Modoc County

A unique feature of Modoc County is its significant lava covered plateau, a result of major regional tectonic activity. Two important geologic formations found in the northeastern portion of the plateau are of particular interest to earth scientists: the Warner Mountain Range and the Surprise Valley fault. Radon gas escaping through fractures associated with the fault can be used to map its precise location. Students from Surprise Valley and Modoc High Schools are assisting in this research.