The Ancient Volcano in California; Sutter Buttes

[@GeologyHub]

To me, it is quite interesting that Sutter Buttes started its lifespan by erupting rhyolite and then moved to less viscous lavas. Usually the opposite occurs in volcanic systems.

[@twyztidbro3929]

That's cuz California's awesome :D

[@jefferyindorf699]

It just shows that volcanoes are fascinating.

[@lynnmitzy1643]

The rocks are crying out the Glory and Majesty of their Creator.

[@erichtomanek4739]

Volcanoes are creatures of habit, until they're not.

[@antoniovilanova745]

Could be the change in viscosity is due to the local geology. I'm thinking maybe rift zone could be developing in western north America?

[@killjoy_5309]

Wow as someone who lives within Yuba City and Sutter it's so cool to see the buttes get some attention.

[@elainehill6504]

About 20 years ago, I was flying into Sacramento and the pilot pointed out the "smallest mountain range." It really is cool to see from the air. If he said the actual name, I'd long forgotten it, so thanks for this! Mystery solved.

[@DanielBerke]

My family moved to roughly between Sacramento and Sutter Buttes when I was 11, and it was always a majestic sight off to the north from the Central Valley floor while growing up. Nice to finally learn more about it!

[@haydenhatcher9314]

I live in Oroville 15 miles north of the buttes, there such a beautiful site to see they are so Ominous. I’m really glad you made a video on them!!

[@lrcavalli290]

It's nice to see a fellow butte county person on here...I live in Chico

[@haydenhatcher9314]

@@lrcavalli290 that’s good to hear

[@Equinox0709]

Yuba City

[@blockraven22]

The highway going south of oroville was paved in a way so it faces directly at the buttes for a few miles until it veers into Marysville. I’ve fond memories of my weekend excursions south to visit family and gleaming at the range.

[@lrcavalli290]

Thank you... I've been waiting for this one...I live in Chico,and have a great view of the buttes

[@trimbalemrbale575]

been waiting a LONG time for this mountain to be talked about

[@funnyperson4027]

was always wondering about that random mount in the middle of otherwise flat land in california

[@markcrombie5280]

Keep up the good work. There are so many obscure and isolated volcanoes to be found.

[@deanfriant6390]

I live five miles from the Buttes. There is a Scenic Way all around them. One of my kiddos favorite pass times is to take the drive around it. It's only about 35 miles to take the loop, but since most of the speed limits are 25-45 mph, it will take you well over an hour. Like was stated above, most of the land is privately owned, but some, parts of Peace Valley, has been sold to the State in hopes of creating a State park someday. The absolute best time for the drive is in the late winter through spring, when the slopes are all green. Last thought: Since it commands the local area, every person that I have talked to that has grown up here, always says that when you can see the Buttes, you know you are home.

[@adaniel2224]

Never thought about it. But ive allways said the same! After being in LA. The smell of cow shit and the site of the buttes really is the best thing.

[@calvinfinney5083]

The Middle Mountain Foundation provides private hiking tours in the late winter and spring for anyone who wants to see them first hand.

[@edchester1773]

I've Drilled 100's of irrigation wells on the north side of the Sutter Buttes, the amount of water there is greater, and at a more shallow depth than anywhere else in the Sacramento Valley!

[@d2xr]

Thats just scary

[@photonjones5908]

perched aquifers.

[@sammerwin92]

One of the best parts of doing my cross country solos for my pilots license was flying past the buttes. What a view!

[@Andy-vt7sl]

Those of us who drive I-5 in Northern California will know this feature as it sits just east of the Colusa area and lights up spectacularly during sunsets. I’ve driven by this geographic oddity many times but never knew what it was or where, exactly. Thanks for the great video!

[@leonardmiyata482]

If you're covering extinct California volcanos, there is 'El Toro' which is just south of San Jose at the southern end of the Santa Clara valley, with the community of Morgan Hill at its base.

[@paulj.ingram2839]

For the longest time when I was a kid I thought that was Morgan Hill (the little hilltop). I was finally told the town is actually named after a man named Morgan Hill.

[@rw3915]

This is very cool info. I will have to check this out on foot. Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@leonardmiyata482]

@@rw3915 Growing up in the area, at a boys scout session, a geologist told us that 'El Toro' was a extinct volcano, and rocks from its eruption has been found as far away as Hollister, but no idea how large the eruption was, how long ago, and are there any other volcanic cones and features in the area. And according to local legends, there is a mineral deposit in or near 'El Toro' called 'Red Poppy Jasper' that is said to be unique throughout the world...

