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:
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.
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.
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?
