Squaw Ridge Lava Field facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Squaw Ridge Lava Field |
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The Squaw Ridge lava field, also known as the East lava field, is the middle of a group of three young basaltic fields located in the High Lava Plains SE of Newberry volcano.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,711 m (5,614 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Lake County, Oregon, United States |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | Holocene? |
| Mountain type | Volcanic field |
The Squaw Ridge lava field is a cool area in Oregon, USA, made of hardened lava. It's also sometimes called the East Lava Field. This field formed from a type of volcano called a basaltic shield, which is like a wide, gently sloping volcano. It is located southeast of the famous Newberry Volcano.
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What is Squaw Ridge Lava Field?
A lava field is a large area covered by lava flows that have cooled down and turned into rock. The Squaw Ridge lava field is a "basaltic" field, meaning the lava that flowed here was a type called basalt. Basalt lava is usually very runny, like thick syrup, when it erupts. This allows it to spread out over a wide area.
Where is Squaw Ridge Located?
You can find the Squaw Ridge lava field in Lake County, in the state of Oregon. It's part of a region known as the High Lava Plains. This area has many signs of past volcanic activity, including other lava fields and volcanoes.
How Was Squaw Ridge Formed?
The lava that created Squaw Ridge came from a place called Lava Mountain. Lava Mountain is a type of volcano known as a shield volcano. Shield volcanoes get their name because their shape looks like a warrior's shield lying on the ground. They are wide and not very steep, built up by many layers of runny lava flows.
The eruption that formed Squaw Ridge likely happened after a much bigger event: the eruption of Mount Mazama. Mount Mazama was a huge volcano that exploded a long time ago, creating the beautiful Crater Lake we see today. The Squaw Ridge lava field is also thought to be connected to another nearby lava field called the Four Craters Lava Field. This suggests that these volcanic areas might be linked underground.
Important Peaks and Features
Within the Squaw Ridge area, there are a couple of notable spots:
- Lava Mountain: This is the main source where the lava for Squaw Ridge erupted. It stands at about 1,711 meters (5,614 feet) tall.
- Twin Buttes: These are two smaller hills or peaks in the area, reaching about 1,525 meters (5,003 feet) high. They are also part of the volcanic landscape.
