China Hat (Oregon)

Coordinates: 43°40′51″N 121°02′02″W / 43.680874°N 121.033844°W / 43.680874; -121.033844
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China Hat
China Hat is located in Oregon
China Hat
China Hat
Highest point
Elevation6,573
Coordinates43°40′51″N 121°02′02″W / 43.680874°N 121.033844°W / 43.680874; -121.033844
Geography
LocationDeschutes, Oregon, U.S.
Parent rangeCascade Range
Topo mapUSGS China Hat
Geology
Age of rock6.3 - 7.4 Ma[1]
Mountain typePyroclastic cone
Volcanic arcCascade Volcanic Arc
Last eruptionPleistocene

China Hat is a volcanic butte on the southeastern flank of Newberry Volcano in Deschutes County, Oregon, United States. It is a rhyolitic dome dating from the age of the Middle Pleistocene.[2] Both China Hat and nearby East Butte are covered by Mazama Ash and Newberry Ash.[3]

Although China Hat is often thought of as a side vent of Newberry Volcano less than ten miles away,[4] it is estimated to be older than first formation of the Newberry Caldera, 780,000 thousand years old [5] versus 500,000 years ago [6] and is on the western edge of a series of high lava plains eruptions derived from a tongue of the same mantle plume that fuels the Yellowstone Caldera[7]

China Hat Road, named after the butte, starts in Bend and heads to Fort Rock.[8] The road is a hotspot for law enforcement.[8] China Hat Campground is a campground located near China Hat butte along this road.[9]

The butte was named for its similarity in appearance, when viewed from Fort Rock, to the Asian conical hat worn by Chinese immigrant laborers.[8]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Bimodal volcanism of the High Lava Plains and Northwestern Basin and Range of Oregon : Distribution and tectonic implications of age-progressive rhyolites". OregonState.edu. Retrieved 2018-01-04.
  2. ^ "Newberry Volcano; The Life and Times of a Shield Volcano Complex (Field Trip 3A)". InThePlaygroundofGiants.com. Retrieved 2018-01-03.
  3. ^ U.S. Geological Survey (1969). "Geological Survey Research 1969 Chapter D". Books.Google.com. Retrieved 2018-01-03.
  4. ^ Jensen, Robert A. Roadside Guide to the Geology of Newberry Crater. Third edition. Bend, OR: CenOreGeoPub 2000
  5. ^ Harris, Stephen L. Fire Mountains of the West. Third edition. Missoula, MT: Mountain Press Publishing 2005
  6. ^ Jensen, page 24
  7. ^ Orr, Elizabeth L. and William N. Oregon Geology. Corvallis, OR: Oregon State University Press 2012 page 115
  8. ^ a b c "Road, butte named after the accessory worn by Chinese immigrant laborers". BendBulletin.com. Retrieved 2018-01-03.
  9. ^ "China Hat Campground". FS.USDA.GOV. Retrieved 2018-01-03.