Mount Price facts for kids

Mount Price (sometimes called Price Mountain) is a fascinating volcanic mountain located in British Columbia, Canada. It is part of a special area known as the Garibaldi Volcanic Belt. This mountain is a great example of how powerful nature can be, showing us how volcanoes have shaped the land over thousands of years.

What is Mount Price?

Mount Price is a type of volcano called a stratovolcano. This means it's a tall, cone-shaped mountain built up by many layers of hardened lava, ash, and rocks. It stands proudly in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, near the popular Garibaldi Provincial Park. The mountain reaches a height of about 2,049 metres (6,722 feet) above sea level.

Where is Mount Price Located?

Mount Price is found in southwestern British Columbia, Canada. It's part of the Garibaldi Volcanic Belt, which is a chain of volcanoes. This belt stretches from the city of Vancouver northwards. The mountain is quite close to the famous Whistler Blackcomb ski resort, making it a noticeable landmark in the area.

How Did Mount Price Form?

Mount Price formed because of the movement of Earth's tectonic plates. Imagine giant puzzle pieces that make up Earth's outer shell. When these pieces move and crash into each other, it can cause volcanoes to form. In this region, the Juan de Fuca Plate is sliding beneath the North American Plate. This process, called subduction, melts rock deep underground, creating magma. This hot magma then rises to the surface, leading to volcanic eruptions that build mountains like Mount Price.

When Was Mount Price Active?

Mount Price has been active several times in the past. Its main cone formed about 1.2 million years ago. However, it had more recent eruptions too. The last known eruption happened around 9,000 years ago. This eruption created a lava flow that traveled down the mountain.

What Happened During Its Last Eruption?

During its last eruption, Mount Price produced a lava flow that moved towards the Garibaldi Lake area. This lava flow is known as the "Clinker Peak" eruption. It was a significant event that helped shape the landscape we see today around Garibaldi Lake. The lava created a natural dam, which helped form the beautiful Garibaldi Lake.

What Features Does Mount Price Have?

Mount Price has several interesting features that show its volcanic past. It has a main peak and a smaller peak called Clinker Peak. There are also several craters and lava flows around the mountain. These features tell the story of its eruptions over time.

What is Clinker Peak?

Clinker Peak is a smaller volcanic cone on the southwest side of Mount Price. It's famous for being the source of the last major eruption from the Mount Price complex. The lava from Clinker Peak flowed into the valley, creating the natural barrier that holds back the waters of Garibaldi Lake.

How Did Garibaldi Lake Form?

Garibaldi Lake is a stunning turquoise lake near Mount Price. It formed because of the lava flow from Clinker Peak. This lava flow acted like a giant wall, blocking the natural drainage of the valley. Over time, meltwater from glaciers and snow filled the valley behind this lava dam, creating the beautiful lake we see today.

Is Mount Price Still a Threat?

Mount Price is considered a potentially active volcano. This means it could erupt again in the future, though there are no signs of an immediate eruption. Scientists monitor volcanoes like Mount Price to understand their behavior and to keep people safe.

How Do Scientists Monitor Volcanoes?

Scientists use various tools to monitor volcanoes. They look for changes in the mountain's shape, which can happen if magma is moving underneath. They also listen for small earthquakes, which can be a sign of volcanic activity. Gas emissions and changes in temperature are also monitored. All this information helps scientists understand if a volcano is becoming more active.