One assignment you have deals with informing the US Congress about the efficacy of switching control of the Valles Caldera National Preserve to the National Park Service. As with any place-based consulting position, your first task is to inform yourself about the study area, conditions under which the existing governance was formed, and legal mandates for the management agency.
Your first content-related blog entries should respond to THIS blog entry, not the opening blog entry. Here is your first set of questions. Answer them as completely as possible and use your own interpretation when necessary. While there are no completely correct or perfect answers there are good answers and bad answers... defensible answers and non-defensible answers. Read the appropriate Valles Caldera documentation provided in Blackboard, together with any other reading material you discover. Keep in mind you will be required to cite any information you use so that you avoid plagiarism. For help with correct citations the following is an excellent source:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/2/10/
So, unless your statements are completely your own, or are independent conclusions, you MUST provide a citation for any borrowed ideas or quotations.
Below are your questions:
- In your own words how the Valles Caldera was formed. Use diagrams, either your own or others (don't forget to citations!) to assist you in your description.
- In your informed (yes this means reading and looking at pictures) opinion, what are the properties that make it worthy of preservation?
- Evaluate, again based on informed opinion, whether you believe the Valles Caldera should be preserved. Why or why not?
As you encounter other posts, respond to those that inspire you, those that trouble you, those about which you have questions, or those that you just find intriguing. Please stay on topic (the answering of the three questions). Take time to argue, praise, contribute to, correct, and otherwise see to learn more about these questions. REMEMBER TO REPLY TO THE CONTENT NOT THE PERSON POSTING!!!!! Be kind, be gentle, be fair but most of all, be curious and focused on learning as much as you can.
Feel free to contact me directly via e-mail, skype or phone if you in need of help.
Dr. DeMers
1) The Valles Caldera is located in New Mexico, USA, is the younger of the two calderas formed there during the Pleistocene. A caldera is a large, basin-like depression resulting from the explosion of a volcano; Valles Cladera is 22 km (13.5 miles) wide. It is a Pleistocene-Fumarolic status volcano, which means that the last dated eruption occurred prior to the last 10,000 years and that there is thermal activity reaching the surface, which includes hot springs, gysers, and gases. The lower section of the caldera was formed about 1.7 million years ago, the latest occurred about 1.2 million years ago: these created the majority of the caldera. The last major eruption occurred 1 million year ago. Later eruptions formed the Redondo Peak, in addition to several resurgent volcan domes, making it a complex caldera. The youngest eruption occurred 50,000-60,000 year ago, and modern geothermal activity includes hot springs and fumaroles (steam and gas emissions) (Smithsonian Institute 2011).
ReplyDelete2) The properties that make the Caldera worthy of preservation are its natural setting, long history of occupation, and its past and future contributions to the scientific study of volcanos and natural habitat systems. The grass valleys are prime grazing land for elk, and are home to many types of flora and fauna (Valles Caldera National Preserve 2005). It is its own, self-contained watershed. It has a long history of prehistoric occupation, dated by the discovery of 11,000 year old spear points, with the Bandelier National Monument cliff dwellings adjacent to the Caldera. Obsidian from the Caldera was traded across the Southwest, and Spanish, Mexican, and US used it for seasonal grazing for cattle and sheep, which continues today. It is one of three active calderas in the state, within which resurgent volcano domes section it into five sections of treeless valleys and forested domes. There is limited access, guided tours, and several trail systems for hiking and horseback riding (Beck 2007). In my opinion, its natural, cultural, and geologic properties make it ideal for preservation efforts.
3) The Valles Caldera should be preserved for its cultural, natural, and geologic value. Its limited access has protected it from looting, its connection to the Bandelier National Monument and its cliff dwellings make it ideal for new and continued studies of the prehistoric elements it contains. In addition, the study of previous owners, a farming family, that owned the caldera previously would allow for a better understanding of farming methods and history in the area. The closed environment is an important resource for wild and domesticated faunal populations, as well as an important area for the preservation of faunal and floral diversity. In addition, because the Caldera is one of only three active calderas in New Mexico, it is important to the future study of volcano systems in the Southwest, both scientifically and for the public.
References Cited
Beck, Jenna
2011 A secret Garden: New Mexico’s Valle Caldera. Electronic Document, http://www.geotimes.org/july07/article.html?id=Travels0707.html accessed 3/4/2012
Smithsonian Institute
2011 Valles Caldera. Electronic Document, http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=121002-D accessed 3/4/2012. Global Volcanism Program.
Valles Caldera National Preserve
2005 Science. Electronic document, http://www.vallescaldera.gov/science/ accessed 3/4/2012
Nice work, Andrea. Keep it up.
DeleteNice write up with great information. You mentioned something I didn't and agree with 100%, which is that the Valles Caldera should be preserved because of the scientific study that needs to be done on it. Good Job!
DeleteIn question two I believe what you state about the Caldera watershed is for me the most important feature of them all to protect. Without the fresh clean water none of the Native Americans living around the Caldera would exist. I think we can take something from the fact that there no pueblos in their source of water but in the watershed below.
DeleteI also think your mention of prehistoric occupation shows it was an important site for early humans as well.
1. In your own words how the Valles Caldera was formed. Use diagrams, either your own or others (don't forget to citations!) to assist you in your description.
ReplyDeleteThe Valles Caldera was formed by a series of major eruptions and ended with the eruption of the Bandelier Tuff eruption 1 million years ago. Uplift formed a dome in the center of the caldera after the completion of the eruption cycles. The last eruptions occurred 130000 years ago but there is still geothermal activity within this region.
(Global Volcanism Program)
2. In your informed (yes this means reading and looking at pictures) opinion, what are the properties that make it worthy of preservation?
Hunter’s may marvel at the game present in the Caldera. The presence of Elk and Wild Turkey make this an ideal spot for hunting parties. There is also abundant trout fishing from the San Antonio Creek and the Jaramillo Creek. These rivers fill holes that house many trout. Other activities are hiking that is guided or non-guided, skiing, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, and horseback riding and there are cabin rentals in the park.
(vallescaldera.gov)
3. Evaluate, again based on informed opinion, whether you believe the Valles Caldera should be preserved. Why or why not?
On one hand the National Park Service could guarantee that the Valles Caldera could be secured form human destruction, pollution, and activities such as development that could put a strip mall and a McDonald’s right in the center of the dome. That is the only guarantee it still does not save the park from acts of God. I believe the park should be preserved without too many restrictions. Many of the activities such as horseback riding, hunting, and fishing would begin to be restrictive.
Work Sited
"Global Volcanism Program | Valles Caldera | Summary." Smithsonian Institution. Web. 07 Mar. 2012. .
Holmes, Arthur, and Peter McLaren Donald. Duff. Holmes' Principles of Physical Geology. London: Chapman & Hall, 1993. Print.
"Facility Rental Overview." Valles Caldera National Preserve. Web. 07 Mar. 2012.
Very well done, Carlos.
DeleteYou make a good point about ensuring that the area remains open to hunters and fishermen and others. What do you think would have to be done to ensure that restrictions do not become a burden but ensure true preservation of the area?
DeleteI like your point that development could put a McDonald's in the center of the dome (which may not be a great idea just in the terms of possible destruction if another eruption occurs), but I'm a bit confused by what you mean by activities such as riding and hunting beginning to be restrictive. Could you clarify what you mean?
