Newberry Volcano—Central Oregon's Sleeping Giant

Fact Sheet 2011-3145
In cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service
By: , and 

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Abstract

Hidden in plain sight, Oregon's massive Newberry Volcano is the largest volcano in the Cascades volcanic arc and covers an area the size of Rhode Island. Unlike familiar cone-shaped Cascades volcanoes, Newberry was built into the shape of a broad shield by repeated eruptions over 400,000 years. About 75,000 years ago a major explosion and collapse event created a large volcanic depression (caldera) at its summit. Newberry last erupted about 1,300 years ago, and present-day hot springs and geologically young lava flows indicate that it could reawaken at any time. Because of its proximity to nearby communities, frequency and size of past eruptions, and geologic youthfulness, U.S. Geological Survey scientists are working to better understand volcanic activity at Newberry and closely monitor the volcano for signs of unrest.
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Newberry Volcano—Central Oregon's Sleeping Giant
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 2011-3145
DOI 10.3133/fs20113145
Year Published 2011
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Volcano Science Center
Description 6 p.
Country United States
State Oregon
City Bend
Other Geospatial Cascade Range;Deschutes National Forest
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