Figure 2. The Yucca Mountain volcanic
field, NV, is a small volcanic field active since large-volume, caldera-forming
silicic eruptions ceased about 8 Ma. As in larger volcanic fields, Plio-Quaternary
volcanism occurs in spatial clusters. Thus the volcanic eruptions leading
to the formation of the NE-trending Quaternary Crater Flat alignment (Northern
Cone - Little Cones) were preceded by volcanism at nearby Pliocene vents.
Magnetic anomalies (A-D) are buried volcanoes in this area, which has high
sedimentation rates. Delineating the volcanic history of this region and
the relationship between volcanism, faulting and episodes of extension
is a key element of geologic hazards investigations for the proposed high-level
radioactive waste repository at Yucca Mountain.