Swinton Creek Volcano facts for kids

The Swinton Creek Volcano is an ancient, worn-down volcano located in the northwestern part of British Columbia, Canada. It is part of a larger group of volcanoes known as the Northern Cordilleran Volcanic Province. This volcano last erupted a very long time ago, during the Pleistocene period.

What is the Swinton Creek Volcano?

The Swinton Creek Volcano is not a cone-shaped mountain like many volcanoes you might imagine. Instead, it is an eroded volcanic outcrop. This means that over millions of years, wind, water, and ice have worn away the softer parts of the volcano, leaving behind only the harder rock that was once deep inside.

Where is Swinton Creek Volcano Located?

This ancient volcano is found in the vast and beautiful wilderness of northwestern British Columbia, Canada. This area is known for its rugged mountains and diverse landscapes. Its exact coordinates are 58.57 degrees North latitude and 129.84 degrees West longitude.

When Did Swinton Creek Volcano Last Erupt?

The Swinton Creek Volcano had its last eruption during the Pleistocene period. This was a very long time ago, roughly between 2.6 million and 11,700 years ago. Since then, it has been inactive, and its structure has slowly been shaped by natural forces.

Understanding Volcanic Outcrops

An outcrop is a part of a rock formation that is visible on the surface of the Earth. For volcanoes, an outcrop often means that the original volcano has been worn down so much that only the tough, inner core or parts of its ancient lava flows are still visible.

Why Do Volcanoes Erode?

Volcanoes, like all landforms, are constantly changed by weathering and erosion. Weathering breaks down rocks into smaller pieces, while erosion carries those pieces away. Over long periods, these processes can completely change the shape of a volcano, turning a tall cone into a low-lying outcrop.

Part of a Bigger Volcanic Area

The Swinton Creek Volcano is a member of the Northern Cordilleran Volcanic Province. This is a huge area in western North America that has many volcanoes. These volcanoes are formed because of how the Earth's plates move and interact in this region.

What is the Northern Cordilleran Volcanic Province?

The Northern Cordilleran Volcanic Province is a wide belt of volcanoes that stretches from Alaska, through Yukon and British Columbia in Canada, and into the northwestern United States. It includes many different types of volcanoes, from active ones to ancient, eroded ones like Swinton Creek.