Jordan Craters | |
---|---|
Highest point | |
Elevation | 4,833 ft (1,473 m)[1] |
Coordinates | 43°06′43″N 117°24′58″W / 43.1118219°N 117.4159899°W[2] |
Geography | |
Location | Malheur County, Oregon, U.S. |
Geology | |
Rock age | less than 30,000 years [3] |
Mountain type | Volcanic field |
Last eruption | 1250 BCE[1] |
The flows of Jordan Craters volcanic field are the youngest of a series of large Quaternary basalt fields in the eastern part of the U.S. state of Oregon. The field is thought to be approximately 3200 years old, based on findings of a lake sediment coring experiment in 1986. It was formed by basaltic pahoehoe emanating from vents throughout the area.[4]
The most recent flows come from Coffeepot Crater, a large breached cinder cone. These flows show excellent examples of inflated lava.[5] Historically, it is believed that Coffeepot Crater held a pond of lava that would occasionally breach the sides of the crater to flow freely into the field.[4]
Jordan Craters is approximately 120 miles (200 km) southwest of Boise, Idaho[3] and 18 miles (30 km) northwest of Jordan Valley, Oregon.[4]
The craters are free and open to the public all year.