A Plateau                                              -      N     NE 
(-------------------------------------------------)     W <---(M)---> E
                                                        -      -      -

At the south end of the plateau the horizontal ground meets a nearly
vertical edge going straight up.  Most volcanoes gentle cascade down as the
lava flows but the lava doesn't seem to flow to this side anymore, so it is
pretty safe but it also allows the elements to carve the mountain as it sees
fit.