(B. F. Loomis) Every rock at Lassen originates from volcanoes. Lassen's volcanic domes are part of the most recently active Lassen Volcanic Center, which began to erupt about 825,000 years ago. Represented in the park are all four types of volcanoes found in the world--shield, composite, cinder cone, and plug dome. Unlike other Cascade volcanoes, Lassen's large plug dome and composite volcanoes are in close proximity to the smaller cinder cone volcanoes that surround the volcanic center. The greater Lassen area has been volcanically active for about three millions years. Recently the region has seen eruptions from Cinder Cone (~350 years ago) and Lassen Peak (~100 years ago). While the area sleeps now, steam vents, boiling springs, and bubbling mudpots remain active--direct evidence that the volcanic center still smolders. No one can say when or where the next eruption will occur. We can only say that it will. Studying and Monitoring Volcanic ActivityScientists from United States Geological Survey (USGS) study volcanic activity at Lassen Volcanic National Park as a part of the USGS Volcano Hazards Program, California Volcano Observatory (CalVO). CalVO aims to advance scientific understanding of volcanic processes and lessen the harmful impacts of volcanic activity in the volcanically active areas of California and Nevada. View real-time data on seismic stations and park earthquakes on the Lassen Volcanic Interactive Monitoring Map. Learn more on the seismic activity monitoring page. Learn moreLassen Volcanic Geologic Resources Inventory Report
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Last updated: May 4, 2020