New Mexico - Carrizozo(2)
Association
Estella Mae Wheeler
Dateca. 1961
MediumPaper and Ink
Dimensions5 × 8 in. (12.7 × 20.3 cm)
ClassificationsPhotography
Credit LineAlbuquerque Museum, gift of Caroline Bowdish
Object numberPA2021.049.227
Description4. As the lava flowed down the valley, the surface crust cooled & solidified, preserving the ropy surface corrugations that are characteristic of very fluid basalt flows. 5. Eruptions of fluid lava were interrupted at least three times by explosive episodes that built conical mounds of cinders, bombs, & ash about the mouth of the cave.
6. With time, the entire mass of lava cooled & crystallized to solid rock. Gaseous substances released, left bubble cavaties in upper curst. Strong winds blew sand and silt into pits & crevices in the malpais surface, providing suitable soil for some plant life. Scanty rains penetrated readily into the fractured, porous rock. Soon after, for shelter & sustenance came mammals, reptiles, & birds.
On View
Not on view