[@Phlowermom]

I'd like to hear about Alum Rock Park, San Jose. We were told on a tour of the park that it was also part of an extinct volcano.

[@chrisgreenwood8188]

These are always fun to look at as you pass by on I 5. They stick out like a sore thumb over the surrounding flat farmland lol

[@mfcamillus211]

Growing up in the Sacramento Valley, the Sutter Buttes are still such a strong memory for me.

[@michaelmartin4552]

Several years ago when I lived in Oroville, I passed this two times a day on my way to and from work in Sacramento. Going home it was always a great sight, as seeing it meant I was close to home.

[@rusty4134]

Do the Clear Lake volcano, I grew up there and Mt. Konocti was always there but I don't actually know a whole lot about its history. I know the geysers are still going as my old neighbor still works there after 30 plus years.

[@twyztidbro3929]

Awesome vid :D I'll have to try and make it there..about an hour away.

[@chuckhursch5374]

I believe the Buttes are on private land. However, the Middle Mountain Foundation (if memory serves me correct) used to offer hikes into the area.

[@jefflanam]

@@chuckhursch5374 California State Parks acquired the northern part of the Buttes a few years ago, but has not opened it to the public yet. The rest is still private. You're correct, Middle Mountain Hikes offers hikes in the area. www.middlemountainhikes.org/ Funny story. I used to be the president of the Bay Area Orienteering Club. Orienteering is a sport that involves navigating courses marked on very detailed maps. Map making for orienteering is a specialized skill that only a few cartographers have. I was contacted by someone from Ukraine who was looking for a job in the US and sent me aerial photos of a location in California that he offered to map. Of course it was the Sutter Buttes. I had to tell him that although we would love to use the area, it was impossible.

[@HarryMcW]

Always fascinated by the Sutter Buttes whenever driving by. Down where I am the "Seven Sisters" are the nearest string of old volcanoes. Morro Rock is apparently the farthest west though it is claimed a seamount could be another.

[@dgonz26868]

I grew up near the Sutter Buttes. Another interesting thing about them is the diversity of wildlife that lives there.

[@hikenmikes8262]

Does it have its own deer population?

[@dgonz26868]

@@hikenmikes8262 No deer. But Tarantulas and occasional scorpions (among others).

[@hikenmikes8262]

@@dgonz26868 ok, thanks. I just thought it would be neat if it had its own little unique deer population.

[@dgonz26868]

@@hikenmikes8262 The buttes are surrounded by farmland, so I doubt a deer could find it's way there.

[@calvinfinney5083]

@@hikenmikes8262 Yes, a small deer population of roughly 40ish in the herd. A broad spectrum of birds including birds of prey. Unfortunately there is a problem with feral pigs, there are non-native turkeys, and the rattlesnakes are purportedly non-native, raised over 100 years ago for their anti-venom and released when the snake farm went out of business.

[@ChrundleTGreat]

I’ve driven passed Sutter Buttes a dozen times. Absolutely beautiful!!

[@marktwain368]

Excellent! Superb mini-lecture on volcanism in California and Sutter Buttes in particular. The images and diagrams are relevant and illustrative. Thank you. I'm subscribed now!

[@Doggeslife]

Within California are MANY towering extinct volcanoes. But yeah, Sutter stands out indeed, because it stands alone. I've passed it a few times heading up to Red bluff and back to the S.F. bay area. Out of nowhere, a mountain, soon to fade off in the distance behind you. But Sutter is 2000+ feet. Keep heading north and soon you will see 14,000 foot Mount Shasta: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Shasta

[@weasel6264]

Can you do a video on table mountain in Oroville, CA.? I’ve always wondered about the geology

[@photonjones5908]

Heading Down Highway 20 from Grass Valley in the Sierra Foothills, you see the Sutter Buttes ahead in the distance, clearly dwarfed by the much higher Snow Mtn (7056') and other summits of the Northern Coast ranges situated along the western skyline. They're an interesting contrast, and truly gorgeous right after Sunset.

