Mount Michael facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Michael |
|
|---|---|
Saunders Island
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 990 m (3,250 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Saunders Island, South Sandwich Islands |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Stratovolcano |
| Last eruption | 2019 (ongoing) |
Mount Michael (called Monte Miguel in Spanish) is an active volcano. It stands 805 meters (2,640 feet) tall. This mountain is located on Saunders Island in the South Sandwich Islands. These islands are a British Overseas Territory in the southern Atlantic Ocean.
Mount Michael is one of the few volcanoes in a British overseas territory. A British expedition led by Captain Cook first found Saunders Island in 1775. The mountain itself was likely mapped in 1820 by a Russian expedition. Later, in 1930, it was re-mapped by the Discovery II crew.
What is a Lava Lake?
In 2019, scientists made an exciting discovery about Mount Michael. They found that it has a persistent lava lake. This means there's a pool of molten rock that stays liquid for a long time.
Lava lakes are very rare around the world. Mount Michael is one of only about eight volcanoes known to have one. This makes it a special and interesting place for scientists to study. Error: no page names specified (help).
In Spanish: Monte Miguel para niños
