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In Lava Beds National Monument (Northern California), this is the Schonchin Butte, which is one of many cinder cones that has erupted in the area. It was built when a volcanic vent opened at ground level and spewed out cinders and small globs of lava that hardened before they landed. The falling fragments collected in a cone around the vent. Note the fire lookout tower at the top. (09/29/2004)