Cinder Cone (British Columbia)

A cinder cone in British Columbia is a type of volcano characterized by its steep, conical shape formed from the accumulation of tephra, primarily cinders, ash, and volcanic bombs. These cones are typically formed during Strombolian or Hawaiian-style eruptions, where relatively low-viscosity lava is ejected into the air and cools rapidly, solidifying into the tephra that builds the cone.

Cinder cones in BC are often associated with larger volcanic fields and can occur in clusters. They are usually relatively small in size compared to stratovolcanoes or shield volcanoes, ranging in height from tens to hundreds of meters. The flanks of a cinder cone are composed of loose, unconsolidated tephra, making them susceptible to erosion.

The composition of the tephra varies depending on the specific volcano and its magma source. Basaltic and andesitic compositions are common. Many cinder cones in British Columbia are of Holocene or Pleistocene age, indicating relatively recent volcanic activity.

Important features of cinder cones include a crater at the summit, often breached on one side due to lava flows or collapse. Associated lava flows may emanate from the base of the cone, spreading across the surrounding landscape. The presence of cinder cones provides valuable information about the volcanic history and potential hazards of a region. In British Columbia, cinder cones contribute to the province's diverse geological landscape and are often studied to understand past volcanic activity and assess potential future eruptions.