Tordrillo Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tordrillo Mountains |
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Mount Spurr from the south
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Mount Torbert |
| Elevation | 11,413 ft (3,479 m) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 35 mi (56 km) |
| Width | 60 mi (97 km) |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
The Tordrillo Mountains are a small mountain range in Alaska, a state in the United States. They are found in the southcentral part of Alaska, about 75 miles (120 km) west-northwest of the city of Anchorage. This mountain range stretches for about 60 miles (97 km) from north to south and 35 miles (56 km) from east to west.
The tallest peak in the Tordrillo Mountains is Mount Torbert, which stands at 11,413 feet (3,479 meters) high. On a clear day, you can easily see these mountains from Anchorage.
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Where Are the Tordrillo Mountains?
The Tordrillo Mountains have other mountain ranges and natural features around them. To the south, they are next to the Chigmit Mountains. The Chigmit Mountains are the northern part of a much larger chain called the Aleutian Range. Sometimes, people think the Tordrillos are part of the Aleutian Range, but they are usually considered a separate group.
To the west and north, the Tordrillo Mountains meet the southern edge of the Revelation Mountains. These mountains are part of the even bigger Alaska Range. On their eastern side, the Tordrillos slowly turn into smaller hills and flat lands in southcentral Alaska. Rivers and lakes also surround the range. The northern side of the mountains feeds into the Skwentna River. The southern side drains into Chakachamna Lake and the Chakachatna River.
Volcanoes and Glaciers
The Tordrillo Mountains are mostly made up of volcanoes, just like many mountains in the nearby Aleutian Range. However, not all the peaks here are volcanoes. For example, Mount Torbert is not a volcano.
Mount Spurr is the southernmost peak in the range and is an active volcano. Its most recent eruption happened in June 1992. Because of their location near Cook Inlet, the Tordrillo Mountains have a lot of glaciers. Large glaciers found here include the Capps Glacier, Triumvirate Glacier, Hayes Glacier, and Trimble Glacier.
Exploring the Tordrillo Mountains
Even though the Tordrillo Mountains are close to Anchorage, not many people visit them for hiking or climbing. However, Mount Spurr and a nearby peak called Crater Peak are regularly visited. Scientists from the Alaska Volcano Observatory go there often to watch and study the volcanoes.
Tallest Peaks in the Tordrillo Mountains
Here are some of the most famous and tallest peaks in the Tordrillo Mountains:
- Mount Torbert (11,413 feet / 3,479 meters)
- Mount Gerdine (11,258 feet / 3,431 meters)
- Mount Spurr (11,070 feet / 3,374 meters)
- Mount Nagishlamina (11,068 feet / 3,374 meters)
- Hayes Volcano (9,147 feet / 2,788 meters)
- Crater Peak (7,575 feet / 2,309 meters) (This peak is part of Mount Spurr)
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See also
In Spanish: Montañas Tordrillo para niños
