Caldera

Okmok Caldera, in the Aleutian Islands

A caldera is a large, circular depression that is formed by the collapse of the volcanic cone after a large eruption. Caldera differ from craters in that they are larger, and craters are caused by rock removal during an eruption.

Examples of Caldera in the United States[edit]

Crater Lake - Oregon

Valles Caldera - Jemez Mountains, New Mexico

Yellowstone Caldera - Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

References[edit]

USGS Photo Glossary of Volcanic Terms

USGS - Volcanoes of the United States