The Quill (volcano)

The Quill
Looking southeast across Statia toward the Quill
Highest point
Elevation 601 m (1,972 ft)
Prominence 601 m (1,972 ft)
Coordinates 17°28′40″N 62°57′35″W / 17.47778°N 62.95972°W / 17.47778; -62.95972Coordinates: 17°28′40″N 62°57′35″W / 17.47778°N 62.95972°W / 17.47778; -62.95972 
Geography
Geology
Mountain type Stratovolcano
Volcanic arc Lesser Antilles Volcanic Arc
Last eruption 250 CE ± 150 years

The Quill /ˈkwɪl/ is a stratovolcano located on the island of Sint Eustatius in the Caribbean Netherlands. The summit elevation is 601 m (1,972 ft) above sea level.[1] It is also the second highest mountain in the Netherlands.

The name 'Quill' originates from the Dutch term kuil ([ˈkœyl]), meaning 'pit' or 'hole', which was used originally with reference to the volcanic crater. The Quill was designated as a national park by the government of the Netherlands Antilles in 1998. It is administered by the Sint Eustatius National Parks Foundation, STENAPA, which maintains a number of trails for hikers.

The Quill formed between 22,000 and 32,000 years ago to the southeast of Sint Eustatius (Statia) in the West Indies. Pyroclastic flows during the initial eruption joined The Quill with what is now the rest of Sint Eustatius. The last known eruption, as determined by radiocarbon dating, occurred about 1,600 years ago.[1]

Flora and fauna

The crater of The Quill contains a lush rainforest populated by native and introduced tropical trees and plants. These include elephant ears, tree ferns, begonias, figs, plantains, bananas, bromeliads, trumpet wood, mahogany, seedless breadfruit, Surinam cherry, ginger bush and edible raspberries, as well as at least 17 different kinds of orchids. Resident animal species include iguanas, anoles, snakes, Caribbean hermit crabs, butterflies, exotic birds, and occasional goats and chickens that have strayed from nearby Oranjestad.

See also

The Quill volcano, seen from St. Louis Battery ruins.

References

  1. 1 2 "The Quill". Global Volcanism Program. Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 6 August 2013.


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