The Mono-Inyo Craters are a volcanic chain located in the United States, classified under the primary volcano type of lava dome(s). Situated within a rift zone and continental crust thicker than 25 kilometers, the volcanic feature reaches an elevation of 2,796 meters at latitude 37.804 and longitude -119.029. Official records from the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program document a total of 13 confirmed eruptions spanning several millennia.
Eruption History and Timeline
The historical record for the Mono-Inyo Craters spans from its earliest recorded eruption year of 6750 BCE (with a start year uncertainty of 1740 years) up to the latest recorded eruption in 1380 CE (with an uncertainty of 50 years). Throughout this timeframe, activity has been distributed across various centuries and distinct activity areas, utilizing dating techniques such as chemical and biological hydration rinds as well as calibrated radiocarbon (14C) isotopic dating.
The 13 confirmed eruptions are distributed across multiple centuries in the official record:
- 68th century BCE: 1 event (starting around 6750 BCE)
- 41st century BCE: 1 event
- 39th century BCE: 1 event
- 7th century BCE: 1 event
- 1st century CE: 1 event
- 3rd century CE: 1 event
- 4th century CE: 1 event
- 5th century CE: 2 events
- 7th century CE: 1 event (starting around 0620 CE)
- 10th century CE: 1 event
- 14th century CE: 2 events (including the latest recorded eruption in 1380 CE)
Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) Observations
Of the 13 confirmed eruptions, the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) has been observed in 4 instances. The largest recorded VEI for the Mono-Inyo Craters is 4.0. For example, the eruption in the southern Mono Craters (South Coulee area) around 0620 CE and the eruption at the Inyo Craters (South Deadman, Obsidian, Glass Creek) in 1380 CE both reached a VEI of 4.0. The remaining eruptions in the collection have varying or unassigned VEI observations.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the Mono-Inyo Craters located?
The Mono-Inyo Craters are located in the United States at latitude 37.804 and longitude -119.029, at an elevation of 2,796 meters.
How many confirmed eruptions are recorded for the Mono-Inyo Craters?
The official record documents 13 confirmed eruptions.
When did the earliest and latest recorded eruptions occur?
The earliest recorded eruption began around 6750 BCE, and the latest recorded eruption occurred in 1380 CE.
What is the largest recorded VEI for the volcano?
The largest recorded Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) is 4.0.
Sources and further context
Official datasets support the event-specific facts.