| Jordan Craters | |
| Elevation Ft: | 4833 |
| Elevation Ref: | [1] |
| Location: | Malheur County, Oregon, U.S. |
| Coordinates: | 43.1118°N -117.416°W |
| Coordinates Ref: | [2] |
| Type: | Volcanic field |
| Age: | less than 30,000 years [3] |
| Last Eruption: | 1250 BCE |
The flows of Jordan Craters volcanic field are the youngest of a series of large Quaternary basalt fields in the eastern part of the U.S. state of Oregon. The field is thought to be approximately 3200 years old, based on findings of a lake sediment coring experiment in 1986. It was formed by basaltic pahoehoe emanating from vents throughout the area.[4]
The most recent flows come from Coffeepot Crater, a large breached cinder cone. These flows show excellent examples of inflated lava.[5] Historically, it is believed that Coffeepot Crater held a pond of lava that would occasionally breach the sides of the crater to flow freely into the field.
Jordan Craters is approximately 120 miles (200 km) southwest of Boise, Idaho[3] and 18 miles (30 km) northwest of Jordan Valley, Oregon.
The craters are free and open to the public all year.
(archived)