Tecapa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tecapa |
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Tecapa in 1999
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,593 m (5,226 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Tecapa
Location in El Salvador
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| Location | Usulután Department, El Salvador |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Stratovolcano |
| Last eruption | Unknown |
Tecapa is a large, complex stratovolcano located in the central part of El Salvador. It is a significant natural landmark in the Usulután Department.
Contents
What is Tecapa Volcano?
Tecapa is known as a stratovolcano. This type of volcano is also called a composite volcano. It is built up over time by many layers of hardened lava, ash, and rocks. These layers make the volcano look like a tall cone with steep sides.
How Stratovolcanoes Form
Stratovolcanoes form when magma, which is melted rock from deep inside the Earth, rises to the surface. When the magma reaches the surface, it erupts as lava, ash, and gas. Over many eruptions, these materials pile up around the vent, creating the volcano's shape. The lava from stratovolcanoes is often thick and sticky. This means it does not flow very far, which helps build the steep sides.
Tecapa's Features
Tecapa is considered a "complex" stratovolcano. This means it might have more than one peak or crater. It could also have different parts that formed at different times. The highest point of Tecapa reaches about 1,593 meters (5,226 feet) above sea level.
While Tecapa is a volcano, its last known eruption is a mystery. Scientists do not have records of when it last erupted. This means it has been quiet for a very long time.
Where is Tecapa Located?
Tecapa volcano is found in the Usulután Department of El Salvador. El Salvador is a country in Central America. It is known for its many volcanoes and beautiful landscapes. The country is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. This is an area around the Pacific Ocean where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions happen.
The Area Around Tecapa
The land around Tecapa is often fertile because of the volcanic soil. This rich soil is great for farming. Many people in the region grow crops like coffee. The volcano also helps shape the local weather and environment.
See also
- List of volcanoes in El Salvador
- List of stratovolcanoes
In Spanish: Volcán Tecapa para niños
