Malheur Butte
Posted by: Groundspeak Premium Member Volcanoguy
N 43° 59.137 W 117° 05.975
11T E 492014 N 4870280
Geologic history sign titled “Malheur Butte” located at viewpoint east of Vale.
Waymark Code: WMAZ93
Location: Oregon, United States
Date Posted: 03/14/2011
Published By:Groundspeak Premium Member TheBeanTeam
Views: 8

Marker Name: Malheur Butte
Marker Text: Between 20 and 15 million years ago, the region from north-central Washington to northeastern California experienced a series of volcanic eruptions and basalt lava floods that covered thousands of square miles. These ancient lava floods often dammed streams, creating lakes and swamps that may have lasted for millions of years before filling with sediment or draining as erosion slowly lowered their outlets. The western Snake River plain contained many such lakes and geologists believe that between 8 and 2 million years ago, “Lake Idaho” covered much of central eastern Oregon. Sediment deposited in this lake once probably covered malheur Butte, and during the last 2 million years the Malheur River and other eroding forces slowly exposed and shaped today’s landmark. Although Malheur Butte has been inactive for millions of years, Malheur County is still alive with geothermal activity in the form of hot springs. Today, Oregon Trail Mushroom uses geothermal energy at their processing plant in Vale, and efforts are being made to further utilize this unique energy source throughout the county.

Historic Topic: Geological

Group Responsible for placement: State of Oregon

Marker Type: Roadside

Region: Eastern Oregon

County: Malheur

State of Oregon Historical Marker "Beaver Board": Not listed

Web link to additional information: Not listed

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Recent Visits/Logs:
Date Logged Log User Rating  
Phydux visited Malheur Butte 02/22/2014 Phydux visited it
Volcanoguy visited Malheur Butte 09/22/2010 Volcanoguy visited it

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