DeleteGreat job Carlos. I really liked your last paragraph on what they could do to change it like we've seen with other beautiful landscapes. It would not be far off to imagine them placing a strip mall in the middle of the land. I think maybe you meant with all of the activities that are offered now,if they took control than they may also take control of the activities and we would no longer be able to go horse back riding there or hunting. There has to be a solution where they can regulate pollution without taking away the recreational use for the public. What do you think?
DeleteI really enjoyed your thoughts.
1) How was the Valles Caldera formed?
ReplyDeleteThe Valles Caldera National Preserve was created from the remains of a million year old volcanic eruption located in northern New Mexico. The eruptions that occurred approximately 1.2 million years ago formed the caldera through large quantities of ash and lava that was left behind. The large deposit of ash formed tufts that surrounded the Jemez Mountains that then in turn sunk the land in on itself to create the enormous basin of the Valles Caldera. Furthermore, the Valles Caldera collapsed and buried the Toledo Caldera due to the eruption 1.2 million years ago. The Caldera and areas surrounding are still forming due to continuous volcanic activity (geothermal systems, hot springs, and fumaroles). (Beck, 2007)
2) What are the properties that make it worthy of preservation?
The Valles Caldera is worthy of preservation due to its historical volcanic activity and ancient existence, environment, wildlife, nature, and inhabitants. Due to the Valles Caldera’s historical existence, humans can better understand the development of the earth through research of the caldera as well as discover future outcomes that society/the environment may encounter. The Valles Caldera is known for having its own self-sustaining watershed; this alone makes it very worthy of preservation due to the availability of water that is slowly diminishing in most areas of New Mexico. Furthermore, the ancient artifacts and cliff dwellings located near the caldera are essential to the preservation of history and cultures. (Beck, 2007) Ongoing research through topics such as; geology, archaeology, cultural history or botany are being conducted in the Valles Caldera to gain understanding of its nature, history and future impacts therefore preservation is vital to sustain these properties and education (Valles Caldera National Preserve , 2005).
3) Why or why not? Should the Valles Caldera be preserved?
The Valles Caldera should be preserved due its historical existence. As a result of volcanism a magnificent sculpted and well-preserved complex landscape features exist. Therefore, to sustain its purity and no further impacts of companies, loggers, wrongful intruders, it is essential for society to protect is heritage and current state so that society can better understand the environment and its historical past and present. Furthermore, it should be persevered for the current inhabitants that have made the caldera their home for centuries such as elk. The caldera is an essential element of the environment, harm to it will create future problems and disturb the cycle of life.
“It is an enduring truth, which can never be altered, that every infraction of the Law of nature must carry its punitive consequences with it. We can never get beyond that range of cause and effect.”
~Thomas Troward~
References:
Beck, J. (2007). A Secret Garden: New Mexico’s Valles Caldera. Geotimes; earth, energy, and enviorment news, 1-4.
Valles Caldera National Preserve . (2005). Valles Caldera National Preserve. Retrieved March 8, 2012, from Valles Caldera : http://www.vallescaldera.gov/education/
Bridgette, You have done a very good job her. I like your justification for preservation.
Deleteself-sustaining watershed is a reason alone to preserve Valles Caldera, couldn't agree more. Great Job.
DeleteBring water conservation into the argument for preservation is well done, particularly in the current drought we are having. I also really like your quote at the end!
DeleteI really like your quote at the end. I think it flows perfectly with your thoughts on the caldera. I agree with Rebecca about the water! Good job
Delete1.
ReplyDeleteThe word caldera comes from the word caldaria, which means cooking pot. This gives us a glimpse into the volcanic history of the Valles Caldera. A large, circular collapsed area defines a geologic caldera (Tarbuck). The formation of the Valles Caldera dates back over 1.2 million years. At this time, another previously formed geologic feature known as the Toledo Caldera became the subject of a new wave of volcanic eruptions. The Valles Caldera was formed when around 292 cubic kilometers of the earths crust were displaced by the eruptions. To put this in perspective, this is approximately 100 times the amount of earth moved by the Mount St Helens eruption in the 1980s. This left a substantial void under the surface of the earth, which collapsed into the void to form the Valles Caldera (Valles Caldera Trust).
2.
The Valles Caldera has countless features that, in my opinion, make it worthy of preservation. Looking at it from a historical and cultural perspective, the Valles Caldera has been inhabited as far back as 9500 BC. This makes it an area of important cultural significance. It also provides a unique area for a variety of scientific study. Researchers from around the country have come to the Valles Caldera to study everything from geology, plant and animal species, water, meteorology, and a variety of other subjects. Preserving the Valles Caldera will allow this type of academic research to continue into the future. There is also a wealth of natural resources in the Valles Caldera. These natural resources range from subsurface minerals to geothermal energy to wildlife and plantlife. The Valles Caldera is also a place of religious significance to Native Americans and Pueblos throughout the area. This has been the center of many religious activities for centuries and as people who inhabited these lands long before the formation of the United States, they deserve to maintain the integrity of these holy grounds. The Valles Caldera provides a wealth of recreational activities ranging from hunting and fishing to hiking and cross country skiing to wildlife viewing and many others. I think that with so many unique aspects, it would be a shame to do anything other than preserve the Valles Caldera (Valles Caldera Trust).
3.
Based on all of the properties that I mentioned in response to question 2, I believe that the Valles Caldera should be preserved. It is a very unique place and holds a wealth of significant cultural, scientific, historic, religious, and recreational opportunities. In a time when wild areas are being destroyed in pursuit of development, I think that it’s important to maintain areas such as this. The variety and extent of the resources found here make the Valles Caldera stand out with regard to its significance.
Preserving the area may have a different definition depending on who you talk to. Some would say that applying a wilderness designation is the only way to do it, others may say that adopting it into the National Parks System would be the correct path. Personally, I believe that its position as a National Preserve might be the best way. Changing its status would significantly change the activities that are allowed within the Valles Caldera. Today, it’s open to a variety of different groups who all enjoy the area for a variety of reasons. Maintaining that is in my opinion, the definition of preservation.
Works Cited
Tarbuck, Edward J. Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology. Pearson Printing, n.d.
Valles Caldera Trust. Valles Caldera National Preserve - Framework and Strategic Guidance for Comprehensive Management. n.d.
Very thorough and nicely thought out, Lee.
DeleteGood way of putting it.."Today, it’s open to a variety of different groups who all enjoy the area for a variety of reasons. Maintaining that is in my opinion, the definition of preservation". I agree, Changing this would change the Valles Caldera greatly, for the worse.
Deletelee you make a good case to leave the valles calderas a preserve, after reading your blog, I strongly agree that the best option for future preservation would be through the national preserve.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe Valles Caldera was formed from a series of volcanic activity for the past 4 million years, peaked by a massive explosion 1.22 million years ago by the Toledo Caldera. To envision to amount of geological activity that took place, one can compare the 2.8 cubic kilometers that expelled by mount St. Helen in 1980 to the 292 cubic kilometers of matter that the Valles Caldera ejected into the area. During this violent geological time of the Caldera, 10 domes were formed, approximately one every 100,000 years. With all of the material that was being removed from beneath the crust and propelled across the landscape the newly added weight could not be supported by the weakened structure, thus a collapse of the Valles Caldera. Upon the collapse a bowl shaped valley formed creating the grasslands, forests, and streams that the Valles Caldera is known for today.
ReplyDeleteThe 89,000 acre preserve has many qualities that are worthy of being protected. There are many species that call the Caldera home, but of those elk are the most noted due to the population increase within the last 50 years. It is also a prime spot for people to be education on topics such as geology, history, or biology. Aside from the natural beauty of the mountains, grasslands, springs, and forest that is now available to the public there are a variety of sports that should are vital aspects of preservation. Visitors to Valles Caldera can participate in hiking, skiing, fishing, or hunting depending on the season. With all of these activities that it offers the Valles Caldera deserves to be preserved.
