Yes, Black Butte summit is a volcano, specifically categorized as a lava dome complex.
The Volcanic Identity of Black Butte
Black Butte is not a standalone stratovolcano like its prominent neighbor, Mount Shasta. Instead, it is a distinct and significant volcanic structure that originated from activity on the flanks of a larger volcano.
Here's what defines Black Butte as a volcanic feature:
- Lava Dome Complex: Black Butte is primarily described as a lava dome complex. A lava dome is a type of volcanic edifice formed when very viscous (thick) lava slowly extrudes from a vent. Instead of flowing far, this lava piles up around the vent, creating a steep-sided, rounded mound.
- Origin as a Flank Vent: This specific lava dome complex was built over a flank vent on Mount Shasta. A flank vent is an opening on the side of a larger volcano (in this case, the stratovolcano Mount Shasta) through which volcanic material can erupt. These vents can lead to the formation of new peaks or domes separate from the main summit.
- Integral Part of a Volcanic System: The creation of features like Black Butte is often related to underlying geological structures, such as faults beneath the main volcanic body, or weaknesses and breaks within the volcano itself. This means Black Butte, while distinct, is an integral part of the broader Mount Shasta volcanic system, representing a specific episode of volcanic eruption and construction.
In summary, Black Butte is a clear example of a structure formed by volcanic processes, making it a volcano in the form of a lava dome complex that emerged from the side of Mount Shasta.
