Salton Buttes, Volcanic lava domes in Imperial Valley, California
Salton Buttes are five volcanic lava domes scattered across the Imperial Valley landscape. They rise roughly 30 to 40 meters above the surrounding terrain.
These volcanic formations were created between 2,300 and 1,800 years ago, a discovery that overturned earlier scientific theories about their age. This finding reshaped understanding of the region's geological development.
Obsidian from Obsidian Butte was traded and used by Native American peoples across the Southwest for tools and ornaments. The site reveals how valuable this volcanic glass was to communities across a wide region.
Access to the site is limited since the volcanic domes sit on private land and are best viewed from a distance. Visitors can observe the formations most easily from vantage points around the Imperial Valley area.
The domes sit roughly 40 meters below sea level and contain active steam vents releasing carbon dioxide, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide. This ongoing volcanic activity makes them a rare example of active volcanism in California.
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