The Valles Caldera should be preserved because of its rich cultural and geological history. Archeological sites within the preserve give an idea of the importance the area played in Native American’s lives. Artifacts found such as obsidian show the area to be hunting grounds; wooden remains link the use of tools and ranching to the Valles Caldera lands. These sites remind us of the important history of New Mexico. Along with preserving a living museum of the Native lifestyle, being able to see firsthand the serine landscape that is a result of a violent geological past should be preserved for future generations.
Sources
The Valles Caldera Trust. Valles Caldera National Preserve: Framework and Strategic Guidance for Comprehensive Management.
Valles Caldera National Preserve. Retrieved from: http://www.vallescaldera.gov/
Thank you, Kara. Well done!
DeleteVery detailed! Great job. You touched on some aspects I overlooked.
Delete1. In your own words how the Valles Caldera was formed. Use diagrams, either your own or others (don't forget to citations!) to assist you in your description.
ReplyDeleteThe Valles Caldera is considered to be a crater that was formed approximately 1.2 million years ago when the earth collapsed in the Jemez Mountains of Northern New Mexico after a cataclysmic eruption took place (Frequently Asked Questions/History, 2000). This collapsed volcanic crater formed is due to the fact that, after the eruption, the empty chamber that held the magma could not hold the earth above it causing it to collapse. This collapse created this cratered area that is about 12 miles in diameter and is considered to be located in the middle of a lava field (Frequently Asked Questions/History, 2000). According to VallesCaldera.com, as the bowl of the Caldera formed it made it impossible for precipitation to escape which in turn created many of the lakes that are in the area today (2000). In turn, the magma below actually pushed the caldera floor causing it to rise in the center which is, today, known as Redondo Peak or a resurgent dome (See image 1). Finally, the ring fracture domes formed around the caldera causing a ring fracture that is roughly circular along where the earth collapsed that formed the caldera. In the end, Redondo Peak and the ring fracture displaced enough water that it was able to flow over the caldera creating many of the canyons, springs, and lakes throughout its history (Frequently Asked Questions/History, 2000).
2. In your informed (yes this means reading and looking at pictures) opinion, what are the properties that make it worthy of preservation?
I believe there are many components that make the Valles Caldera Park worthy of its preservation. First of all this area has a large amount of diversity throughout the land allowing many different activities to for the public to use and enjoy the area such as: Equestrian trails, fishing, numerous amounts of hiking trails, a mountain bike trail, a couple of running trails, a hunting area for elk, and a couple of skiing trials (Valles Caldera National Preserve, 2005). The atmosphere, the beautiful scenery of the landscape, and preserving certain areas as a working ranch itself is a property worthy to preserve this area (Valles Caldera National Preserve, 2005). Overall the numerous amounts of uses and diversity of the landscape make this area worth of preservation.
3. Evaluate, again based on informed opinion, whether you believe the Valles Caldera should be preserved. Why or why not?
I believe the Valles Caldera should be preserved mainly due in part that this is such a vast area of land that not many people in today’s world see other than Yellow Stone National Park. This is a large landscape that it has something for everyone to enjoy. With such a diversified area like this preserved it can be useful for research studies of volcanic calderas, enjoyment of the natural scenery for locals and tourists, recreational purposes, ranching, hunting of elk, and skiing which could bring large profit to this area. If preserved properly this area could one day be considered the Yellow Stone of New Mexico, since both areas area volcanic calderas, have broad grassy valleys, and elk have been reintroduced from Yellow Stone to the Jemez area (Frequently Asked Questions/History, 2000). This area needs to be preserved because if we don’t preserve areas like these today what will be left of the “open range” of the West for further generations to enjoy down the road?
Sources:
(2005). In Valles Caldera National Preserve. Retrieved March 7, 2012, from http://www.vallescaldera.gov/index.aspx
Frequently Asked Questions/History. (2000). In VallesCaldera.com. Retrieved March 7, 2012, from http://vallescaldera.com/about
Wohletz, Kenneth, and Grant Heiken. Volcanology and Geothermal Energy. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1992. Retrieved March 7, 2012, from http://ark.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/ft6v19p151/
I like your last point about leaving something for future generations. What better way to ensure that the area is preserved in its current state for the ones that will follow.
DeleteI find a really cool fact is that this the Valles Caldera was a ranch.
DeleteAlexxis, Good job! I particularly liked your comment about diversity. Think hard about what you mean by diversity: (species, landscapes, ecosystems, etc.).
ReplyDeleteIn your own words how the Valles Caldera was formed. Use diagrams, either your own or others (don't forget to citations!) to assist you in your description.
ReplyDeleteThe Valles Caldera was formed four million years ago when a still active volcano formed a volcanic pile underneath the Jemez Mountains in Northern New Mexico. However the current features that define the Valles Caldera were only formed about one million years ago when a neighboring caldera had multiple violent volcanic eruptions. After all liquids cooled the landscape could not sustain the weight, so it caved in on itself producing today a thirteen to fourteen mile wide circular bowl.
The diagram below does not necessary represent the Valles Caldera formation, but it illustrates the same process:
www.scottishgeology.com
In your informed (yes this means reading and looking at pictures) opinion, what are the properties that make it worthy of preservation?
With the information provided there are many obvious properties that make the Valles Caldera worthy of preservation. Some of these properties are as follows:
The aquatic features like the naturally clean rivers to fish in, especially trout, which I have actually gone fishing up there before and it is absolutely beautiful like the documents accredit to it. The thermal springs that are not found in other parks, which make them unique.
Numerous recreational and site seeing opportunities lie in the grasslands of the Caldera. These grasslands provide different types of vegetation and colors. The land is great for horseback riding, camping, hiking, and other fun outdoor activities. There are also areas outside of the grasslands that include forest which can be used for similar activities.
There are vast amounts of wildlife including elk. Elk drives a large audience of hunting and viewing to the park. Along with elk there are also some deer although the numbers are growing smaller, so hunting these deer is causing a scarcity. Bird watching is also another large attraction where the park hosts over one hundred different species for viewers’ pleasure.
The park also holds a lot of history and tradition that is important to religions, scientists, and cultures like the Native Americans. Although, I am curious to know how the fires from the past year have affected these wonderful features?
Evaluate, again based on informed opinion, whether you believe the Valles Caldera should be preserved. Why or why not?
Although the Valles Caldera is not the largest or oldest caldera, the form and history of the Caldera makes it wonderful for scientific research and especially young researching geographers like myself. There should never be a question of whether a natural beautiful landscape should be preserved. With all of the evidence in the question above there is so much the Valles Caldera has to offer not only researchers, but also families and native New Mexicans. It gives New Mexico something amazing for its people and for tourists. Also, the fact that the Baca Ranch is also being utilized shows that the land is also being used for sustainability not just public advantage. The budget seems to be a problem, but preserving the park can still be possible if the money is designated to the most important restorations or necessities of preservations. The Valles Caldera National Preserve has many great ideas to help maintain the park while being fair and resourceful, so I think yes the park should be preserved.
(2003). Valles caldera trust. Federal Register, 68(127), 1-5.
Retrieved from https://learn.nmsu.edu/webct/urw/tp0.lc5122001/cobaltMainFrame.dowebct
(2003). Framework and strategic guidance for comprehensive
management. Valles Caldera National Preserve, 1-100.
