About Cayley Volcanic Field
Cayley Volcanic Field is a volcanic field rising to 2,375 meters (7,792 feet) in Canada'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
Cayley Volcanic Field is located in Canada, within the Garibaldi Volcanic Arc of the broader North America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 50.12° N, 123.28° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. At 2,375 meters above sea level, Cayley Volcanic Field rises above the surrounding terrain into montane or subalpine conditions. The elevation creates distinct ecological zones along its flanks, from forested lower slopes to exposed rocky terrain near the summit. 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
Cayley 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 Canada near Cayley 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 andesite / basaltic andesite, a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that forms from rapidly cooling, low-viscosity lava. Basaltic eruptions tend to be less explosive and produce fluid lava flows that can travel long distances. While less immediately dangerous than explosive eruptions, basaltic lava flows can destroy structures and infrastructure in their path, and volcanic gases released during these eruptions can affect air quality over a wide area.
GVP Reference Summary
The Cayley volcanic field is a deeply dissected basaltic andesite to rhyodacitic complex that covers a broad area between the Cheakamus and Squamish river valleys in the central Garibaldi volcanic belt. Mount Cayley itself was formed during at least three periods of activity primarily during the Pliocene and Pleistocene, but activity at satellitic dominantly subglacial vents along a N-S line both north and south of Mount Cayley continued in the late Pleistocene and Holocene. Vents in the Cheakamus Valley formed a 22-km-long lava flow sequence prior to 50,000 years before present that was topped by esker-like flows of late Pleistocene age. The youngest lava flows from Pali Dome West and from the subglacial Slag Hill volcano north of Mount Cayley were not impounded by ice at low elevations, implying that they erupted after the end of the Fraser Glaciation (less than 10,000 years ago). Large volcanic landslides have occurred at heavily eroded Mount Cayley during the Holocene. At least five hot springs are present in valleys adjacent to the volcano, and shallow earthquakes have occurred in the vicinity.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Cayley Volcanic Field.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Cayley Volcanic Field
Is Cayley Volcanic Field an active volcano?+
Cayley 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 Cayley Volcanic Field?+
Cayley Volcanic Field has a summit elevation of 2,375 meters (7,792 feet) above sea level. At 2,375 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Cayley Volcanic Field?+
Cayley 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 Cayley Volcanic Field located?+
Cayley Volcanic Field is located in Canada, in the North America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Garibaldi Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 50.120° latitude, -123.280° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Cayley Volcanic Field?+
Cayley Volcanic Field can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Canada may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
