Opal Cone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Opal Cone |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,736 m (5,696 ft) |
| Prominence | 86 m (282 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Garibaldi Park, British Columbia, Canada |
| Parent range | Garibaldi Ranges |
| Topo map | NTS 92.G/15 |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | Holocene |
| Mountain type | Cinder cone |
| Volcanic arc/belt | Canadian Cascade Arc Garibaldi Volcanic Belt |
| Last eruption | 9300 BP |
Opal Cone is a special type of volcano called a cinder cone. It is found in the beautiful Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Canada. This cone sits on the side of a larger mountain, Mount Garibaldi.
Opal Cone is famous for its very long lava flow. This flow stretched out for about 15 kilometers (9 miles). It has cool, wrinkled ridges on its surface. Even though it's part of the Cascade Volcanic Arc, Opal Cone is actually in the Garibaldi Ranges.
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Opal Cone: A Volcanic Mountain
Opal Cone is a fascinating part of Canada's volcanic history. It stands 1,736 meters (5,696 feet) tall. It's a great example of how volcanoes can shape the land around them.
What is a Cinder Cone?
A cinder cone is the simplest type of volcano. It is built from small pieces of lava that erupt from a single vent. These pieces are called cinders. They cool quickly in the air and fall around the vent. This creates a cone-shaped hill with a crater at the top. Cinder cones are usually not very tall.
Where is Opal Cone Located?
Opal Cone is located within Garibaldi Provincial Park. This park is a popular place for hiking and exploring. It is known for its stunning mountain views and clear lakes. The cone is specifically on the southeast side of Mount Garibaldi. This area is part of the Garibaldi Ranges.
The Long Lava Flow
One of the most interesting features of Opal Cone is its lava flow. This flow is made of a type of lava called dacite. Dacite lava is usually thick and sticky. It doesn't flow very far. However, Opal Cone's dacite flow is unusually long. It stretched for about 15 kilometers (9 miles). This long flow created noticeable wrinkled ridges as it cooled.
Part of a Volcanic Chain
Opal Cone is part of a larger group of volcanoes. This group is known as the Canadian Cascade Arc. It is also connected to the Garibaldi Volcanic Belt. These are chains of volcanoes formed by tectonic plates moving. Even though it's linked to the Cascade Arc, Opal Cone is in the Coast Mountains. The main Cascade Range is further south.
When Did Opal Cone Last Erupt?
Opal Cone last erupted a very long time ago. This happened about 9,300 years BP. This means it erupted during the Holocene epoch. The Holocene is the current geological time period. It started about 11,700 years ago. While it hasn't erupted recently, it's a reminder of Canada's active past.
