Mount Mazama
Quick Summary
Mount Mazama is a prehistoric volcano located in southern Oregon, within the Cascade Range. Approximately 7,700 years ago, massive eruptions caused the mountain's summit to collapse, forming a caldera. This event created what is now known as Crater Lake.12
The eruption also released volcanic ash, known as Mazama Ash, which was widely distributed across the northwestern United States and southwestern Canada. This ash deposit is useful in archaeological studies as a time marker. The mineral composition of the ash is unique, distinguishing it from other volcanic ash deposits.2
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