Snowy Mountain (Alaska Peninsula, Alaska) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Snowy Mountain |
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Snowy Mountain in August 2003
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 7,093 ft (2,162 m) |
| Listing | Volcanoes in the United States |
| Geography | |
 Snowy Mountain
Location in Alaska
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| Location | Alaska Peninsula, Alaska, United States |
| Parent range | Aleutian Range |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Stratovolcano |
| Volcanic arc/belt | Aleutian Arc |
| Last eruption | 1710 ± 200 years |
Snowy Mountain is a tall and impressive volcano located in Alaska, United States. It's part of the Aleutian Range, a long chain of mountains. This mountain got its name in 1919 because of the many large glaciers found nearby. It is a special type of volcano known as a stratovolcano.
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Discovering Snowy Mountain
Snowy Mountain stands on the Alaska Peninsula. This area is known for its wild and beautiful landscapes. The mountain was officially named by the National Geographic Society. They chose the name "Snowy Mountain" in 1919. This was because of the huge glaciers that cover parts of the mountain.
What is a Stratovolcano?
Snowy Mountain is a type of volcano called a stratovolcano. These volcanoes are also known as composite volcanoes. They are usually tall and cone-shaped. They have steep slopes.
- How they form: Stratovolcanoes are built up over many eruptions. Each eruption adds a new layer. These layers are made of hardened lava, ash, and volcanic rocks.
- Eruptions: Their eruptions can be explosive. This is because the lava inside them is often thick. It traps gases, which then build up pressure.
- Shape: The layers of lava and ash create their classic cone shape. This makes them look like giant mountains.
Where is Snowy Mountain Located?
Snowy Mountain is found in a remote part of Alaska. It is on the Alaska Peninsula. This peninsula stretches out into the Pacific Ocean. It is a rugged area with many volcanoes.
- Part of a chain: Snowy Mountain is part of the Aleutian Range. This is a long mountain chain. It runs across the Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands.
- Coordinates: Its exact location is 58.336 degrees North and 154.682 degrees West. These numbers help scientists and explorers find it on a map.
- Nearby areas: The mountain is located in the Lake and Peninsula Borough. This is an area in Alaska known for its many lakes and wild nature.
When Did Snowy Mountain Last Erupt?
Volcanoes can be active, dormant, or extinct. Snowy Mountain is considered a potentially active volcano. It has erupted in the past.
- Last known eruption: Scientists believe its last eruption happened around the year 1710. This was about 300 years ago.
- Estimates: The date is an estimate, with a possible range of 200 years before or after 1710. This means it could have erupted between 1510 and 1910.
- Volcanic Arc: Snowy Mountain is part of the Aleutian Arc. This is a chain of volcanoes. It formed where two of Earth's large plates meet. One plate slides under the other. This process creates magma, which then rises to form volcanoes.
Exploring the Environment Around Snowy Mountain
The area around Snowy Mountain is wild and beautiful. It is home to many animals and plants. The climate is cold and windy.
- Glaciers: The mountain is famous for its large glaciers. These are huge bodies of ice that move very slowly. They shape the landscape around them.
- Wildlife: The Alaska Peninsula is home to brown bears, caribou, and many types of birds. The remote nature of the area helps protect these animals.
- Climate: The weather here can be harsh. Winters are long and cold. Summers are short and cool. This environment makes climbing the mountain a big challenge.