Retrieved from
https://learn.nmsu.edu/webct/urw/tp0.lc5122001/cobaltMain
Frame.dowebct
1. Valles Caldera is the crater of a very large, very explosive volcano that formed 1.2 million years ago. It is located at the intersection of the Rio Grande rift, a zone of crustal weakness along which earthquakes are known to occur, and the Jemez lineament, a linear volcano field that stretches from southeastern Colorado to eastern Arizona. Caldera volcanoes can be active for million years and undergo numerous different stages of dome formation, eruptions, and caldera collapse. While the geologic features we see today are mostly the result of the eruption that occurred 1.2 million years ago, Valles Caldera has been active for at least 4 million years. However, 1.2 million years ago a large chamber of magma formed under the previous caldera, building up enough pressure to create the violent ejection of at least 50 cubic miles of magma. This eruption would have been much larger then any volcano ever witnessed by humans and expelled so much material 5 inches of ash were deposited 180 miles south in Socorro, New Mexico. The magma chamber emptied, the dome that formed above collapsed into it, creating the caldera or crater. Since then the magma chamber has started filling again, causing eruptive domes to form within the crater, as well as pushing the entire caldera floor up again. (Dunbar 2010; Valles Caldera National Preserve 2003)
ReplyDelete2. Valles Caldera is geologically, ecologically, and archeologically unique, making its preservation a very important function of the Valles Caldera National Trust. The volcanic features of the caldera are remarkably well preserved, allowing geologists to study the way caldera volcanoes form. Furthermore, the water-collecting basin combined with the geothermal activity of the area results in distinct aquatic environment, including 27 miles of streams for trout and other fish. Valles Caldera is home to elk, mule deer, coyotes, black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, golden and bald eagles, and at least 550 plant species. The spectacular landscape and rich resources have always been a draw for humans, as the large number of very well preserved archeological sites can attest. (Valles Caldera National Preserve 2003)
3. I believe that Valles Caldera is indeed worth preserving. It is a fountain of information about volcanic formation and human history in America. Furthermore, the biodiversity of the area is currently not very well known, and the extensive logging and over grazing that occurred in the past (and the present) has certainly had a detrimental effect on the ecology. A great deal of more research is needed before we can understand the ecosystems in Valles Caldera, and how best to preserve them while still maintaining the economic activities necessary to keep the Preserve functioning.
Dunbar, N. W. 2010. Valles Caldera National Preserve. In The Geology of Northern New Mexico's Parks, Monuments, and Public Lands, ed. L Greer Price, 135-144. Socorro, N.M.: New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources.
Valles Caldera National Preserve. 2003. Framework and Strategic Guidance for Comprehensive Management..
What is amazing is that all that destruction could harbor so much life creating a home for so many creature including humans.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBeck, J. (2007, July 24). A Secret Garden: New Mexico’s Valles Caldera . In GEOTIMES Earth, Energy, and Enironment News. Retrieved March 10, 2012, from http://www.geotimes.org/july07/article.html?id=Travels0707.html
DeletedeBuys, W., & Unser, D. J. (2006). Valles Caldera: A Vision for New Mexico's National Preserve. In Amazon.Com. Retrieved March 10, 2012, from http://www.amazon.com/Valles-Caldera-Mexicos-National-Preserve/dp/0890134936/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1331413855&sr=1-1#reader_0890134936
U.S. Government, . (2005, June 1). Framework and Stretegic Guidance for Comprehensive Management. In Valles Caldera National Preserve. Retrieved March 10, 2012, from http://www.vallescaldera.gov/about/trust/docs/cmf/Framework.pdf
U.S. Government, . (2005, June 1). Framework and Stretegic Guidance for Comprehensive Management. In Valles Caldera National Preserve. Retrieved March 10, 2012, from http://www.vallescaldera.gov/about/trust/docs/cmf/Framework.pdf
1. The Valles Caldera was formed originally when it became the subject area of violent volcanic activity. This formed a caldera, which is a collapsed volcanic field, and has been shaped and formed by other subsequent and less volcanic activity as well as erosive water (deBuys, W., & Unser, D. J. (2006). Valles Caldera: A Vision for New Mexico's National Preserve. In Amazon.Com. Retrieved March 10, 2012, from http://www.amazon.com/Valles-Caldera-Mexicos-National-Preserve/dp/0890134936/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1331413855&sr=1-1#reader_0890134936).
ReplyDeleteThese mountains provide a home for broad grasslands, streams, springs, conifer forests, wild animals and much more! This 89,000 acre area of land was originally owned and farmed by the Baca family, and in the year 2000, the Valles Caldera Trust was created by the Valles Caldera Preservation Act of 2000 in order to protect the ranch under Bill Clinton’s presidency. He signed into law the Valles Caldera Preservation Act of 2000, allowing the transfer and federal purchase of the ranch for public management and use. Beck, J. (2007, July 24). A Secret Garden: New Mexico’s Valles Caldera . In GEOTIMES Earth, Energy, and Enironment News. Retrieved March 10, 2012, from http://www.geotimes.org/july07/article.html?id=Travels0707.html
2. In my informed opinion, I feel as though there are many worthy reasons for preserving this area of land. Not only is it beautiful, spacious, gorgeous, and alive, it is home to so many wild animals such as prairie dogs, fish, roaming elk, cattle, bear, as well as the grasslands, natural springs, and mixed-conifer covered forests. Keeping this ranch alive, healthy, and well for some public use and management is a great idea, and well deserved. This land should not be left to go to waste, and should be preserved properly so we can appreciate the beautiful things in our nature, opposed to destroying them, and letting them deteriorate.
3. I believe that the Valles Caldera should be preserved, b because if it is not managed well, I think that the land will eventually lose its significance, and people will begin to destroy it. Slowly but surely humans would have an invading effect on the open land, which would later cause animals to die, become hunted, or extinct due to lack of shelter and or food. I believe that this area should be monitored and managed professionally by more than the group of 9 board members that serve as the functioning foundations of its preservation now. The Valles Caldera is a mass amount of open land, and I feel as though it will benefit the whole state if we preserve it properly. It needs to be managed in a way that balances out the natural realms and the new realms where we may need to incorporate more public use of the land.
The question about hunting is one that interests me, although I didn't really talk about it in my posts. On one hand, hunting can pose a problem if it is not well managed, and overhunting can have massive effects on species populations. However, in protected areas, if hunting is not allowed and natural predators are limited or extinct, populations of some animals (like deer and elk) can explode. This can cause stress for the animals as resources become scare and it can cause problems in the ecosystem, which may not be able to support large numbers of animals. So it is a big of a balancing act using hunting to maintain manageable numbers of animals while not overhunting.
Delete1.) In your own words, how the Valles Caldera was formed.
ReplyDeleteA The Valles Caldera is a collapsed volcano, created by a volcanic explosion. The explosion first created a bubble at the tip volcano. When the bubble burst it created what is called a caldera or collapsed volcano. Caldera is Spanish term meaning boiler or cauldron. The caldera or collapsed volcano is many times greater in diameter than the vent of the volcano (was). The Valles Caldera was formed by two immense eruptions. The eruptions occurred approximately 1.6 and 1.2 million years ago (The Columbia Encyclopedia). It is an active geothermal system (Gordon).
