Mormon volcanic field facts for kids

The Mormon Volcanic Field, also called the Mormon Mountain Volcanic Field, is an exciting area in Arizona. It's located south of Flagstaff. This isn't just one big volcano. Instead, it's a large region filled with many smaller volcanoes and vents.

This special area covers more than 2,500 square kilometres (970 sq mi). It has over 250 different spots where lava has erupted!

What is a Volcanic Field?

A volcanic field is a place where many smaller volcanoes are found close together. It's different from a single, large volcano. Think of it like a neighborhood of volcanoes.

In a volcanic field, magma (melted rock) comes up from deep inside the Earth. It finds different paths to the surface. This creates many separate vents or small volcanoes over time.

The Mormon Volcanic Field's Story

The Mormon Volcanic Field has a long history. It started forming about 13.6 million years ago. That's a very long time!

The last time a volcano erupted here was around 3.1 million years ago. So, these volcanoes are not active today. They are considered extinct or dormant.

Over millions of years, these eruptions built up the landscape. They created many hills, mountains, and craters. These features are still visible today.

Important Peaks and Craters

The Mormon Volcanic Field has several notable peaks and craters. These are places where past eruptions occurred. Some of the well-known spots include:

• Apache Maid
• Hackberry Mountain
• Round Mountain
• Stoneman Lake
• Table Mountain

Stoneman Lake is a unique feature. It's a natural lake formed within a volcanic crater. This shows how powerful and creative nature can be!