Craters of the Moon National Monument – Image Gallery
Craters of the Moon National Monument
The Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho is a unique and otherworldly landscape of ancient lava flows, cinder cones, and lava tubes.
Details
Craters of the Moon National Monument
The Craters of the Moon National Monument is located in central Idaho and is a unique landscape that was formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago. The area is known for its vast expanse of lava fields, cinder cones, and volcanic craters, which create a stark and otherworldly landscape.
Features
- Lava Flows: The monument is covered in over 25 lava flows ranging in age from 15,000 to 2,000 years old. These lava flows have created a rugged and rocky terrain that stretches for miles.
- Cinder Cones: The monument is dotted with cinder cones, which are small volcanic mounds made up of loose volcanic rock. Visitors can hike to the top of some of these cinder cones for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Spatter Cones: Spatter cones are another unique feature of Craters of the Moon. These volcanic formations are created when blobs of lava are ejected from a vent and then cool into solid rock.
- Caves: The monument is home to several lava tube caves, which were formed when the outer layer of a lava flow cooled and hardened while the molten lava inside continued to flow. Visitors can explore some of these caves on guided tours.
Ecological Significance
Despite its harsh and seemingly barren landscape, Craters of the Moon is home to a surprising variety of plants and animals that have adapted to the extreme conditions. The monument is an important habitat for a number of rare and endangered species, including the sagebrush lizard and the northern sage grouse.
Additionally, the monument plays a crucial role in preserving the unique geological features of the area and serves as a reminder of the power and unpredictability of volcanic activity. It is also a popular destination for researchers studying volcanic processes and the effects of volcanic eruptions on the surrounding environment.
Craters of the Moon National Monument
Points of Interest
Points of Interest in Craters of the Moon National Monument
- Spatter Cones: These cone-shaped formations are created by molten lava erupting from the ground and solidifying in place. Visitors can hike to these unique structures and marvel at their intricate details.
- Cinder Cones: These conical mounds of volcanic debris are a common sight in the monument. Visitors can hike to the tops of some of these cinder cones for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Lava Tubes: These underground caves are formed when lava flows harden on the outside while the molten lava continues to flow inside. Visitors can explore some of these lava tubes with a flashlight and witness the unique rock formations inside.
- Devil's Orchard: This area of the park is known for its unique rock formations and vibrant wildflowers. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through this beautiful landscape and observe the diverse plant life that thrives in the harsh volcanic environment.
- North Crater Flow Trail: This hiking trail takes visitors through a rugged landscape of lava flows and cinder cones. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding area and allows visitors to experience the raw power of volcanic activity up close.
Craters of the Moon National Monument – Images
Description: Craters of the Moon National Monument is located in southern Idaho in the Snake River Plain. The Snake River Plain was formed by a series of giant eruptions which started 16 million years ago. The COM flows were erupted between 15,000 and 2,100 years ago. The hotspot that created the eruptions is now under Yellowstone. The COM has some of the best examples of open rift cracks in the world. There are excellent examples of almost every variety of basaltic, as well as tree molds, lava tubes, and many other volcanic features. The image was acquired July 14, 2006, covers an area of 65.2 by 75.4 km, and is located at 43.5 degrees north, 113.5 degrees west.
Image by NASA/METI/AIST/Japan Space Systems, and U.S./Japan ASTER Science Team – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Craters of the Moon National Monument; by: Bob Wick, BLM
Image by BLMIdaho – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia
Description: Craters of the Moon National Monument - Idaho
Image by Doug Kerr from Albany, NY, United States – CC BY-SA 2.0 – Wikimedia
Description: Craters of the Moon National Monument - Idaho
Image by Doug Kerr from Albany, NY, United States – CC BY-SA 2.0 – Wikimedia
Description: Craters of the Moon National Monument - Idaho
Image by Doug Kerr from Albany, NY, United States – CC BY-SA 2.0 – Wikimedia
Description: Craters of the Moon National Monument - Idaho
Image by Doug Kerr from Albany, NY, United States – CC BY-SA 2.0 – Wikimedia
Description: Craters of the Moon National Monument - Idaho
Image by Doug Kerr from Albany, NY, United States – CC BY-SA 2.0 – Wikimedia
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