Considered most likely to erupt next in the Cascade Range, Lassen Peak (also called Mount Lassen) last erupted between 1914 and 1917. It is a type of volcano called a plug dome volcano. These are are formed by flows of thick, viscous lava that pile up around a vent. The flows themselves are not explosive, but they can cause an eruption when the lava cools and hardens, and … [Read more...]
#47- The Dark Skies of Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park is happily situated well away from any population centers with bright city lights. The nighttime glow caused by those artificial lights (even from very small cities) is called light pollution, and it is more than just an annoying condition that makes it harder to see stars at night. Light pollution also disrupts the biological rhythms of nocturnal … [Read more...]
#95 – Cinder Cone, Fantastic Lava Beds
Before Lassen Volcanic National Park received its national park designation, it was two separate national monuments — Lassen Peak National Monument and Cinder Cone National Monument. Lassen Peak happens to be located in Shasta County (go figure), but Cinder Cone is located in Lassen County, as are several remarkable volcanic features created by it. Cinder Cone is believed to … [Read more...]