Oregon, Klamath County, Crater Lake
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About 6,800 years ago, at the climax of a series of dramatic eruptions, the top of Mt. Mazama collapsed. Left behind was the huge crater, or caldera, you see today. But before the caldera filled with water, there were more eruptions.
The most striking evidence of post collapse volcanic activity is Wizard Island, the small volcano in front of you. Its symmetrical cone was formed by a fountain of cinders which erupted from the caldera floor. On the left side of the caldera, a similar cone appeared, but today it lies hidden 496 feet (151 m) below the lake surface.
Geologists believe that lava flows which erupted after the collapse helped to seal the fractured caldera floor, allowing melting snow and rain to accumulate.
(Environment • Natural Features) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
About 6,800 years ago, at the climax of a series of dramatic eruptions, the top of Mt. Mazama collapsed. Left behind was the huge crater, or caldera, you see today. But before the caldera filled with water, there were more eruptions.The most striking evidence of post collapse volcanic activity is Wizard Island, the small volcano in front of you. Its symmetrical cone was formed by a fountain of cinders which erupted from the caldera floor. On the left side of the caldera, a similar cone appeared, but today it lies hidden 496 feet (151 m) below the lake surface.
Geologists believe that lava flows which erupted after the collapse helped to seal the fractured caldera floor, allowing melting snow and rain to accumulate.
(Environment • Natural Features) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.