How does volcanic activity create mountain-like landforms in deserts?

Not all desert mountains are made by tectonic uplift; some are volcanic. In arid regions, lava flows and explosive eruptions can build cones, lava domes, and broad volcanic plateaus that stand above the surrounding plain. Because deserts often have sparse vegetation and low rainfall, volcanic landforms may remain exposed and sharply visible for a long time. Examples include cinder cones and basaltic fields in the deserts of the American Southwest and parts of the Sahara. These volcanic features can dominate the landscape even where precipitation is minimal.