Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Sunset Crater Volcano
Sunset Crater Volcano is a dormant volcano in the north-central part of the U.S. state of Arizona. It lies within Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.
Sunset Crater is the youngest in a string of volcanoes (the Cinder Hills ) that is related to the nearby San Francisco Mountains. It first erupted in 1064, and the last major eruption occurred in 1180, raising the volcano's height to about 300 meters. A final burst of activity in the 13th century painted the upper portion of the otherwise black cone with bright red and orange rocks, giving the volcano its name. The volcano has partially revegetated, with pines and wildflowers.
Damage from hikers forced the National Park Service to close a trail leading to the crater, but a short trail at the base remains.
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