Toozaza Peak facts for kids

Toozaza Peak is a unique mountain found in northern British Columbia, Canada. It's a special type of mountain called a tuya. Tuyas are volcanoes that erupted under a thick ice sheet or glacier. This peak is part of the Stikine Ranges and the Cassiar Mountains.

Toozaza Peak is also part of a larger area called the Tuya volcanic field. This field is a group of volcanoes linked to the Stikine Volcanic Belt. This whole area is part of the Northern Cordilleran Volcanic Province.

What is a Tuya?

A tuya is a volcano with a flat top and steep sides. It forms when lava erupts under a glacier or ice sheet. The ice quickly cools the lava, making it pile up. This creates the unique flat-topped shape.

Toozaza Peak was formed during the Pleistocene epoch. This was a time when large parts of the Earth were covered in ice. The last eruption of Toozaza Peak also happened during this icy period.

Where is Toozaza Peak Located?

Toozaza Peak is in a remote part of British Columbia. It sits near the Iverson Creek. The peak is on a ridge that runs north to south. This ridge is between the headwaters of Toozaza Creek and the Jennings River.

This mountain has a special position on the Continental Divide of the Americas. The Continental Divide is like a giant line across North America. It separates which ocean the rivers flow into. Rivers on one side flow to the Pacific Ocean. Rivers on the other side flow to the Atlantic or Arctic Oceans.

Toozaza Creek is part of the Liard River system. The Liard River eventually flows into the Arctic Ocean. The Jennings River, however, flows into the Yukon River system. The Yukon River eventually reaches the Bering Sea and the Pacific Ocean. So, Toozaza Peak truly stands on this important dividing line.

The Tuya Volcanic Field

Toozaza Peak is one of several tuyas in the Tuya volcanic field. This field is a fascinating area for scientists. It helps them study how volcanoes behave under ice. The volcanoes in this field are part of a larger chain. This chain is known as the Stikine Volcanic Belt. It's an active volcanic region in western Canada.

The Stikine Volcanic Belt is part of the Northern Cordilleran Volcanic Province. This province is a huge area with many volcanoes. These volcanoes have been active for millions of years. They show how the Earth's crust is constantly changing. Studying these areas helps us understand our planet's history.