Don’t expect any volcanic activity, but few people realize there’s a 8,000 square mile volcanic field located in New Mexico, that long ago transformed the New Mexico into its current day landscape. These fields stretch across the state and tap into a single magma source. While extremely unlikely, potential still exists for future eruptions from dormant volcanoes in the field today, according to National Park Service. Learn more about the Raton-Clayton volcanic field in the northeastern part of the state:
More than 118 volcanoes are in this area.
Capulin Volcano National Monument/Facebook Mud Hill shown in the far upper area of the photo is considered a “grandma” of volcanoes, and may have been formed about 1.7 million years ago!
While most volcanoes here are considered monogenetic, meaning they erupt once only, there are others that are polygenetic, meaning they live longer and can erupt again.
Capulin Volcano National Monument/Facebook The park service considers this an important distinction when considering the likelihood of future eruptions. Any future eruptions in this area will likely involve the eruption of a new monogenetic cone, rather than from an existing volcano.
Pressure ridges can be seen in the area.
Capulin Volcano National Monument/Facebook They were created during an active lava flow. When the flowing lava began to harden, the still-liquid molten rock underneath pushed upward. What remained was raised mounds of lava rock.
Capulin Volcano erupted around 55,000 years ago.
Capulin Volcano National Monument/Facebook It is larger and considered a perfectly formed cinder cone volcano.
It has been designated as a National Monument because of its shape and features.
Capulin Volcano National Monument/Facebook Its unique shape is attributed to the eruption process and lava flowing from a vent located near the base of the volcano, called a boca.
Capulin’s boca has multiple vents and a diversity of volcanic attributes.
Capulin Volcano National Monument/Facebook Woodrow Wilson once proclaimed Capulin as “a perfect example of recent extinct volcanic activity.”
Capulin Volcano area is known for its springtime beauty.
Capulin Volcano National Monument/Facebook Hikers and adventurers enjoy the beautiful views, wildlife, bird watching, and wild flowers found here.
Birds like this Rock Wren like canyons and rocky terrain, making the landscape a preferred place for them to live.
Capulin Volcano National Monument/Facebook This wren piles pebbles in front of its nest entrance.
Erosion has taken its toll on the size of the volcano. An estimated 100 feet of Capulin has eroded away over the years.
Capulin Volcano National Monument/Facebook This photo was taken prior to 1936.
The first Capulin Volcano road was built in 1925, although it looks a lot different today.
Capulin Volcano National Monument/Facebook This photo was taken in the 1960s.
Other volcano fields also exist in New Mexico.
Capulin Volcano National Monument/Facebook The Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field is perhaps mentioned most often, but the state has numerous others as well. While scientists are not certain why there are volcanoes in the state, one theory is a continental rift, which is caused by the pulling apart of a single plate far below the earth’s crust.
Have you visited the Capulin Volcano National Monument, or any of the other volcano fields across the state? If so, what were your impressions? Do you have any photos or experiences to share?
Capulin Volcano National Monument/Facebook
Mud Hill shown in the far upper area of the photo is considered a “grandma” of volcanoes, and may have been formed about 1.7 million years ago!
The park service considers this an important distinction when considering the likelihood of future eruptions. Any future eruptions in this area will likely involve the eruption of a new monogenetic cone, rather than from an existing volcano.
They were created during an active lava flow. When the flowing lava began to harden, the still-liquid molten rock underneath pushed upward. What remained was raised mounds of lava rock.
It is larger and considered a perfectly formed cinder cone volcano.
Its unique shape is attributed to the eruption process and lava flowing from a vent located near the base of the volcano, called a boca.
Woodrow Wilson once proclaimed Capulin as “a perfect example of recent extinct volcanic activity.”
Hikers and adventurers enjoy the beautiful views, wildlife, bird watching, and wild flowers found here.
This wren piles pebbles in front of its nest entrance.
This photo was taken prior to 1936.
This photo was taken in the 1960s.
The Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field is perhaps mentioned most often, but the state has numerous others as well. While scientists are not certain why there are volcanoes in the state, one theory is a continental rift, which is caused by the pulling apart of a single plate far below the earth’s crust.
For related content, here are 10 ways to have the most New Mexico day ever.
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