Inventory, Monitoring, Research Catalog
4/15/13
1. Topic
Geologic Structure of Cinder Cones
2. Background
The internal structure of cinder cones for post-shield eruptive events is poorly known; a number of
scientific questions can be addressed through the analysis of cinder cones disturbed by future
activity within the summit region: are there consistent patterns in the internal structures among the
summit cones; can the deposits be interpreted in a way that provides information on the dynamics
of eruption that formed the cones; are there features within the cones that are relevant to
preservation/protection of native species in the summit region; are there features that play a
significant role in the hydrologic processes occurring in the summit region.
3. Purpose
Take advantage of any necessary disturbances of cinder cones in the summit region to document
and analyze internal structures of those geologic features.
4. Research Objectives
Develop a more detailed record of the internal features of cinder cones and determine their
relevance to the biological communities and to the overall hydrology of the summit region.
5. Management Applications
Potential uses of Geologic Structure of Cinder Cones could: help to incorporate new understanding
of the structure and dynamic processes relevant to cinder cones into management of site selection
(e.g. new telescopes) or visitor interaction (e.g. trails) with cinder cones, and help to identify
geologic and hydrologic resources of the summit region.
6. Comprehensive Management Plan (and Sub-Plans) Applicability
a. Priority –to be completed
b. NRMP Source – Section 2.1-29, 4.1-26, 4.1-28
7. Desired Outcomes
 Technical report cataloging internal features of cinder cones including an analysis of the
significance of observed features in the context of eruption processes, fragility, and impacts
on hydrological processes.
 Provide a photographic record at varying scales of relevant geologic structures and deposits.
 Provide a baseline data set suitably documented and formatted for use by other researchers
and management authority.
Prepared by: D.Thomas