Discover The Mormon Volcanic Field: A Geological Marvel In Northern Arizona

The Mormon Volcanic Field, spanning 2,000 square miles in northern Arizona, is a geological wonderland formed by volcanic activity between 1-5 million years ago. Its numerous vents, cinder cones, and lava flows have sculpted the landscape, creating a diverse topography dominated by the San Francisco Mountain caldera. The field’s rich geological formations, including basalt, andesite, and dacite, offer insights into volcanic processes on the Colorado Plateau.

The Mormon Volcanic Field: A Geological Giant

Nestled in the heart of Northern Arizona, just south of Flagstaff, lies a geological marvel that spans over 2,000 square miles—the Mormon Volcanic Field. This ancient volcanic playground is a testament to the power of nature, showcasing an array of awe-inspiring formations that stand as silent sentinels to its fiery past.

Within the vast expanse of the Mormon Volcanic Field, you’ll encounter an array of geological wonders. Towering cinder cones, remnants of explosive eruptions, dot the landscape, while sprawling lava flows have frozen in time, creating otherworldly lava fields. The centerpiece of this volcanic spectacle is San Francisco Mountain, an ancient stratovolcano that rises an impressive 8,080 feet, with its snow-capped peak dominating the horizon.

A Historical Retrospective: Ages and Location

Venture with us through the annals of time as we unravel the captivating story of the Mormon Volcanic Field, a geological marvel that has forged a remarkable landscape in Northern Arizona.

Scientists estimate the field’s age to be between 1 and 5 million years old, a testament to the enduring legacy of its volcanic activity. This volcanic sanctuary, located near the vibrant city of Flagstaff, has played a significant role in shaping the terrain of the Colorado Plateau.

Nestled between the Coconino National Forest and the San Francisco Peaks, the Mormon Volcanic Field spans an area of 2,000 square miles, making it one of the most extensive volcanic fields in the Southwest. Its awe-inspiring grandeur can be attributed to numerous volcanic vents and cinder cones that have contributed to the dramatic topography.

Dimensions and Topography: A Volcanic Oasis

The Mormon Volcanic Field, sprawling across 2,000 square miles of Northern Arizona, is a geological masterpiece of epic proportions. Its volcanic landscape, sculpted by countless eruptions, presents a captivating canvas of fascinating formations.

One of the field’s most striking features is the massive caldera, a vast sunken depression formed by the collapse of a volcano’s magma chamber. Surrounding the caldera is the majestic San Francisco Mountain, a dormant volcano that towers 8,080 feet above sea level. This iconic peak, known locally as “The Peaks,” is the highest point in the state of Arizona.

The caldera and San Francisco Mountain are just two of the many geological wonders that make the Mormon Volcanic Field a captivating destination for explorers. Its vast expanse is dotted with numerous cinder cones and volcanic vents, each telling a unique story of the volcanic forces that shaped this region.

Volcanic Activity: A Symphony of Eruptions

The Mormon Volcanic Field is a captivating canvas of volcanic artistry, boasting numerous vents and cinder cones that paint the landscape with their distinct forms. These structures serve as telltale signs of the intense volcanic activity that once shaped this region. Cinder cones, like miniature volcanoes with steep sides and a central crater, stand as monuments to the explosive eruptions that spewed ash and cinder high into the sky. Larger vents, known as shield volcanoes, gently slope outward from their central point, showcasing the quieter, effusive eruptions that produced vast lava flows.

The rocks of the Mormon Volcanic Field tell a tale of diverse volcanic activity. Basalt, a dark, fine-grained rock, forms the majority of the lava flows that dominate the region. Andesite, a slightly lighter and more silica-rich rock, appears in some flows and domes. Dacite, an even lighter and more explosive rock, is found in smaller quantities, adding an element of variety to the volcanic tapestry.

The lava flows that erupted from the Mormon Volcanic Field were truly transformative forces, sculpting the landscape into its present-day form. They flowed across the land, carving channels and creating unique geological features. Some flows reached as far as the Grand Canyon, leaving behind remnants of their journey in the form of lava tubes and cinder deposits. Other flows cooled and solidified, forming prominent mesas and buttes that stand as silent witnesses to the region’s volcanic past.