Volcanic Creek Cone facts for kids

Volcanic Creek Cone is a small cinder cone located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) northeast of Atlin in the northwestern part of British Columbia, Canada. This area is known for its beautiful natural landscapes.

This cone is one of two cinder cones found here. There is also a lava flow that stretches for at least 3 kilometers (1.9 miles). This lava flow is hidden under parts of the forest. The cone itself looks a bit worn down, and you can see its shape right below the largest patch of snow.

Scientists believe Volcanic Creek Cone has likely survived at least one ice age. This means it was covered by a large glacier at some point in the past. It is also part of a larger group of volcanoes called the Northern Cordilleran Volcanic Province.

Discovering Volcanic Creek Cone

Volcanic Creek Cone is a fascinating natural feature. It is a type of volcano known as a cinder cone. These cones are usually small and shaped like a cone. They are built up from bits of cooled lava and ash that erupt from a single vent.

What is a Cinder Cone?

A cinder cone is the simplest type of volcano. It forms when gas-rich lava erupts explosively. This eruption throws small pieces of lava into the air. These pieces cool quickly and fall back down around the vent. Over time, these bits, called cinders, pile up to form a cone shape. Cinder cones often have a bowl-shaped crater at their top.

Where is Volcanic Creek Cone?

Volcanic Creek Cone is found in a remote part of northwestern British Columbia. It is near the town of Atlin. This region is known for its rugged mountains and beautiful lakes. The cone is part of the Tagish Highland mountain range. Its exact location helps scientists study the geology of the area.

A Look at its Past

Volcanic Creek Cone formed a long time ago, during the Pleistocene epoch. This was a period that ended about 11,700 years ago. The cone's last eruption happened more recently, during the Holocene epoch. The Holocene is the current geological epoch, which started after the last ice age.

The cone's "subdued form" means it doesn't look as sharp or tall as some other volcanoes. This is likely because it has been affected by glaciers. Glaciers are huge sheets of ice that move slowly across the land. They can wear down mountains and reshape the landscape. This suggests the cone has been through at least one "glacial episode," or ice age.

Part of a Bigger Picture

Volcanic Creek Cone is not alone. It is part of the Northern Cordilleran Volcanic Province. This is a large area in western North America. It stretches from British Columbia into the Yukon and Alaska. This province contains many volcanoes. These volcanoes have been active over millions of years. Studying them helps us understand how the Earth's crust moves and changes.