Crater Lake National Park By: Grayson W.

Why was Crater Lake A National Park? Crater Lake was established and became officially a national park on May 22nd 1902. Crater Lake became a National Park because the lake has many records. It has the record of being the deepest lake in a America, and the 7th deepest lake in the world. Another reason why it is a national park because it’s starting was a volcano that collapsed and turned into a lake.

The Beginning of Crater Lake Mount Mazama began growing around half a million years ago. About 8,000 years ago Mount Mazama stood at 12,000 feet. Mount Mazama’s biggest volcanic eruption was around 7,700 years ago. A column of hot gas and lava was ejected into the air. In all 12 cubic miles of material poured out of the volcano, in result emptied the magma chamber beneath the mountain. As underlying support for the mountain was lost, the volcano started to go inward, creating a large basin. Mount Mazama became a huge and deep lake that is now called Crater Lake.

Rocks Because of the volcanic eruption, the volcano created three types of rocks. They were Andesite, Dacite, and Rhyodacite. Andesite is volcanic rock, of intermediate composition with a great texture. Dacite is an igneous, volcanic rock. Dacite can be in many colors like grey, red, tan, and black. Rhyodacite is a very thick rock that can come in many shapes and sizes.

Landforms and Special Features of Crater Lake Crater Lake national park has over 180,000 acres of which only 11,500 acres are taken up by the lake. The remaining 93% is land, most of it backcountry. Crater Lake has many landforms. In fact, Crater Lake is surrounded by mountains. There is an island in the middle of the lake. It is called Wizard Island. Wizard Island’s elevation is 6,940 feet. Crater Lake rarely freezes over completely. In fact, Crater Lake last froze over in 1949.

Environmental Issues Crater Lake National Park is considered pristine. However, like other national parks, Crater Lake faces environmental issues. Human activities like; road and facilities development, timber harvest, camping, cause long lasting problems the soil, plants, water, air and other wildlife. Some other specific known issues are beetle infestations and climate change. Mountain pine beetles are an issue because they have been known for wiping out thousands of acres of lodgepole pines. Climate change is another known issue to Crater Lake because the warmer temperatures make it easier for insects to attack the White Bark Pine and this will affect everything that relies on the White Bark Pine.

Crater Lake Changing Because of past and present volcanic activity, minor eruptions, earthquakes, heavy rain showers, and forest fires, Crater Lake National Park is always changing. The landscape is affected as a result. There are landslides, rock slides, mudslides, floods and erosion, and sinkholes. In general, Crater Lake has been protected from human-activity. However, there has been a problem with introducing new fish to the lake. This has and will change the food chain and balance of life in the lake. Desert Ridge, Crater Lake

Technology Used To Maintain The Park Technology has helped by educating many more students and people on Crater Lake by providing information through email and websites. Websites have helped raise funds for preserving Crater Lake. Air and water quality, and wildlife data can be recorded and monitored with the help of technology such as LASAR database. U.S. geologists and the National Park Service (NPS) continue studying Crater Lake to take measurements looking for volcanic activity. This is done with the help of technology. Crater Lake Maintenance Center

Maps Of Crater Lake Maps of Crater Lake: