Ocate volcanic field
The Ocate volcanic field (also known as the Mora volcanic field) is a monogenetic volcanic field located in the eastern Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northern New Mexico.[1] About 8.12 million years ago, basaltic volcanoes began to erupt in the Ocate area. Fourteen eruptive pulses have been recognized.[2]
| Ocate volcanic field | |
|---|---|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,800 to 3,000 meters (5,900 to 9,800 ft)[1] |
| Coordinates | 36.12°N 104.75°W [1] |
| Geography | |
| Location | Mora County, New Mexico, United States |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | 8.3 - 0.8 million years[1] |
| Mountain type | Volcanic field |
An unusual feature of the Ocate volcanic field is that the oldest basaltic flows form the highest mesas, and the youngest flows form surfaces lower in elevation. This reverse stratigraphy occurred because after the older flows were erupted about 8.3–5.7 m.y. ago on a relatively flat alluvial plain, the entire area was uplifted, and canyons were cut into the older basalt flows. Younger basalt flows then filled the major stream canyons. When uplift ceased, the youngest basalt flows of the Ocate volcanic field flowed on top of intermediate-aged flows.[2]
References
- Wood, Charles A.; Jűrgen Kienle (1993). Volcanoes of North America. Cambridge University Press. pp. 293–294. ISBN 0-521-43811-X.
- "Coyote Creek State Park". Virtual Geologic Tour of New Mexico. New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources. 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-27.
External links
- Olmsted, Brian W.; William C. McIntosh (2004). "40Ar/39Ar geochronology of the Ocate volcanic field, northcentral New Mexico" (PDF). New Mexico Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources. New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources. Bulletin 160: 297–308. Retrieved 2008-08-27.