Edziza Formation

Edziza Formation
Stratigraphic range: Pleistocene
2.58–0.0118 Ma
The flat-topped summit of a snow-covered mountain with a rocky and snow-covered cliff in the foreground.
The ice-filled summit crater of Mount Edziza
TypeGeological formation[1]
Unit ofMount Edziza volcanic complex[2]
UnderliesBig Raven Formation[3]
OverliesPillow Ridge Formation, Ice Peak Formation, Pyramid Formation, Nido Formation[3][4]
Lithology
PrimaryTrachyte[1]
Location
Coordinates57°43′N 130°38′W / 57.72°N 130.63°W / 57.72; -130.63[5]
RegionBritish Columbia[5]
CountryCanada[5]
Type section
Named forMount Edziza[1]
Named bySouther et al., 1984[6]
Map
Location in Mount Edziza Provincial Park

The Edziza Formation (/ədˈzzə/ əd-zy-zə) is a stratigraphic unit of Pleistocene age in northwestern British Columbia, Canada. First described in 1984, the Edziza Formation was mapped as one of several geological formations of the Mount Edziza volcanic complex. It overlies at least four other geological formations of this volcanic complex that differ in age and composition. The main volcanic rock comprising the Edziza Formation is trachyte which was deposited by volcanic eruptions at the end of the third magmatic cycle of the Mount Edziza volcanic complex 0.9 million years ago.

Trachyte of the Edziza Formation is in the form of lava flows and pyroclastic rocks that comprise the central stratovolcano of Mount Edziza, as well as lava domes on its summit and flanks. At least four lava lakes ponded inside the summit crater which cooled into four rock units that are exposed in the breached eastern crater rim. These lava lakes overlie rock fragments inside the central volcanic conduit which accompanied with collapse of a narrower and higher summit.

  1. ^ a b c Souther 1992, p. 175.
  2. ^ Edwards, Benjamin Ralph (1997). Field, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies of magmatic assimilation in the Northern Cordilleran Volcanic Province, northwestern British Columbia (PhD thesis). University of British Columbia. pp. 3, 10, 11. ISBN 0-612-25005-9.
  3. ^ a b Souther, J. G. (1988). "1623A" (Geologic map). Geology, Mount Edziza Volcanic Complex, British Columbia. 1:50,000. Cartography by M. Sigouin, Geological Survey of Canada. Energy, Mines and Resources Canada. doi:10.4095/133498.
  4. ^ Souther 1992, pp. 98, 134, 152.
  5. ^ a b c "Edziza: General Information". Global Volcanism Program. Smithsonian Institution. Archived from the original on 2021-08-10. Retrieved 2024-03-16.
  6. ^ "Edziza Formation". Lexicon of Canadian Geologic Units. Government of Canada. Archived from the original on 2024-03-19. Retrieved 2024-03-16.