Caldera
A caldera is a large, bowl-shaped depression that forms after a volcanic eruption. When a volcano erupts, it can expel a significant amount of magma. If too much magma is removed, the ground above can collapse, creating a caldera. This feature is often much larger than the original volcano and can fill with water, forming a lake. Calderas are important geological features that can provide insights into volcanic activity and the Earth’s geological history. Examples include the Yellowstone Caldera in the United States and the Santorini caldera in Greece.
Additional Insights
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A caldera is a large, bowl-shaped depression that forms at the top of a volcano when it erupts and then collapses. This happens after a massive explosion or a significant eruption, which empties the magma chamber beneath the volcano. When the supporting magma is removed, the ground above can sink, creating a vast crater. Calderas can be several kilometers wide and often become filled with water, forming lakes, or see the growth of new volcanic features. They are significant geological structures that provide insights into volcanic activity and the Earth's geological history.