The Valles Caldera National Preserve is located in northern New Mexico (Valles Caldera National Preserve). It was once privately owned and known as the Baca Ranch (The Columbia Encyclopedia.) It is the remains enormous spherical volcano (Gordon). It is in the upper Jemez Mountains, surrounded by the Santa Fe National Forest, also borders the Colorado plateau (Yablonski) (Gordon). It is among the Jemez Volcanic Field, just miles west of Los Alamos, NM and the Santa Clara Indian Reservation (Gordon) (Valles Caldera National Preserve). It is also northwest of the Bandelier National Monument and northeast of Jemez Springs (Valles Caldera National Preserve). The preserve is around 89,000 acres (Yoblanski). Taking a rim measurement shows the crater (at its greatest) is 3,000 feet deep (The Columbia Encyclopedia).
2.) In your informed opinion, what are the properties that make it worthy of preservation?
The Valles Caldera is worthy for preservation because of its historical land. An ancient cataclysmic eruption created the Valles Caldera; the same event occurred at Yellowstone National Park and is the scene which generates great necessity to preserve. These scenes are now called hotspots, a place where molten lava is raised closest to the earth’s surface (Yablonski). The Land is beautiful, consisting of grassland and forested mountains intersected by a vast number of streams. Also, there are many volcanic features for example hot springs and gas vents. other reasons the land should be preserved are its 17 threatened or endangered species, like the goshawk, Mexican spotted owl, Rio Grande cutthroat trout, and Jemez Mountains salamander, to name a few. The Caldera is also the home of the bald eagle, golden eagle, many bird species, elk, mule deer, black bears, coyotes, bobcats and mountain lions (The Columbia Encyclopedia).
3.) Evaluate, again based on informed opinion, whether you believe the Valles Caldera should be preserved. Why or why not?
I feel the Valles Caldera should indeed be preserved. I feel this way because the ancient event that occurred on the site (ancient cataclysmic eruption), the rich land that encompasses the preserve, the 17 endangered species and the many other wildlife that live on the preserve. Those are more than enough reason to preserve land. Although I am against the preserve switching into a national park; the reasons being that reservations are run by bureaucrats and they seem to run national parks with little efficiency. As The Property and Environmental Research Center reported in 2004, that national parks had a backlog of unfunded resource management projects and unfunded maintenance of 6 to 9 billion dollars. Another reason I feel it should stay a preserve and not a national park, is because hunting is permitted on a preserve. I am not a hunter, but I have seen what happens to places like Yellowstone Park. Because hunting is prohibited in Yellowstone, the Government has to spend large amounts of money evacuating the over populated animals. And the animals get moved into areas where hunting is allowed, so they will get hunted in the long run anyway. So leaving it a preserve will save a lot of money and it can be run more efficiently. The Only time I would say it needs to be rolled over to a national park is if the land is tampered with or federal funding is in dire need, as a last option.
Gordon, I A. "Goff, Fraser. Valles Caldera: a geologic history." CHOICE: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries 47, no. 4 (2009) Accessed March 6, 2012. http://catalog2.nmsu.edu:2165/ps/retrieve.do?sgHitCountType=None&sort=DA-SORT&inPS=true&prodId=EAIM&userGroupName=nm_a_nmlascr&tabID=T002&searchId=R1&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&contentSegment=&searchT
DeleteMerriam-Webster Dictionary. Accessed March 9, 2012. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caldera.
The Columbia Encyclopedia. New York: Columbia University Press, 2008. s.v. "Valles Caldera National Preserve," http://catalog2.nmsu.edu:2048/login?qurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.credoreference.com/entry/columency/valles_caldera_national_preserve (accessed March 10, 2012).
Valles Caldera National Preserve . Accessed March 8, 2012. http://www.vallescaldera.gov/get_involved/stars/docs/20090428%20EASanAntonioRestoration.pdf.
Yablonski, Brian. Property and Environmental Research Center. Accessed March 7, 2012. http://www.perc.org/articles/article521.php.
I really like your point about hunting. I commented more about it above, but it is a very interesting problem. Sometimes, in trying to preserve things exactly the way they are, we actually create more problems.
DeleteThe Valles Caldera, sometimes referred to as the Yellowstone of the Southwest, is a collapsed volcanic crater that resulted from the earth collapsing in on itself due to the massive weight of magma expelled from volcanic activity 1.2 million years ago. This collapse formed a bowl approximately 12 miles in diameter. This bowl collected precipitation creating lakes within the basin. The caldera is located at the center of the lava field formed by two fundamental cracks in the earth. In the middle of the caldera is a resurgent dome that was caused when magma slowly rose towards the surface, pushing up to a peak of 11,254 feet. This dome is known as Redondo Peak. This dome creation, along with several smaller volcanic eruptions caused the lakes of the caldera to overflow, creating canyons and steams throughout the surrounding area. (Martin)
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, there are many features of the caldera that make it worthy of preservation. The area is one of the most elaborate examples of nature within New Mexico. The area is home to elk, bear, the endangered Peregrine Falcon, and many other species. The area watersheds are served by the Jemez and San Antonio rivers, which converge at Valles Caldera. (Bastone)
Visitors to Valles Caldera exceeded 96,000 in 2011. (Haarmann) Visitors can enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking, photography, horseback riding, skiing, sleigh rides, and other recreational activities. (Valles Caldera National Preserve)
The area is also considered sacred to the Jemez Indians, who first settled near Redondo Peak over 10,000 years ago. As a matter of fact, the mountain is off limits above 10,000 feet to all except for the tribe for their religious observations and ceremonies.
In my opinion, Valles Caldera should indeed be preserved. The area, as mentioned above, allows for opportunities to explore nature in a multitude of ways. Recreation, however, should not be the main focus of the area. The educational opportunities for Environmental Scientists are immense. Endangered species, along with a multitude of other flora and fauna are abundant. Due to the history of the area and the peoples that have called it home, archeological study opportunities are also plentiful. Grazing opportunities help the area’s agricultural industry to benefit as well. Oversight to ensure that impacts of so many activities are not detrimental to the area is a must. Preservation can help to make sure that this happens.
Works Cited
Bastone, Kelly. 2010 A Golden Opportunity, National Parks Magazine, Fall 2010. Pg. 29.: National Parks Conservation Association.
Haarmann, Tim. 2011 VCNP Annual FY Visitor Summary Report.: Valles Caldera Trust.
Martin, Craig. 2003 Valle Grande: A History of the Baca Location No. 1. Los Alamos, NM: All Seasons
Publishing.
Valles Caldera National Preserve. 2012 Valles Caldera National Preserve website http://www.vallescaldera.gov/. Accessed 8 March 2012.
1.In your own words how the Valles Caldera was formed. Use diagrams, either your own or others (don't forget to citations!) to assist you in your description.
ReplyDeleteThe Valles Caldera is one of the best explored caldera complex in the United States (Hamilton, 1995-2003). The caldera took approximately 1.22 million years to develop after it collapsed and buried a previous caldera known as Toledo caldera. In order for these calderas to become “calderas”, these phenomenon’s underwent through a succession of volcanic activities. Such volcanic activities can cause the structure of the volcano to weaken and collapse due to the explosive eruption or due to the weight of large quantities of magma and ash. When the formation of the Valles Caldera occurred, approximately 292 cubic kilometers of the earth’s crust spewed which led to the creation of the Pajarito Plateau (The Valles Caldera Trust). The eruption created a crater of 12 kilometers in diameter. More volcanic activities continued to exist after the eruption which also led the uplift of Redondo Peak and other cluster of mountains (The Valles Caldera Trust).Throughout the process of the caldera it is amazing how a volcanic activity can produce such natural and beautiful formations.
2. In your informed (yes this means reading and looking at pictures) opinion, what are the properties that make it worthy of preservation?
