Clear Lake Volcanic Field
Volcanic field · 1,439m · United States
About Clear Lake Volcanic Field
Clear Lake Volcanic Field is a volcanic field rising to 1,439 meters (4,721 feet) in United States's North America Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Clear Lake Volcanic Field is located in United States, within the California Coast Ranges Volcano Group of the broader North America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 38.97° N, 122.77° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,439 meters above sea level, Clear Lake Volcanic Field is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a cluster, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Clear Lake Volcanic Field sits in a subduction zone, where one tectonic plate dives beneath another, creating intense heat and pressure that generates magma. Subduction zones are responsible for many of the world's most explosive volcanoes and deadliest eruptions. For communities in United States near Clear Lake Volcanic Field, this tectonic setting means the volcano is capable of producing powerful explosive eruptions, pyroclastic flows, and lahars that can threaten populated areas within tens of kilometers of the summit. The dominant rock type is dacite, an intermediate to silica-rich volcanic rock. This composition typically produces more viscous magma, leading to more explosive eruptions with ash columns and pyroclastic flows. Andesitic and dacitic magmas build pressure before erupting, which is why volcanoes with this rock chemistry are often associated with Plinian-style eruptions that can send ash tens of kilometers into the atmosphere and disrupt aviation across entire regions.
GVP Reference Summary
The late-Pliocene to early Holocene Clear Lake Volcanic Field in the northern Coast Ranges contains lava dome complexes, cinder cones, and maars of basaltic-to-rhyolitic composition. The westernmost site of Quaternary volcanism in California, this volcanic field is in a complex geologic setting within the San Andreas transform fault system. Mount Konocti, a composite dacitic lava dome on the south shore of Clear Lake, is the largest volcanic feature. Volcanism has been largely non-explosive, with only one major airfall tuff. The latest eruptive activity, forming maars and cinder cones along the shores of Clear Lake, continued until about 9,000 years ago. A large silicic magma body provides the heat source for the Geysers, a geothermal field with a complex of electrical power plants.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Clear Lake Volcanic Field.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Clear Lake Volcanic Field
Is Clear Lake Volcanic Field an active volcano?+
Clear Lake Volcanic Field is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in prehistoric times, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
How high is Clear Lake Volcanic Field?+
Clear Lake Volcanic Field has a summit elevation of 1,439 meters (4,721 feet) above sea level. At 1,439 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Clear Lake Volcanic Field?+
Clear Lake Volcanic Field is classified as a Volcanic field. Volcanic fields consist of clusters of small volcanic vents and cinder cones spread across a region. Rather than a single central vent, eruptions can occur at many points across the field.
Where is Clear Lake Volcanic Field located?+
Clear Lake Volcanic Field is located in United States, in the North America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the California Coast Ranges Volcano Group. Its exact coordinates are 38.970° latitude, -122.770° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Clear Lake Volcanic Field?+
Clear Lake Volcanic Field can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. United States may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
