Mount Sylvania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Sylvania |
|
|---|---|
Top as seen from Tualatin
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 978 ft (298 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 510 ft (155 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Multnomah County, Oregon, U.S. |
| Parent range | Tualatin Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Lake Oswego |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Shield volcano |
| Volcanic field | Boring Lava Field |
Mount Sylvania is an interesting landform near Portland, Oregon. It is an extinct volcano, which means it hasn't erupted in a very long time. This mountain is part of a larger group of ancient volcanoes called the Boring Lava Field.
Parts of Mount Sylvania are located within three different cities. These cities are Portland, Lake Oswego, and Tigard.
Contents
What is Mount Sylvania?
Mount Sylvania is a type of volcano known as a shield volcano. Shield volcanoes have gentle slopes, like a warrior's shield lying on the ground. They are formed by many flows of very fluid lava. This lava spreads out widely before it cools.
Even though it's called a "mount," it's not a very tall peak. Its highest point is about 978 feet (298 meters) above sea level. This makes it more like a large hill than a towering mountain.
An Extinct Volcano
Mount Sylvania is considered an extinct volcano. This means scientists believe it will never erupt again. Its volcanic activity ended millions of years ago. Today, it is covered in trees and homes. It looks nothing like a fiery, active volcano.
Where is Mount Sylvania Located?
Mount Sylvania sits on the edge of the busy city of Portland, Oregon. It is in Multnomah County. The mountain is part of a small range of hills called the Tualatin Mountains. These hills run along the western side of the Willamette River.
The location of Mount Sylvania makes it a unique natural feature. It is right next to urban areas. This allows many people to live near or even on its slopes.
Part of the Boring Lava Field
Mount Sylvania is one of many ancient volcanoes in the Boring Lava Field. This field is a group of small volcanoes and lava flows. It covers a large area around Portland and Vancouver, Washington. The Boring Lava Field is named after the town of Boring, Oregon.
These volcanoes are much older than the famous Cascade Volcanoes. The Cascade Volcanoes include Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens. The Boring Lava Field volcanoes formed between 2.7 million and 300,000 years ago. They are a reminder of Oregon's fiery past.
Life on the Mountain Today
Today, Mount Sylvania is a peaceful place. It is home to many trees and wildlife. People also live on its slopes. The area has become a mix of natural spaces and neighborhoods.
One important landmark on the mountain is the Sylvania campus of Portland Community College. This college campus is located on the western side of Mount Sylvania. It provides education for many students in the Portland area. The campus blends into the natural surroundings of the mountain.
Mount Sylvania is a great example of how nature and human development can exist side by side. It shows us the ancient geological history of the land. It also serves as a place for learning and community today.