The properties that make the National Caldera Preservation worthy are the people. Many people are interested in studying various research topics such as science, archeology and geology (just to name a few) to further understand and become educated about the history and culture of the preserve (Valles Caldera National Preserve, 2005). Other properties include sceneries of the area like the grasslands, mountains and watersheds. With this in mind, many visitors come and enjoy these historical sites by participating in recreational activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and fishing. In addition to the importance of the preservation for the people it is important to mention National Caldera Preserve is home to animals such as elk and cattle which graze the lands. Throughout the last decades of the Twentieth Century there have been increases in the population of elks leading to increasing attraction of visitors for wildlife viewing and hunting.
3. Evaluate, again based on informed opinion, whether you believe the Valles Caldera should be preserved. Why or why not?
The reason that I believe the Valles Caldera should be preserved is due to its large history that it holds. There is a large amount of history involving cultures, geology and archeology that is still intact today. Such evidence of cultures was early agricultural sites located near top elevations of the caldera. Other culture findings include natives using the caldera as a source for food, plants, weapons (sharp cutting rocks) and place for rituals (The Valles Caldera Trust).
Other reasons I think the caldera should remain as a preserve are mentioned in response to question 2 which involves having to learn more about the preserve through various topics of research. I believe through investigation and learning more about this wonderful landscape, we can keep the place in its preservation and apply research findings and learning experiences to other beautiful historical sites.
Sources
Hamilton, R. L. (1995-2003). Resurgent Calderas and Valles Calderas. Retrieved March 10, 2012, from Views of the Solar System: http://www.solarviews.com/eng/valles.htm
The Valles Caldera Trust. The Valles Caldera National Preserve: Framework and Strategic Guidance for Comprehensive Management. The Valles Caldera Trust.
Valles Caldera National Preserve. (2005). Valles Caldera National Preserve. Retrieved March 10, 2012, from http://www.vallescaldera.gov
1.In your own words how the Valles Caldera was formed. Use diagrams, either your own or others (don't forget to citations!) to assist you in your description.
ReplyDeleteThe Valles Caldera formation is a result of volcanic events that occurred about 1.12 million years ago in the Jemez Volcanic field. Located in north-central New Mexico, it is best known for its unique geothermal system. The Jemez Volcanic field also continues to be a significant area where volcanic activity that occurred within the last 13 million years and therefore various studies continue to be conducted in the area.
2.In your informed (yes this means reading and looking at pictures) opinion, what are the properties that make it worthy of preservation?
Based on the history and natural formation of the area, the Valles Caldera is worth preserving. There is so much information that can be collected. Many studies about the ecosystem have been conducted and more evidence in this area of study can be determined with the help of preservation. Also, this area serves as a natural habitat for various animal species. Preservation is would also have a positive impact on sustaining the natural inhabitants. Since the area is very close to some Native American Tribes, they will also be able to thrive with the land being preserved.
3.Evaluate, again based on informed opinion, whether you believe the Valles Caldera should be preserved. Why or why not?
The Valles Calderas should be preserved and protected by federal laws. Maintaining its natural state would allow us to become more informed about the geologic history of the area. The area is part of a system that needs to be further investigated. Placing it in a Trust would ultimately protect the land and the inhabitants more thoroughly than a private sector. The Native American Tribes in the region use the resources for ceremonial purposes as well to maintain a livelihood with rich culture. Maintaining the naturalness of the land is part of their belief system. Therefore, by placing the Valles Caldera in a Trust is essential in maintaining that belief.
Sources:
Heiken et. Al. (1990) The Valles/toledo Caldera Complex, Jemez Volcanic Field, New Mexico. Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Vol 18, p27-53.
Hulen et. Al. (1991) Evolution of the Western Valles Caldera Complex, New Mexico: Evidence From Intracaldera Sandstones, Breccias, and Surge Deposits. Journal of Geophysical Research, Vol 96, NO B5, p8127-8142.
Valles Caldera National Preserve . (2005). Valles Caldera National Preserve. Retrieved March 10, 2012, from Valles Caldera : http://www.vallescaldera.gov/education/
Valles Caldera National Preserve Questions
ReplyDeleteQuestion 1
In your own words how the Valles Caldera was formed. Use diagrams, either you own or others (don’t forget to citations!) to assist you in your descriptions.
The Valles Caldera, located along the Rio Grande Rift, was formed when it’s last major eruption blew the top off the now dormant volcano and the resulting lava dome collapsed. The area is still a very active geothermal hot spot, a major drilling project tried to harness that energy on the western edge of the caldera in the late 1970’s early 80’s but was halted because of heavy mineral deposit problems.
Question 2
In your informed (yes this means reading and looking at pictures) opinion, what are the properties that make it worthy of preservation?
The Valles Caldera should be preserved in its natural state because it is the watershed for the Santa Clara, Cochiti, Santo Domingo, Santa Clara, San Felipe and Jemez Indian Reservations. The waters also serve many other surrounding communities and feeds into the Rio Grande River which helps everyone downstream.
Question 3
Evaluate, again based on informed opinion, whether you believe the Valles Caldera should be preserved. Why or why not?
My father was an avid outdoorsman I grew up fishing at Fenton Lake, Rio Guadalupe, Rio San Antonio and many more. The Jemez Mountains were only an hour from Albuquerque, where we lived, so as a teenager I backpacked many moonlit nights up to Hidden Canyon or McCauley Springs. I know the beauty and value of the Valles Caldera area and it is worth preserving because there are not many places remaining like it.
The most valuable information is gained through experience. Reading about the Caldera is usefully in knowledge attainment but experiencing the Valles Caldera through hiking,camping, hunting is much more valuble
DeleteRebecca Martin here.
ReplyDelete1. The Valles Caldera was formed approximately 1.2 million years ago when a volcano erupted. The amount of ash, magma, gas and pumice expelled from the volcano was very large. The magma chambers were emptied and the volcano could not hold itself up any longer so as a consequence, the earth collapsed formed the caldera. Once the caldera was formed, precipitation began collected in the bowl shaped formation in the landscape. However, magma once again began to rise in the center of the caldera, forming a dome shaped feature that is known as a “resurgent dome”. We know this dome as Redondo peak (Valles Caldera.gov)
2. There are several properties that make the Valles Caldera worth saving. This area is very important to the native people surrounding it. Redondo peak is a part of their legends and as such, is very sacred to them. Also, several animals call this area home. Elk use this area to for mating and for birthing. Quite a large diversity of birds live here. The Jemez Mountain Salamander and the Goat Peak Pika are only found in this area. They can be found nowhere else in the world. (Valles Caldera.gov)
3. I believe that the Valles Caldera should be preserved, if not for ourselves, then for future generations yet to come. Some reasons are the ones I listed above but also there is such a nature aesthetic value that comes from being here. It would be cruel to deprive ourselves and others from this. We can also learn so much about the planet on which we all live from this place. We can eat from the animals that live here. If we do not learn to conserve, they will all be gone and we will perish alongside them. The animals that we do not usually eat much also be preserved because they each have their important niches in the food web.
Works Cited
Valles Caldera.gov. (n.d.). Frequently Asked Questions About the Valles Caldera. Retrieved March 10, 2012, from Valles Caldera: http://vallescaldera.com/faq
1. In your own words how the Valles Caldera was formed. Use diagrams, either your own or others (don't forget to citations!) to assist you in your description.
