Explore Volcanoes and Igneous Rocks

Which mountain is the tallest in the entire Korean Peninsula, including both North and South Korea? The mountain that spans both North Korea and China, ① is the tallest on the Korean Peninsula, standing at 2,744 meters. South Korea’s highest mountain, ② , located on Jeju Island, reaches 1,947 meters. Both of these mountains were formed by volcanic eruptions. Baekdusan Mountain, however, is still considered an active volcano. An entry from the “Annals of the Joseon Dynasty” on May 14, 1702, describes its eruption: “Suddenly, the sky and earth became dark, and yellow-red flames and smoke rose. A pungent odor filled the air, and the heat was unbearable, as if sitting in the middle of a furnace. In the morning, the fields were covered with ash that resembled burnt seashells. The ash, about 3 cm deep, was scattered across the fields, leaving behind only charred tree bark.” This vivid description records the eruption of Baekdusan Mountain. According to historical records, Baekdusan Mountain erupts approximately every 100 years. The most recent eruption occurred in 1903. Now, a century after this eruption, frequent volcanic earthquakes and rising hot spring temperatures indicate an increasing likelihood of a Baekdusan volcanic eruption. Then, how was Baekdusan Mountain formed?