[@DaddyBlueJay3207]

Wow, I’m doing a college report on this place and just got back from visiting there (I needed photos for the report) and this video is perfect, has all the right information. You go over everything so well. Though the buttes really are beautiful and getting to read the rock in person was so fun, I just wish it wasn’t surrounded by private land, you know. There should be some sort of public trail or something idk. Great video 👍

[@andoniades]

Could you do one about the ancient Sibley Volcano up in the Berkeley hills (Berkeley,Ca)? Thanks.

[@katheyjberry]

I loved this video! So informative. I lived in nearby Marysville for years and had never heard the history of the Buttes. I look forward to more of your work. Thank you.

[@lorimorris6520]

We lived in yuba city .my 6 th grade teacher taught us about the buttes

[@XcRunner1031]

I love driving past Sutter Buttes while driving north in I5. It looks so cool just sticking up by itself in the Central Valley.

[@barrydysert2974]

Thank you. Fascinating! i see the Sutter Buttes ever time i drop down from Mother Load country!:-)

[@alpenglow4243]

Anyone who has ever wondered how these buttes were formed should watch this video. Thanks for the video.

[@EASTSIDERIDER707]

Today the visibility was excellent as I drove west to my fishing spot on the Sacramento River. I’ve been in Yuba City since ‘63 and have camped and hiked when access was more relaxed. I miss those days.

[@paulking962]

Growing up in Northern California, I recall a pilot who was flying and had his Autopilot set and of all places to crash his plane he managed to hit Sutter buttes, the only mountain range in the middle of the Sacramento Valley. Talk about bad luck ☹

[@jtrain5647]

I enjoy the videos talking about isolated/extinct volcanic features since the entire lifecycle of the system can be viewed. Are there any other features/plugs/systems that you would find interesting to cover in regions that people would not look at as volcanic today?

[@brookeshaffer4377]

How about Castle Crags in Northern California?

[@711zuni]

I was up there this summer It’s a very interesting area I would also love to know more about it

[@tstahler5420]

I always figured that's where all the rock around Chico and Oroville came from. The Air Force had a Titan missile complex at the Buttes. A few years back a U2 from Beale, crashed in the buttes.

[@zapot66]

I live in Yuba City CA, Sutter county. The Sutter Buttes are amazing to see and visit. Recently I got a chance to travel the whole area and the landscape is beautiful. The back roads show different forms of lava dome then what one would see from Hwy 20. Very much iconic for California visitor should see.

[@conmckfly]

Thanks for doing this video. I grew up in the Sacramento Valley and no one in my K-12 education ever said a word about the Buttes - and that was many years ago. They always fascinated me. The other old volcanoes you mentioned in the area. like Berkeley, would be really interesting.

[@edsmith438]

I lived in South Placer most of my life and I've driven by it a million times but never got into it. It's most are all in private property but there is hiking I just never got around to it but it is a very interesting formation.

[@petuniasevan]

Lived near those (Chico area) 1979-1985 and 1988-1992. They are an unusual sight, indeed, there in the Sacramento Valley farmland. I miss that region.

[@chuckhursch5374]

Thank you for posting a video on the Sutter Buttes. I had read at some point that the Sutter Buttes were an extension southward of the Cascades, and other volcanic structures were even further south, hidden under the surface of the Sac and Central Valleys. These were made extinct as the Mendocino Triple Junction (MJT) slowly moved to the north. However, I’m really not viewing it that way anymore. As you indicated in the video, the reason for the magma intrusions is unknown, and I don’t know how the MJT’s position north-south position compares with the ages of the volcanic structures such as the one at ClearLake.

[@KaiserStormTracking]

Ah right on schedule my friend I got a question Mind remaking Kilauea and Mauna Loa and doing a video on Ambryam?

[@GeologyHub]

I will likely make separate Hawaiian volcano videos at a point in the future. As for Ambrym, it’s on my long list of volcanoes todo

[@KaiserStormTracking]

@@GeologyHub K

[@stevek1018]

Further west on Highway 395 in the Sierras is Mammoth Mountain. A very nice ski resort having its very own volcano. I was shakened awake one night in a motel there in town.

