Basin and Range Province - Volcanism

Volcanism

Main article: Large volume volcanic eruptions in the Basin and Range Province See also: Geologic timeline of Western North America and Yellowstone hotspot

Prior to the Eocene Epoch (55.8 ±0.2 to 33.9 ±0.1 Ma) the convergence rate of the Farallon and North American Plates was fast, the angle of subduction was shallow, and the slab width was huge. During the Eocene the Farallon Plate subduction-associated compressive forces of the Laramide, Sevier and Nevada orogenies ended, plate interactions changed from orthogonal compression to oblique strike-slip, and volcanism in the Basin and Range Province flared up (Mid-Tertiary ignimbrite flare-up). It is suggested that this plate continued to be underthrust until about 19 Ma, at which time it was completely consumed and volcanic activity ceased, in part. Olivine basalt from the oceanic ridge erupted around 17 Ma and extension began.

Steens Newberry Jordan Craters McDermitt S OH BJ TF Picabo Heise Yellowstone NWNV SC Twin Peaks Idaho City Gibbonsville Long Valley Minarets Medicine Lassen Yamsay Yucca Réveille Lunar Crater White Rock Marysvale Uinkaret San Francisco Chiricahua Ouray Gunnison Breckenridge Boulder La Garita Thirtynine Davis Potrillo Socorro Organ Bursum Emory Raton-Clayton Maya Ocate San Carlos Valles Taylor Springerville Zuni Red Pinacate Sentinel Basin and Range Volcanism in Western United States