Sentinel Plain volcanic field facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sentinel Plain volcanic field |
|
|---|---|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 160 m (520 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Arizona, U.S. |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | 3.3 - 1.3 million years |
| Mountain type | Volcanic field |
| Volcanic arc/belt | Basin and Range Province |
The Sentinel Plain volcanic field is a special area in Arizona, USA, where many small volcanoes once erupted. It's also known as the Sentinel-Arlington volcanic field. This field is made up of a type of rock called basalt, which is a common dark volcanic rock.
Contents
What is a Volcanic Field?
A volcanic field is a place where you can find many volcanoes grouped together. Unlike a single, giant volcano that erupts many times, the volcanoes in a volcanic field usually erupt only once. This is why they are called "monogenetic," meaning "one origin."
How the Sentinel Plain Field Formed
The Sentinel Plain volcanic field was active a very long time ago. Its volcanoes erupted between 3.3 million and 1.3 million years ago. Imagine, that's even before the first humans walked the Earth! The lava that came out was a specific type of basalt rock, known as alkali basalt. This means it had certain chemical ingredients that made it flow in a particular way.
Where to Find the Volcanoes
Even though these volcanoes are very old, you can still see the remains of their eruptions. The field is located in Arizona, which is part of a larger area called the Basin and Range Province. This region is known for its unique landscape, with many mountains and valleys formed by Earth's movements.
Notable Places
While the Sentinel Plain volcanic field has many small eruption spots, one well-known place is Arlington Cone. This is one of the ancient vents where lava burst out. These vents are like the openings in the Earth's surface where the molten rock, or magma, came up from deep inside.