[@AParr-cp4ib]

Yikes! You talked about a "magma intrusion" that almost reached the surface that is west of the Sutter Buttes. . . but you didn't say WHERE! Dang! I have visited the Sutter Buttes once or twice, it would be cool to know where this second possible volcano might have been. . . so. . . where was it? :-)

[@instantinople3796]

Idk

[@gregp.80]

Clear Lake

[@AParr-cp4ib]

@@gregp.80 Clearlake? Hrm. I rather doubt it. What is your reference? Although west (and a bit south) of the Sutter Buttes, Clearlake is around eighty miles away from the Buttes. It seems unlikely (due to this distance) that any upwelling of magma related to the Sutter Buttes would be the same as that of Clearlake which, in fact, has more than an "upwelling of magma" - Clearlake has its own volcano - Mt. Konocti. Besides this distance, there is also a small range of hills between the Buttes and Clearlake, the upthrust of which (besides the distance) would surely have impeded any magma intrusions or flows between the two. Additionally, the composition of the materials are different - the lavas at Clearlake are basaltic-rhyolitic (much obsidian to be found at Clearlake) whereas the lavas at Sutter Buttes are mostly andesite-dacite (with a small bit of rhyolite thrown in here and there for good measure). No obsidian at the Sutter Buttes that I am aware of. I have visited both volcanoes. Please continue this discussion. I am interested. Thank you.

[@richdiddens4059]

@@gregp.80 I don't think the Clear Lake volcanoes fit the description. "Never reached the surface of the valley" and "only a few miles west." Probably somewhere around Colusa or, possibly, Williams.

[@Wallus81]

yay we got the buttes video now

[@catthecommentbothunter6890]

You should talk about an extinct volcano in Iceland but its very cool because you can go the magma chamber

[@1TakoyakiStore]

Its isolation reminds me of the Crazy Mountains in Montana.

[@sintheeugh6]

i love sutter buttes! it used to be an annual field trip at my elementary school.

[@bradleybriggs]

Morro Rock, Morro Bay, CA & Sugar Loaf, Virginia City, NV -- Thank You

[@macking104]

there are many videos and articles on those...

[@mikelouis9389]

That valley has many fascinating oddities. Far to the south near the Lancaster area there's a series of what looks to be small volcanic cones that stick out like sore thumbs. Ever hear of them?

[@marktwain368]

The minute you say 'oddities' I am immediately drawn to speculate whether the Missing 411 phenomenon is occurring here...check Dave Paulides' channel and books.

[@tacobetabri]

Cerra del mercado and Volcan Extincto please. Both in Mexico.

[@gregdavidd]

i would like to see more on geologic formations /processes in North America. Specifically not volcanoes because you have really covered those well by this point.

[@AParr-cp4ib]

Nah, lets stay with the volcanoes. They are my fave. ;-)

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

I wonder just how much volcanoes are affected when the polarity of Earth's poles have 'flipped' (sometimes hundreds of thousands--or millions--of years prior). That is to say: would the iron content within be vastly affected not only by shifting tectonics, but also... by shifting POLARITIES of the very molecules (of ferrous materials--such as iron)?

[@25scigirl]

Good video. I have been to Yuba City before, but I barely remember Sutter Buttes since it was such a long time ago. I would like to see this place again sometime and hopefully I will. The only problem is, we never go there because it snows in the mountains, even in the Summer time, but the snow is in the higher elevations. Is Sutter Buttes actually extinct, dormant, or maybe it is part of a volcanic belt? Some other volcanoes that you may want to cover are El Toro which is mentioned down below, The Diablo Mountain Range, Coso Volcanic Field, Big Cave, Big Pine Volcanic Field, Black Buttes, Blacks Mountain, Brushy Butte, Burney Mountain, Caribou, Cima Lava Field, Cinder Butte, Clear Lake, Copco Lake, Coso, Dittmar, Eagle lake and Eagle Lake Field, Golden Trout Creek, Goosenest, Hackamore, Inskip Hill, Latour Butte, Lava Mountains Volcanic Field, Lavic Lake, Magee Peak, Maidu, Medicine Lake, Pinto Basin-Salton Creek, Potato Butte, Rainbow Mountain, Red Lake Mountain, Salton Buttes, Sifford Mountain, Silver Lake, Snow Mountain, Table Mountain, Tumble Buttes, Twin Buttes, and Whaleback. All of these volcanoes are in California and since I do not know all of the ones you have done videos on, I may have mentioned a few that you have already done.

[@rogerhwerner6997]

Vulcanism in the Clear Lake area isn't extinct. Hot springs exist north and south of Clear Lake, in The Geyers Known Geothermal Resource Area to the south, west of Ukiah, and as southwest in Lake Sonom. I've been to all these hot springs. In the Geysers steam vents exit to the surface. Mount Konocti on Clear Lake's south shore is considered dormant, not extinct. Historically, steam has been reported venting from this volcano's peak.