ReplyDeleteNorthern New Mexico possesses one of the most remarkable attractions in the southwestern United States. The Valles Caldera is a significantly large volcanic caldera situated in the Jemez Mountains. In a demonstration of Earth’s brute force, this magnificent creation was formed by volcanic eruptions resulting in a collapsed volcanic crater. Approximately 1.2 million years ago molten hot magma began nearing the ground surface of the volcano, ultimately leading to an eruption 1.14 million years ago creating the caldera we see today and the Bandelier tuff. (Treiman, 2003) The 89,000-acre Valles Caldera National Preserve safe-guards this valuable geological specimen and encompasses a large portion of the 12-mile wide volcanic depression.
2. In your informed opinion, what are the properties that make it worthy of preservation?
The Valles Caldera shares similar geological characteristics to that of the famous Yellowstone Caldera. However, the Valles Caldera is more obvious from the air and ground. (Treiman, 2003) Because of this, the Valles Caldera presents an infinite amount of research potential. Caldera volcanoes are distinctively categorized due to their powerfulness and the uniqueness of how they form. However, eruptions of this type have not occurred during recorded history and as a result, is the absence of human witness and recorded observation. Scientists have just begun to understand these types of volcanoes and rely heavily on the preservation of the remains from these geological phenomenon’s to gather valuable information. Furthermore, not only do intellectuals find value in the Valles Caldera’s current condition, but animals have also become accustomed to the richness of the land. Formerly a desolate region of ash; the caldera is now home to an oasis of thriving native vegetation and many of the region’s most majestic creatures. In addition, as seen in other precious locations, intervention is often needed to prevent destruction. (VallesCaldera.com)
3. Evaluate, again based on informed opinion, whether you believe the Valles Caldera should be preserved.
In my opinion, the amount of scientific information and presence of wildlife, heavily outweigh any other proposed ideas for this region, making the preservation of this amazing area a necessity. Natural attractions such as the Valles Caldera promote adventure and expose some of Earth’s many mysteries. Additionally, much can be learned from creations such as this and it is our duty as humans to learn as much as we can about the world we inhabit and to enjoy the astonishing feats it has presented.
References
Allan Treiman, (2003). Valles Grande Caldera - Geologic History 1. Retrieved from http://www.lpi.usra.edu/science/treiman/greatdesert/workshop/vallesgeol1/index.htl
Caldera Volcanoes. (n.d.). In Extreme Science online. Retrieved from
http://www.extremescience.com/calderas.htm
Valles Caldera. (n.d.). Valles Caldera. Retried from http://vallescaldera.com/about
I think preservation is a good thing if people good experience the Caldera themselves. I would hate to see a strip mall in the middle of the dome selling t-shirts and trinquets but my worry is the closing of access to the site.
Delete1. The Valles Caldera National Preserve (VCNP) is a 12-15 mile bowl in Jemez Mountains of New Mexico. Its conformation dates back to two major volcanic eruptions 1.2 and 1.6 million years ago respectively. The former created the Toledo Caldera and the latter covered the first one and formed Valles Caldera. The type of volcano that formed Valles Caldera is a complex and quite unfamiliar type of volcano known as Caldera Complex Volcano; it is not uncommon on the earth though. Rain and snow later filled the Caldera making it a lake for most of its history, at various times between the volcanic formation and grassland periods.
ReplyDelete2. There are several characteristics that make Valles Caldera National Preserve (VCNP) worthy of preservation. The features could be divided into physical and cultural. The physical characteristics contain the beauty and the scenery of the area, which is mostly consisted of grassland. The beauty is interesting for the visitors, but there are also several features that are of importance to the scientific community. The special geology of the region made by its volcanic pile, its unique and special aquatic and riparian characteristics, specially the productivity and diversity of its ecological system, the vegetation diversity of VCNP, which has over 550 identified species. While the diversity makes a stunning view of the region it is of importance for scientist. The cultural features are valuable too since many different tribes and communities with different cultures have lived over there in the last 8000 years. The evidence shows that
Native American (e.g., Pueblo, Navajo, Apache, and Ute), Hispanic (and Navajo), and Anglo-American peoples lived in the VCNP consequently.
3. It is of no doubt that Valles Caldera has almost unique features, at least in the region. Both the beauty of it and geologic and physical features compose a valuable environment. But talking about whether it is worth preserving Valles Caldera or not is not that easy to argue with the qualitative information given above. As a student in natural resources economics I would rather compare the costs and benefits and have a more rational answer to this question. Most of the benefits are mentioned above; all the costs should be considered too, even the ones called “opportunity costs” in economic concepts, e.g. there is an opportunity cost that private sector is not controlling the Valles Caldera anymore since 2000.
Referances:
Anschuetz, Kurt F.; Merlan, Thomas. 2007. More than a scenic mountain landscape: Valles
Caldera National Preserve land use history. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-196. Fort Collins, CO:
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 277 p.
Julyan, Robert, Secrets of Valles Caldera. (2005). Retrieved March 10, 2012, from http://research.unm.edu/quantum/quantum05/vallescaldera.html
Treiman, Allan, VALLES GRANDE CALDERA - GEOLOGIC HISTORY. (2003), Retrieved March 10, 2012, from http://www.lpi.usra.edu/science/treiman/greatdesert/workshop/vallesgeol1/index.html
Valles Caldera National Preserve(2005), Retrieved March 10, 2012, from http://www.vallescaldera.gov/about/trust/trust_ref.aspx
Hi all-posted earlier today but it looks like my blog disappeared so I am re-posting. Sorry if it duplicates!
ReplyDelete1. A caldera is a geological land form caused by the collapse of a volcano after an extremely violent eruption. As the magma chamber under the volcano empties it leaves a void; gravity pulls the volcano down in on itself. The Valles Caldera was formed about 1.25 Million Years Ago with the caldera itself being about 22 kilometers across. The area presently known to us as New Mexico was one of the most volcanically active areas in prehistoric times but most of the volcanic activity has been dormant for about 3000 years. The most interesting thing about the Valles Caldera is that it spent over 100,000 years as a lake similar to Crater Lake in Oregon. Most of the ancient lakes in New Mexico remained lakes for an average of 10,000 years according to geologic evidence.
2. There are numerous properties that make the Caldera worthy of preservation. Culturally, the Valles Caldera is the site of prehistoric archaeological finds dating back nearly 11,000 years. The area has historically been used by native peoples for hunting and locals use it for ranching. This National Preserve is unique in that it is managed in part by the local community making it an important cultural and financial asset. Geologically, the Caldera has many important and interesting properties. Since it was formed by a sudden, violent explosion many valuable minerals inside the volcano were quickly thrown to the outside. Obsidian, volcanic glass formed by fast cooling of magma, can be found in the area surrounding the caldera as well as other volcanic minerals like quartz, calcite and pyrite. The area’s hot springs and other natural volcanic features make it worthy for a variety of reasons (to be discussed in question 3!). It is physically a beautiful area in a state that contains many deserts and sparsely vegetated areas. There are trails, hunting, and fishing to be enjoyed there as well.
3. I believe that the Valles Caldera area should be preserved for many reasons. Historically there are many archaeological sites both discovered and yet to be found in the area. The geology of the area gives in depth insight into the history of this area. The fact that the caldera remained a lake for so long shows us how different the climate used to be here. The geologic history record can help us understand how things are changing now. From a financial standpoint, there could be short term gain by logging or parceling the area for sale to private owners but as a co-managed property the Caldera is the only working example of how federal and private management can work together to preserve open space. The needs of the public, private, and federal sectors CAN coincide if done correctly. Ranching is extremely important to this area and tourism funds benefit everyone. There is also the untapped possibility of harnessing geothermal energy from beneath the preserve in a time when oil and energy use are hot buttons to the economy. As a non-native originally from Colorado, I can appreciate the scenery of the Valles Caldera area. Any place in New Mexico state with such beautiful scenery and access to water should be preserved for that sake alone!
