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Newberry Volcano—Central Oregon's Sleeping Giant

January 1, 2011

Hidden in plain sight, Oregon's massive Newberry Volcano is the largest volcano in the Cascades volcanic arc and covers an area the size of Rhode Island. Unlike familiar cone-shaped Cascades volcanoes, Newberry was built into the shape of a broad shield by repeated eruptions over 400,000 years. About 75,000 years ago a major explosion and collapse event created a large volcanic depression (caldera) at its summit. Newberry last erupted about 1,300 years ago, and present-day hot springs and geologically young lava flows indicate that it could reawaken at any time. Because of its proximity to nearby communities, frequency and size of past eruptions, and geologic youthfulness, U.S. Geological Survey scientists are working to better understand volcanic activity at Newberry and closely monitor the volcano for signs of unrest.

Publication Year 2011
Title Newberry Volcano—Central Oregon's Sleeping Giant
DOI 10.3133/fs20113145
Authors Julie M. Donnelly-Nolan, Wendy K. Stovall, David W. Ramsey, John W. Ewert, Robert A. Jensen
Publication Type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Series Title Fact Sheet
Series Number 2011-3145
Index ID fs20113145
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Volcano Science Center
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