[@oakhillclassroom4827]

Cal Pine Thermal Operations also benefits

[@giordanobruno1333]

Great vid on Sutter Buttes. It’s still privately owned. They do hike days several times a year. Consider yourself lucky if you get to explore this place. Do one on Pinnacles national monument. It’s not a whole volcano, it’s just half. Where’s the other half of the pinnacles volcano?

[@melodiefrances3898]

I have always wanted to visit this ...

[@AParr-cp4ib]

Hey, Mr. Geology Hub. . . first of all, let me say that I have really enjoyed watching your volcano series, but have a couple of comments on your Sutter Buttes volcano video. I lived near the Sutter Buttes for many years. . . I don't know that anyone there would describe it as "a towering volcano". At best, it is a small grouping of low and scenic hills (some taller than others) out in the middle of some of the best farmland in the United States. Many locals there don't even know that it IS a volcano, and will argue with you if you mention this fact to them. As for "the worlds smallest mountain range" this is pretty much PR hype probably produced by the Yuba City Chamber of Commerce - again, it is a small grouping of low hills - not a lot more than that. Certainly not a "mountain range" by any definition. The entirety of the Sutter Buttes is privately owned, except for a small parcel owned by the State of California somewhere in the interior of the Buttes. This parcel is "land-locked", and there is no public access. There is a road (or series of roads) that encircle the buttes, and the drive is spectacular, particularly in the springtime when everything is green - but, again, there is no public access to the interior. Sometimes hikes are organized (at least they were pre-pandemic) by an organization called The Middle Mountain Foundation. Keep up the good work! Looking forward to your next video. Thank you. :-)

[@eduardomendoza6411]

0:04 central part of the state? perhaps, if one is addressing the state laterally, as in side to side. Conventionally, this is in Northern California; central California ends some 60+ miles south of the Buttes formation.

[@mistysowards7365]

Very interesting. I imagine this whole area was a shallow sea and sutter butes was a volcanic island...

[@SeventhSwell]

Neat video. I used to live near this.

[@speedspeed121]

This morning I did a half marathon through the Buttes on Pass Rd.

[@naomiperreira1809]

The Sutter Buttes, aka The 3 Sisters to many locals, are easily seen not to far away in the West by anyone who is traveling on Highway 99 between Marysville and Yuba City in California. There are some very good places along Highway 99 between Marysville and Yuba City to stop and take pictures.

[@paulj.ingram2839]

Could you do a video about Moro Rock, Point Sur and similar features along the West Coast.

[@psychosneighbor1509]

Cool. I've driven up and down I-5 and gawked at 'those saw-tooth mountains' out there in the middle of nowhere for decades. Now I know... ;)

[@hannahg5216]

It was kind of wild driving into Grimes at night and seeing this as my eyes adjusted to the skyline.

[@ringhunter1006]

now I know for sure what it is thanks so much

[@udonenomee2117]

Could you show us a video on the geology of the southern tip of Lake Michigan? More specifically the movement over the last few thousand years as it relates to the heating and cooling of the Pleistocene. I live near the Indiana/Michigan border and I am very curious about our geology here. I imagine it has a lot to do with ice and water. We have old “dunes” here that are really just out of place considering the lake shore is about 45 miles away. I talked about it with high school science teachers but that was a long time ago. Ideas have changed and it would be great to see your take on it. There is apparently a fault line here too and many lakes that could be entertaining for various reasons.

[@David-wk6md]

I like the top down view Fertilized the the valley Please do the SF peaks near Flagstaff

[@jamesdunham1072]

I live in Wonder Valley, in the Mojave Desert, not far from Amboy Crater. Any geology vids of the this area would be greatly appreciated.... Thanx...

[@ADITADDICTS]

I drive through the Buttes every day to and from work.

[@NOONENOWHY1]

Wonderful. I am fond of Sutter Buttes

[@oakhillclassroom4827]

what is the lake called in the center of thr butes

[@davidsavage6227]

Topic request: Pinnacles volcano south of San Francisco. Thanks!

[@davidoneil9639]

I really wish you would do a video on Washington/Idaho flood basalts

[@snigwithasword1284]

Is there a distinction between lahars formed immediately by eruptions melting glaciers or disturbing other preexisting bodies of water, versus ash deposits being rapidly eroded by rainfall?

