Distribution of Quaternary rhyolite domes of the Coso Range, California: Implications for extent of the geothermal anomaly

Thirty-eight separate domes and flows of phenocryst-poor, high-silica rhyolite of similar major element chemical composition were erupted over the past 1 m.y. from vents arranged in a crudely S-shaped array atop a granitic horst in the Coso Range, California. Most of the extrusions are probably less than about 0.3 m.y. old. The area is one of Quaternary basaltic volcanism and crustal extension. The central part of the rhyolite field is characterized by high heat flow, low apparent resistivity, and substantial fumarolic activity indicative of an active geothermal system. The immediate source of heat for the surficial geothermal phenomena is probably a silicic magma reservoir that may still contain molten or partially molten material at a depth of at least 8 km beneath the central part of the rhyolite field. Outlying rhyolite extrusions probably reflect the presence of feeder dikes emanating from the reservoir beneath the central region. Azimuths of dikes appear to be parallel to the regional tectonic axis of maximum horizontal compression, analogous to some dike-fed flank eruptions on basaltic shields and andesitic stratovolcanoes. The areal extent of a magma reservoir and the present total heat content of the silicic magma system at Coso may be less than was previously estimated. However, the area is still considered to be one of significant geothermal potential.