Mount Fraser facts for kids
Mount Fraser is a special hill near Beveridge, Victoria, Australia. It's actually an extinct volcano, which means it's a volcano that hasn't erupted for a very long time and isn't expected to erupt again. Mount Fraser last erupted about one million years ago!
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Discovering Mount Fraser: An Ancient Volcano
Mount Fraser is like a giant, natural cone shape. It stands about 120 metres (about 390 feet) above the flat land around it. If you walked all the way around the bottom of the volcano, it would be about 1,200 metres (nearly a mile) long.
What is Mount Fraser?
Mount Fraser is known as a volcanic cone. This is the classic cone shape you might imagine when you think of a volcano. It was formed when lava and ash erupted from the Earth's crust and piled up over time. Because it hasn't erupted for a million years, it's considered an extinct volcano.
Exploring the Volcano's Shape
Mount Fraser has two special dips at its top, which are called craters. One crater is quite wide and not very deep, almost like a shallow bowl. The other crater is smaller and more enclosed. These craters are where the volcano's vents used to be, letting out lava and gas.
A Journey Through Time at Mount Fraser
Mount Fraser has been an important landmark for a long time. It has seen explorers, famous people, and even gliders flying overhead!
Early Explorers and New Views
Two famous explorers, Hamilton Hume and William Hovell, were the first Europeans to climb Mount Fraser. They reached the top on 14 December 1824. From the summit, they were able to see Port Phillip Bay for the very first time. Imagine how amazing that view must have been! In the past, this volcano was also known by other names, like Mount Bland and Big Hill.
Famous Connections and Pastimes
A well-known Australian figure, the bushranger Ned Kelly, was born near Mount Fraser. The area around the volcano has a rich history. In more recent times, Mount Fraser was also a popular spot for people to fly gliders. Gliders are aircraft that fly without an engine, using air currents to stay airborne.
Mount Fraser's Modern Role
Today, Mount Fraser is still an active place, but not because of eruptions! It plays a role in building and is also recognized for its natural importance.
The Quarry and Its Special Rocks
On the side of Mount Fraser, there is a quarry. A quarry is a place where rocks and minerals are dug out of the ground. At Mount Fraser, they dig out a type of rock called scoria. Scoria is a dark, porous volcanic rock that is often used for building materials, especially in places like Melbourne. It's great for things like road construction and landscaping.
Protecting a Natural Landmark
Mount Fraser is recognized as an important natural site. It has been listed on the Australian Heritage database, which means it's protected because of its historical and geological value. This helps make sure that this ancient volcano can be enjoyed and studied for many years to come.