[@Marcus-ki1en]

How about the Pinacles National Monument here on the Monterey County, CA / San Benito County, CA Line (and the line of thermal springs from Slates Hot Springs on the Big Sur Coast, to the Tassajara Hot Springs in the Ventana Wilderness and Paraiso Springs on the edge of the Salinas Valley) They are all in a straight line from Pinacles to the Coast. There are also supposed to be thermal vents on the sea floor just off the coast.

[@mtlassen1992]

I grew up living all around the Sutter Buttes. I heard there were trails all through the Buttes, looked it up and saw its all privately owned land now, and the owners charge Disneyland prices to hike it in the name of "conservation". Ridiculous!

[@ADITADDICTS]

It's always been private land.

[@mtlassen1992]

@@ADITADDICTS And?

[@ADITADDICTS]

@@mtlassen1992 it was never public. It's been owned by the descendants of the first settlers since they pushed the Indians out. They only recently sold that 9.600 acres to the state in the late 90s early 2000. And yes there are actual roads that go through the middle of the Buttes past the large ponds/small lakes and comes out on the east side of Sutter through Dean place then Mark Evans ranch or by North Butte in several spots. Billmans pit or Michellie's property. So, you want to pay the Disney land prices or you want to do the tour for free? Just let me know before deer season if you can.

[@mtlassen1992]

@@ADITADDICTS I live in San Diego now, otherwise that would be cool to see. Speaking of deer, have you seen the albino deer that hang out around the Buttes?

[@ADITADDICTS]

@@mtlassen1992 Haven't seen them there but I know plenty of people that have. I HAVE seen a few around the river near colusa and meridian also up by Butte city/Princeton area. I usually don't hunt much anymore and usually just drive my bosses 85 year old uncle (he is the funniest mofo I swear) in my jeep around North Butte and west Butte until he gets his deer. Like a f'd up driving miss daily. Lol! You find your way back up here anytime and want to check them out then hit me up in the comments, I'm sure we can arrange something of a drive through. I promise no one will go deliverance on you! 😅

[@oldscuba]

More trivia.. Rocks and other materials from the Sierra Nevada's 40 miles to the East can be found on the high ridges and slopes of the Sutter Butte's. UCD and the Sutter County Museum in the past scheduled Hike's into the Butte's with Geologist's and Botanists, they may still do this, very interesting and the only way to hike them because the Butte's is all Private Property.

[@hellwithit]

Can see it from here now! Well. Not really. Too much smoke

[@tomcharter4127]

Very cool thank you I am looking at the Sutter Buttes right now

[@tombuffumjr1509]

There is a mountain range in north central Montana called the sweet grass hills. I have gotten deferent information about them would like to see more on them thank you

[@jeromeschlicker6629]

You should do a segment on the New England supervolcano

[@ACHistory]

There is no super-volcano in New England - although there is a unusual amount of magma deep, deep below (which will not erupt)

[@chrisrifkin3670]

@@ACHistory read an article that it is actually very slowly moving upwards...maybe 5 to 10 million years from now before it starts to become an issue

[@ACHistory]

@@chrisrifkin3670 It is moving upwards, but the mantle plume / upwelling isn't large enough to reach the surface - as I predict. Plus, even if it made it to the surface and did erupt (which is ridiculously unlikely), then it wouldn't be super-volcanic as the plume itself is only 125 miles in diameter - not even half of Yellowstone. Only part of this plume would hypothetically be raised further to erupt.

[@jeromeschlicker6629]

You can Google the new England supervolcano but there are programs on KZbin about it

[@macking104]

there was a east coast hotspot about 75 million years ago. If you look on google maps, you can see the New England seamounts trending NW-SE. Volcanos extend into New Hampshire and Canada. The hotspot stayed in same place, the crust moved. NOAA Oceanexplorer ROV was looking at those last week.

[@ReallyNo.01]

Could you please analyze the mud puddles south of California?

[@queeraf8669]

Hey, first of all, wonderful videos, makes geology very interesting. I have found a supervolcano between Quebec and Ontario, which is the Black River group, one giant caldera and two smaller, the complex being 3000 km2. I have this pdf explaining everything consorem2.uqac.ca/production_scientifique/2005_10/PearsonDaigneault09_BlakeRiverCaldera.pdf. Of course it is simply an idea, but would be nice because literally no one or just geology nerds knows about this supervolcano, which is extinct to this day.

