Red Hill-Quemado
Volcanic field · 2,300m · United States
About Red Hill-Quemado
Red Hill-Quemado is a volcanic field rising to 2,300 meters (7,546 feet) in United States's North America Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 9450 BCE. The volcano has produced 3 recorded eruptions.
Geography & Climate
Red Hill-Quemado is located in United States, within the Basin and Range Volcanic Province of the broader North America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 34.25° N, 108.83° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subtropical climate zone. At 2,300 meters above sea level, Red Hill-Quemado 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
Red Hill-Quemado is situated along a rift zone, where tectonic plates are pulling apart. As the crust thins and fractures, magma rises to fill the gap, creating volcanic activity. Rift volcanism typically produces more fluid lava flows rather than explosive blasts, which means communities near Red Hill-Quemado in United States generally face slower-moving hazards like lava flows and ground fissures rather than sudden pyroclastic events. However, rift volcanoes can still generate significant ash emissions and gas releases that affect local air quality. The dominant rock type is basalt / picro-basalt, 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.
Eruption History Summary
Red Hill-Quemado has 3 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 9850 BCE to 9450 BCE. These eruptions span roughly 400 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
The Red Hill-Quemado volcanic field in western New Mexico is across the border from the Springerville volcanic field in Arizona and contains more than 40 cinder cones and maars that were active from the late Miocene to early Holocene. The volcanic field lies along the NE-trending Jemez Lineament that extends from SE Colorado to east-central Arizona. Dating by Onken and Forman (2017) showed that three eruptive events took place during the early Holocene, and that the 2-km-wide Zuni Salt Lake maar with its late-stage nested cinder cones was formed about 11,000-11,800 calibrated 14C years ago.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
3 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9450 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Zuni Salt Lake maar |
| 9700 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | 2.5 km radius of Zuni Salt Lake |
| 9850 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Cerro Pomo? |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Hill-Quemado
Is Red Hill-Quemado an active volcano?+
Red Hill-Quemado is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 9450 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Red Hill-Quemado last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Red Hill-Quemado occurred in 9450 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Red Hill-Quemado has 3 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Red Hill-Quemado?+
Red Hill-Quemado has a summit elevation of 2,300 meters (7,546 feet) above sea level. At 2,300 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Red Hill-Quemado?+
Red Hill-Quemado 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 Red Hill-Quemado located?+
Red Hill-Quemado is located in United States, in the North America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Basin and Range Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 34.250° latitude, -108.830° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Red Hill-Quemado?+
Red Hill-Quemado 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.
