanda facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mojanda |
|
|---|---|
Caricocha in the Mojanda caldera. On the opposite side of lake, the páramo has been burned away to promote new growth for cattle grazing.
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 4,263 m (13,986 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Between Imbabura Province and Pichincha Province, Ecuador |
| Parent range | Andes |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Inactive stratovolcano |
| Last eruption | Middle Pleistocene |
Mojanda is a huge, inactive stratovolcano located in the Eastern Cordillera of the Andes mountains in northern Ecuador. It is known for its three beautiful crater lakes: Karikucha (which is the biggest), Yanakucha, and Warmikucha. This volcano stands tall between the Imbabura and Pichincha provinces.
Discovering Mojanda Volcano
Mojanda is a type of volcano called a stratovolcano. These volcanoes are usually cone-shaped and built up by many layers of hardened lava, ash, and rocks from past eruptions. Mojanda is considered inactive, which means it has not erupted for a very long time. Its last eruption happened during the Middle Pleistocene period, which was millions of years ago!
The Amazing Crater Lakes
One of the most special things about Mojanda are its three crater lakes. These lakes formed inside the volcano's caldera, which is a large basin created when the ground collapses after a big eruption.
- Karikucha: This is the largest of the three lakes. Its name means "Man Lake" in the local Kichwa language.
- Yanakucha: This lake is smaller and its name means "Black Lake."
- Warmikucha: The third lake is called "Woman Lake."
These lakes are very important to the local environment and are a popular spot for visitors.
Location and Surroundings
Mojanda is located in the mighty Andes mountain range, which stretches along the western side of South America. Specifically, it sits between two provinces in Ecuador: Imbabura and Pichincha.
The area around Mojanda is part of a unique ecosystem called páramo. This is a type of high-altitude grassland and shrubland found in the Andes. It's a very important habitat for many plants and animals. Sometimes, parts of the páramo are burned by people to help new grass grow for cattle to eat.