[@dirtmover3670]

Some years ago I was flattening off the top of a hill 20 miles or so East of Marysville. I started bringing up vitrified rock.in fissures at the top of the hill. It seems magma intrusion made it's way well East as well.

[@gregorys6074]

Can see from my patio in Folsom

[@tycho3301]

A few miles west? Where exactly a few miles west is this intrusion?

[@andrewwilson9321]

Damn I was looking at this thing from a plane wondering what it is

[@kurtb8474]

I've lived near the Buttes all my life. They are not in the central valley of California. They are more toward the north part of the Sacramento Valley.

[@mistysowards7365]

Una Una next please...

[@letsgoblue9596]

I read it Sudder Butts and now I’m laughing.

[@FurryAzzre]

Glad someone else has a tainted mind.

[@OldTexasRed]

I know they're (thankfully) extinct but a video on Texas' big bend volcanic complex would be awesome. I'm not sure what the extinct volcanos in the big bend are actually called.

[@staceycatron7401]

There are cool agates in that area too!

[@brianmckee3991]

Can you do a video on Clear Lake? I'd love to learn about it as well.

[@ACHistory]

He has.

[@brianmckee3991]

@@ACHistory I'll look for it again. Thanks.

[@kmcc01]

If Sutter Butte is towering what is Mount Shasta?

[@therealjoshuacaleb4873]

Why are the flint hills in Kansas the way they are? How come we don't see a flat plain but instead an ocean of green wavy hills?

[@therealjoshuacaleb4873]

I would also add, is Eagletail Mountain in northeast New Mexico an old volcano? It is located approx 15miles south of Raton, and approx 80 miles west of Capulon. When i look at the mountain it looks exactly like an old shield volcano complete with cone, expansive plain below the cone that gently slopes down to a very steep lava rock apron that is approx 1000 feet high from the base to the top of the apron. The mountain ascends to 7716 feet above sea level. My own research has yeilded that it sits in a volcanic plain, but no evidence if it is a volcano or not. IT SURE LOOKS LIKE ONE THOUGH! :)

[@HerbisRGreen]

"...no other volcanic features in the vicinity." We might need a a definition for "vicinity." The Sutter Buttes sit almost dead center between Clearlake, The Sierra Buttes, Mt Lassen, Mt Shasta, and Yosemite. The Clearlake Volcanic Field is about 75 miles west, while the Sierra Buttes are about 75 miles east. Mt Lassen and Mt Shasta are about 200 miles north, while Yosemite is a little more than 200 miles south. I Geologic terms, the Sutter Buttes are definitely in the "vicinity" of other volcanoes. In one perspective, they could seem to continue the Ring of Fire from the Cascades to Shasta/Lassen, to Sutter Buttes, to Yosemite, to Long Valley and on south.

[@metalhead0274]

Just take a long look at the long string of peaks and mountains all along the western portion of the North American continent. The whole line of Cascades and everything else is basically formed as weak points where the Pacific Plate is subducting under the North American Plate. These are weak points where volcanism punched up through the plates meeting up . Nearly all of these peaks and mountains are or were at one time volcanic. Many are so old we really see no outward signs. For those living up near the Buttes..and if you are near the Chico area. You would be surprised how close you actually are to a volcanic active area. And it has only in recent history became less active. You are right next door to Richardson Springs. And not too long ago it had active hot springs and even had a large resort there. Sometime after the 70s it started to cool down and no longer be active hot springs. In order to be a hot spring it had to be actively volcanic .

[@gregturner5890]

California valley was a big lake..full at one time..but Sutter brutts has a foot print the sides of mount Shasta ..it was a big volcano at one time..it got eroded by being in the middle of an lake.. that's what the land telling me..🙄😁😎

[@ADITADDICTS]

Inland sea, not a lake.

[@richdiddens4059]

@@ADITADDICTS It was at first a large open bay of the ocean. Then it was closed off to form Lake Corcoran. At one time it drained further south along the Salinas River, got blocked off, then broke through the Carquinez Strait.

[@ADITADDICTS]

@@richdiddens4059 the central valley was under water far longer than the Sacramento valley. Around five million years ago when the great uplift of the Sierras occurred it raised the Sacramento valley draining it to the San Joaquin. The San Joaquin was under water from 80 million years to around 1.5 million if that's the time you're talking about, when it drained through Carquinas straights and eliminated the mothball fleet also nearly destroying the bridges in the process. That last part was stupid I know lol.