The Snake River Plain, Idaho Representative of a New Category of Volcanism
Greeley R. 1982. The Snake River Plain, Idaho Representative of a New Category of Volcanism. Journal of Geophysical Research. 87(B4):2705-2712
Comparison of the Snake River Plain with other basaltic flow areas warrant its consideration as a separate category. Discusses the Snake River Plain flows including CRMO (Craters of the Moon National Monument) Geographic location: Regional, including CRMO Studies of the volcanic geology of the Snake River Plain, Idaho, and comparison with other basaltic regions suggest a new category of volcanic activity, termed basaltic plains volcanism. Typified by the Snake River Plain, this style of volcanism is intermediate between basaltic flood (or plateau) eruptions and Hawaiian volcanism. Characteristics that are common to Hawaiian and plains volcanism are: multiple lava flow units which erupt primarily from point sources, formation of low shields, and frequent emplacement through lava tubes or channels. Characteristics that are common to both flood basalts and plains volcanism are: high volume flows, vents aligned along rift zones, and planar surfaces. The recognition of plains volcanism in other areas provides a means to interpret the style of eruption and volcanic history.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Greeley, R
- Units
- CRMO
- Keywords
- basaltic plains volcanism, Lava Flows, Physical Sciences, Snake River Plain