Pahvant Butte
Pavant Butte is a dormant volcano in the west-central portion of the US state of Utah. It formed in an active area of volcanism and formed on top of pahoehoe and aa lavas. Originally a submarine volcano, it was erupted out of the bottom of Lake Bonneville approximately 15,500 years ago. This eruption probably had catastrophic effects on the surrounding area and nearby life.
Geography and geology
The volcano is located in Black Rock Desert in Millard County. This is an active tectonic area, having been for approximately 2.7 million years. Volcanism occurs when magma escapes through faults in the area.[1] The volcano specifically formed above pahoehoe and aa lavas in the field named after it, and it stands 5,486 feet (1,672 m).[2]
The volcano was originally a submarine volcano located under Lake Bonneville until a large eruption 15,500 years ago. This eruptive activity probably ejected steam, ash, and other hazardous materials out of the lake into the sky, enveloping the surrounding area with ash, killing flying birds above, and spawning large waves in the lake, similar to the famous formation of the island of Surtsey in 1963. The eruption released particles of basaltic lava into the air, then falling back to form tuff.[1]
A shelf formed by waves is prevalent around the majority of the volcano's lower rock; on the north flank of the volcano, a vertical cliff known as the Lace Curtain is present. This name originated from a distinct white, lace-like pattern inside the cliff, which occurred when groundwater minerals lapped over the tuff generating a "partial cementing".[1]
References
- ^ a b c Case, William F. (2010). "Pahvant Butte in the Black Rock Desert, Millard County, Utah". Utah Geological Survey. Retrieved May 7, 2010.
- ^ "America's Volcanic Past: Utah". United States Geological Survey. June 11, 2003. Retrieved May 7, 2010.