Mount Kialagvik facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Kialagvik |
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A photo of Mount Kialagvik, taken by T.P. Miller of the United States Geological Survey in July 1979.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 5,167 ft (1,575 m) |
| Prominence | 3,445 ft (1,050 m) |
| Listing | List of volcanoes in the United States of America |
| Geography | |
 Mount Kialagvik
Location in Alaska
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| Location | Alaska Peninsula, Alaska, USA |
| Parent range | Aleutian Range |
| Topo map | USGS Ugashik A-3 |
| Geology | |
| Formed by | Subduction zone volcanism |
| Age of rock | Holocene |
| Mountain type | Stratovolcano |
| Volcanic arc | Aleutian Arc |
| Last eruption | Unknown |
Mount Kialagvik is a fascinating, cone-shaped mountain in Alaska, United States. It is a type of volcano called a stratovolcano. You can find it on the Alaska Peninsula, which is a long strip of land reaching out into the Pacific Ocean.
This mountain is part of the Aleutian Range. It sits about 10 miles (16 kilometers) northeast of another volcano, Mount Chiginagak. The name Kialagvik comes from the Iñupiaq language. It refers to a nearby area called Wide Bay. This volcano has been quiet for a very long time. Scientists do not know of any eruptions in recorded history.
Contents
Discovering Mount Kialagvik
Mount Kialagvik is a majestic peak in the wild lands of Alaska. It stands tall at 5,167 feet (1,575 meters) above sea level. This mountain is a volcano, but it has been sleeping for a very long time. It is a great example of the powerful forces that shape our Earth.
What is a Stratovolcano?
Mount Kialagvik is known as a stratovolcano. Imagine a giant cone-shaped mountain with steep sides. That's often what a stratovolcano looks like! They are also called "composite volcanoes." This is because they are built up over many eruptions.
Each eruption adds layers of hardened lava, volcanic ash, and rock fragments. These layers stack up, making the volcano grow taller and steeper. Famous examples include Mount Fuji in Japan and Mount St. Helens in the USA.
How Stratovolcanoes Form
Stratovolcanoes usually form in special places on Earth. These places are called subduction zones. Here, one of Earth's giant tectonic plates slides underneath another. As the plate sinks, it melts. This melted rock, called magma, rises to the surface.
When magma reaches the surface, it erupts, forming a volcano. The Aleutian Range, where Kialagvik is found, is a perfect example of this process. It is part of the larger Aleutian Arc, a long chain of volcanoes.
Where is Mount Kialagvik Located?
Mount Kialagvik is found in a remote part of Alaska. It sits on the Alaska Peninsula. This peninsula is a long, narrow piece of land that stretches southwest from mainland Alaska. It separates the Pacific Ocean from the Bering Sea.
The mountain is quite isolated. This is why it is not as well-known as some other volcanoes. Its exact coordinates are 57.203 degrees North and 156.745 degrees West. This helps scientists and explorers pinpoint its location.
The Alaska Peninsula and Aleutian Range
The Alaska Peninsula is home to many volcanoes. Mount Kialagvik is part of the Aleutian Range. This mountain range runs along the entire length of the peninsula. It continues out into the Aleutian Islands. The range is famous for its rugged beauty and active volcanoes.
The landscape around Kialagvik is wild and untouched. It features vast tundras, deep bays, and other impressive mountains. This area is a habitat for many unique animals. These include brown bears, caribou, and various bird species.
A Quiet Giant: Kialagvik's History
Mount Kialagvik is considered a "sleeping" volcano. This means it has not erupted in what scientists call "historic time." Historic time refers to the period when people have been recording events. For this region, that means there are no written records of Kialagvik erupting.
Even though it has been quiet, it is still a volcano. Scientists continue to study it. They monitor volcanoes to understand their past and predict future activity. Kialagvik's last eruption is unknown, but it was long ago.
Understanding Volcanic Age
Scientists classify Mount Kialagvik as a Holocene volcano. The Holocene is the current geological epoch. It began about 11,700 years ago, after the last major ice age. This means Kialagvik formed or was active sometime within this period.
Many of Earth's volcanoes are Holocene volcanoes. This classification helps geologists understand the age and activity patterns of different mountains. It tells us that Kialagvik is geologically "younger" than some ancient mountains.
The Aleutian Arc: A Chain of Volcanoes
Mount Kialagvik is part of the larger Aleutian Arc. This arc is a long, curved chain of volcanoes. It stretches for about 1,800 miles (3,000 kilometers). It extends from the Alaska Peninsula all the way to the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia.
This volcanic arc is one of the most active in the world. It is a direct result of the Aleutian subduction zone. Here, the Pacific Plate dives beneath the North American Plate. This process creates the magma that feeds these many volcanoes.
See also
- List of mountains in Alaska
- List of volcanoes in the United States
