Some of the 24 overlapping lava domes that make up Mammoth Mountain are visible in this 3D geologic map. Many of the domes are made of dacite ("dsd", "dwr") and rhyolite lava ("rss", "rsq"), and are surrounded by smooth surface deposits of pumice and sedimentary material.
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3D geologic map of Mammoth Mountain, California
Some of the 24 overlapping lava domes that make up Mammoth Mountain are visible in this 3D geologic map. Many of the domes are made of dacite ("dsd", "dwr") and rhyolite lava ("rss", "rsq"), and are surrounded by smooth surface deposits of pumice and sedimentary material.
Western California volcanoes geonarrative map screenshot
Western California volcanoes geonarrative map screenshotWestern California volcanoes geonarrative map screenshot from Western California Volcano Research Maps
Western California volcanoes geonarrative map screenshot
Western California volcanoes geonarrative map screenshotWestern California volcanoes geonarrative map screenshot from Western California Volcano Research Maps
Sutter Buttes, California seen from the air
This aerial photo, taken from about 40,000 feet and looking east, highlights the rugged central lava domes and smooth circular debris apron of the Sutter Buttes. USGS photo by J. Ball.
This aerial photo, taken from about 40,000 feet and looking east, highlights the rugged central lava domes and smooth circular debris apron of the Sutter Buttes. USGS photo by J. Ball.
A gravimeter taking measurements in Long Valley, California
A gravimeter taking measurements in Long Valley, CaliforniaGravimeters, or "gravity meters", measure the strength of the Earth's gravitational field at any given point. This value may be affected by ground elevation, the density of the rock or material on which the gravimeter sits, and the presence of magma or fluids beneath the Earth's surface. USGS photo by J. Crozier.
A gravimeter taking measurements in Long Valley, California
A gravimeter taking measurements in Long Valley, CaliforniaGravimeters, or "gravity meters", measure the strength of the Earth's gravitational field at any given point. This value may be affected by ground elevation, the density of the rock or material on which the gravimeter sits, and the presence of magma or fluids beneath the Earth's surface. USGS photo by J. Crozier.
Taking water table elevation measurements in the Long Valley Caldera, California
Taking water table elevation measurements in the Long Valley Caldera, CaliforniaA USGS scientist pulls a conductivity sensor out of a water well. These wells are usually drilled for other purposes (like livestock or agriculture) but are useful for scientists doing geodetic surveys. USGS photo by J. Crozier.
Taking water table elevation measurements in the Long Valley Caldera, California
Taking water table elevation measurements in the Long Valley Caldera, CaliforniaA USGS scientist pulls a conductivity sensor out of a water well. These wells are usually drilled for other purposes (like livestock or agriculture) but are useful for scientists doing geodetic surveys. USGS photo by J. Crozier.
Comparison of caldera-forming eruption sizes in the USA
Comparison of caldera-forming eruption sizes in the USAComparison of caldera-forming eruption sizes (by volume of erupted magma) in the U.S., modified from an AVO/USGS figure. Also included for reference is the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. The three caldera-forming eruptions in Alaska are more than 200 times the size of the 1980 eruption of Mount St.
Comparison of caldera-forming eruption sizes in the USA
Comparison of caldera-forming eruption sizes in the USAComparison of caldera-forming eruption sizes (by volume of erupted magma) in the U.S., modified from an AVO/USGS figure. Also included for reference is the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. The three caldera-forming eruptions in Alaska are more than 200 times the size of the 1980 eruption of Mount St.