Mojave National Preserve

Cinder Cones


 Cinder Cones Mojave NP

The skyline of Cima Dome is interrupted by the conical outlines of dozens of remarkably well-preserved volcanic cinder cones and black basalt lava flows. The earliest began about 7.6 million years ago and eruptions continued until at least 10,000 years ago, near the end of the most recent ice age.

Unlike the violently explosive eruptions that created the rocks of Hole-in-the-wall, cinder cones form when lava erupts as relatively benign liquid fountains. As lava is spewed through the air, it solidifies instantly, often preserving bubbles created by escaping gasses. If an eruption of this type continues long enough, fragments accumulate to form a cinder cone.

 


Cinder cones can develop very quickly. They typically end their lives with an outpouring of black basalt lava that flows across the landscape. Kelbaker Road passes through one of the youngest lava flows.

Cinder Cones Mojave NP

Probably the best example of recent volcanic activity (8,000-10,000 years ago) in the Mojave Desert is an area which contains more then 30 young volcanic cones clustered together on the surface of a series of older lava flows. Ailken's Mine Road provides an interesting side trip through the heart of this region.

 

 

For a Book and Map of the area see our
Mohave Road guide

 

Other locations to visit in Mojave Desert

 Amboy Crater
 Bristol Dry Lake
 Cinder Cones
 Goffs School
 Hole in the Wall
Kelso Depot
 Kelso Dunes
 Mitchell Caverns

 

 

 
Related DesertUSA Pages

 

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