Virtual Field Trip—Group 6
Geologic Features of the Carrizozo Malpais
We are a research and service division of:
Lava Tube
GPS Location: UTM13S,0414422,
3727357
The group
A lava tube, through which lava flowed, has collapsed to form a skylight. The tube collapse may have happened after cooling of the lava.
GPS Location: UTM 13S, 0414484,
3727273
The group
Ropes are formed as pahoehoe lava flows while the surface cools into a thin film. As the surface cools the lava builds upon itself and forms the ropes. The size of the rope depends on the viscosity of the lava. Notice the two different wavelengths of lava rope.
GPS Location: UTM 13S, 0414446,
3727297
The group
The tiny indentations in the rock are called vesicles. These vesicles are small cavities formed by the expansion of gas or steam bubbles during the solidification of volcanic rock. Notice the parallel alignment of the vesicles which indicates stress during their solidification.
GPS Location: UTM 13S, 0414431,
3727367
The group
This is a roof collapse feature commonly observed in lava tubes. As the roof of the tube collapsed, the side remained standing in place which created a fracture between the fallen roof and the standing side.
GPS Location: UTM 13S, 0414405,
3727418
The group
This fissure is a break in the solidified lava. Notice the absence of lava in this particular fissure.
GPS Location: UTM 13S,0414410,
3727430
The group
In this picture, notice the filling on the lava formations with soil and vegetation. The fine-grained soil was blown in from the surrounding terrain. The infilling is a very slow process taking thousands of years of wind erosion.
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