Salton Buttes | U.S. Geological Survey
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Salton Buttes
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Salton Buttes
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The Salton Buttes lie within the Salton Sea Geothermal Field located about 145 km (90 mi) southeast of Palm Springs in Imperial Valley, California. The most recent eruption occurred about 1,800 years ago.
Quick Facts
Location:
California, Imperial County
Latitude:
33.2° N
Longitude:
115.62° W
Elevation:
-40 (m) -131 (f)
Volcano type:
lava dome
Composition:
rhyolite
Most recent eruption:
~1,800 years ago
Nearby towns:
Westmorland, Calipatria, Niland, Brawley
Threat Potential:
High*
*based on the
National Volcano Early Warning System
Summary
The Salton Buttes geothermal system is fueled by the heat emanating from zones of partially molten rock (magma) deep below the Earth's surface. Eruptions occurring about 400,000 years ago were followed by a long lull in volcanic activity until about 18,000 years ago. The most recent eruptions, which took place about 1,800 years ago, started explosively, then progressed to a relatively gentle effusion of dense, glassy-looking (obsidian) lava domes. The Salton Sea Geothermal Field, which currently produces enough power to supply about 325,000 homes, has persistent small to moderate earthquakes related to the geothermal system and to move along regional faults. Monitoring of earthquake activity began in the 1930s, and the dense seismic network installed in the 1970s is operated by the USGS and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). The available data are insufficient to establish a pattern of volcanic activity to determine the likelihood of eruption. The high heat flow from the area and relatively young age of Salton Buttes, however, attest to the potential for future eruptions.
Quick Facts
Location:
California, Imperial County
Latitude:
33.2° N
Longitude:
115.62° W
Elevation:
-40 (m) -131 (f)
Volcano type:
lava dome
Composition:
rhyolite
Most recent eruption:
~1,800 years ago
Nearby towns:
Westmorland, Calipatria, Niland, Brawley
Threat Potential:
High*
*based on the
National Volcano Early Warning System
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