Geological Discoveries and Volcanic Eruptions

Geologists initially believed the Sanan was formed by small volcanoes over millions of years. However, advancements in dating techniques revealed a massive eruption 28 million years ago, creating the Larita Caldera, the world's largest known caldera. The eruption's debris significantly altered the Sanan mountains. By comparing it to Mount St. Helens, the scale of Larita's eruption becomes evident, with Larita's deposits being 5,000 times larger.

What was the initial belief about the formation of the Sanan?

• Formed by a single massive volcano

• Created by numerous small volcanoes over millions of years

• Result of a meteor impact

• Formed by tectonic plate movements

What dating method helped reveal the true age of the Sanan rocks?

• Carbon dating

• Uranium and lead decay measurement

• Radiocarbon dating

• Potassium-argon dating

How old are the volcanic rocks in the Sanan area?

• 50 million years

• 28.2 million years

• 100 million years

• 10 million years

What is the Larita Caldera known for?

• Being the smallest caldera in the world

• Being the world's largest caldera

• Being the deepest caldera

• Having the most active volcanoes

What is the approximate size of the Larita Caldera?

• 10 miles across

• 50 miles across

• 25 miles across

• 100 miles across

How did the eruption affect the Sanan mountains?

• Increased their volume by 1/10th and height by 1,000 ft

• Caused them to disappear

• Decreased their height

• Made them more prone to earthquakes

What is the significance of comparing Larita to Mount St. Helens?

• To prove both eruptions were identical

• To show Larita's eruption was smaller

• To demonstrate Mount St. Helens was more destructive

• To highlight Larita's eruption was 5,000 times larger

How much larger were Larita's deposits compared to Mount St. Helens?

• 5,000 times larger

• 500 times larger

• 1,000 times larger

• 100 times larger

What visual comparison is used to describe the deposits from Mount St. Helens?

• A bucket

• A teaspoon

• An espresso cup

• A swimming pool

What container is used to visualize Larita's deposits?

• A large crate

• A small jar

• A 55-gallon oil drum

• A coffee mug