Sources:
Deletehttp://www.vallescaldera.gov/
http://wikitravel.org/en/Valles_Caldera_National_Preserve
http://research.unm.edu/quantum/quantum05/vallescaldera.html
http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/LivingWith/VolcanicPast/Places/volcanic_past_new_mexico.html
http://oe.oregonexplorer.info/craterlake/geology.html
http://econgeol.geoscienceworld.org/content/89/8/1803.abstract
Hanna Davis:
ReplyDeleteIn your own words how the Valles Caldera was formed. Use diagrams, either your own or others (don't forget to citations!) to assist you in your description.
The Valles Caldera National Preserve, located in Los Alamos, New Mexico is an 89,000 acre wilderness area. The Valles Caldera itself, is the remains of a collapsed volcanic crater resulting from an eruption 1.2 mya. After the eruption, the empty chambers couldn't support the weight of the magma on the surface and collapsed. (VallesCaldera.com) It’s hard to believe the magma, now "tuff," through the stages of succession is covered by the grassy lanscape observed today. Continued volcanic activity formed a large resurgent dome, Redondo Peak; accompanied by a ring of smaller domes. When observed in a topographic map or aerial photograph, it appears to resemble a bear claw. (Dr. Ariane Pinson, 2009)
In your informed (yes this means reading and looking at pictures) opinion, what are the properties that make it worthy of preservation?
It's essentially surrounded by Bandelier National Monument, Santa Fe National Forest, and Los Alamos National Laboratory. So, it would be a little out of place for private land ownership. It's a beautiful place that brings in revenue from visitors and another source of income from ranching. It's a unique place with it's obsidian flows and it plays a part in the history of the ancestral pueblo people. It follows the same concept as the greater Yellowstone ecosystem; wildlife shouldn't be concentrated into small areas. It's also a watershed for the surrounding areas.
Evaluate, again based on informed opinion, whether you believe the Valles Caldera should be preserved. Why or why not?
If you haven't been to the area, I highly recommend it! It’s beautiful. I work at Bandelier and I think it would be in good hands with the National Parks Service; we have more resources than the Forest Service. There's always more to learn about such a unique place ecologically and culturally.
Sources:
Dr. Ariane Pinson. (2009). The unm southwestern archaeology field school at the valles caldera national preserve. Retrieved from http://www.unm.edu/~unmfield/swfield/Frameset.htm
Frequently Asked Questions/History. (2000). In VallesCaldera.com. Retrieved March 10, 2012, from http://vallescaldera.com/faq#K1
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIn your own words how the Valles Caldera was formed. Use diagrams, either your own or others (don't forget to citations!) to assist you in your description. The Valles Caldera in northern New Mexico is the remains of ancient volcano activity, which occurred about 1.2 million years ago. The crater is the result of the collapsed cavities that once were apart of the very active super volcano. The area is approximately 12 miles wide and at 11,200 ft above sea level.
ReplyDeleteIn your informed (yes this means reading and looking at pictures) opinion, what are the properties that make it worthy of preservation? The Valles Caldera is worthy of preservation because of its unique open plains properties at a high elevation mountain region. This type of land cover creates great growing conditions for certain grasses which certain animals such as deer and elk to feed and thrive. The unique properties of the mountain forest regions contrasted to the open plain properties of the caldera attract all types and diversity of wildlife, which call the caldera region home.
Evaluate, again based on informed opinion, whether you believe the Valles Caldera should be preserved. Why or why not? In my opinion the valles caldera should definitely be preserved. The dependence the wildlife have on the caldera is apparent with modern research and studies. The area surrounding the caldera is also very important to preserve because of seasonal and migration patterns of some species. The caldera not only has many species, which depend on it, but the area should be preserved for human enjoyment as well.
Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valles_Caldera
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete1- Valles Caldera area consists of around 19 km to 22 km in diameter volcanic area that placed in the north of New Mexico. Exact location of Valles Caldera is Sandoval County, New Mexico and exact coordinate of that is 35 ͦ 52' N 106 ͦ 29'W.
ReplyDeleteThe Valles Caldera is classified as a small supervolcano. Formation of Valles Caldera is related to the two main volcanic eruptions of Cerros del Rio volcanic field and Caja del Rio 1.15 million and 1.47 million years ago.[1] Location of Valles Caldera as volcanic area makes it an appropriate place for establishment of Geothermal energy power station. Valles caldera has a large, silicic volcanic complex that contains a hot geothermal resource (210o to 300oC; 20 MWe)[3]. "Uplift and faulting of the Valles resurgent dome have exposed large, rootless megabreccia blocks composed of precaldera rocks immersed in densely welded, intracaldera Bandelier Tuff"[4]. Valles caldera National Preserve consists of around 89,000-acre property in the north of New Mexico. Valles Caldera has been used often as a seasonal place by many Native American Tribes from 11,000 years ago.
2- There are many uses (recreational or historical) for Valles Caldera that makes it as an important place for preserving that has national importances.
Formation of Valles Caldera as large volcanic eruptions is very important for geological reasons such as researching and interpreting of eruptions, deposit and resurgence. Also, in this area is the source of the famous Bandelier Tuff.
Also, the Valles caldera consists of many extensive grassland valleys and forests that make it very important for recreational uses. The Valles Caldera has geologic features that are very important for studying the formation of this area. For many aspects such as beauty, ecological significances, scientific interest, cultural and religious importance, and for many other respects, this place is very important [2].
3- According to the mentioned reasons, in my opinion, Valles Caldera Preservation should be continued in order to protect and preserve this unique area for the scientific, geological, cultural, beauty, recreational and historical values.
References :
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valles_Caldera
2. VALLES CALDERA NATIONAL PRESERVE, Framework and Strategic Guidance for Comprehensive Management
3. GEOTHERMAL POTENTIAL OF VALLES CALDERA, NEW MEXICO, Fraser Goff, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM
4- GEOLOGIC MAPPING OF THE VALLES CALDERA NATIONAL PRESERVE, NEW MEXICO,
GOFF, Fraser1, GARDNER, Jamie N.2, RENEAU, Steven L.2, and GOFF, Cathy J.3, (1) Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, candf@swcp.com, (2) EES-9, Los Alamos National Laboratory, MS D462, Los Alamos, NM 87545, (3) 5515 Quemazon, Los Alamos, NM 87544
Your reasons for the worthiness of preservation was written really well good work Mr. Funk
ReplyDeleteThe Valles Caldera is located is in Sandoval County, New Mexico. The caldera was formed by a series of volcanic eruptions about 1.2 million years ago. After the eruptions, the resulting ash, cooled lava, and emptied magma chamber caused the volcano to collapses onto itself. The collapsed caused a thirteen mile bowl where the volcano once stood.
ReplyDeleteThe Valles Caldera has several properties that make it worth preserving. The history of the formation of the caldera is interesting to geologist, archeologists and tourist alike. The caldera provides geologists and archeologist an extensive laboratory to research volcanoes and calderas, as while as how was life like around the caldera when Native Americans occupied the area. Tourist travel to the area every year to experience the history of the Valles Caldera, as well as enjoy the numerous recreational activities, scenery and wildlife that can be experiences at the Valles Cadera National Preserve.
I believe that the Valles Caldera should be preserved. The area is important to mankind not only for its recreational purposes, but for the human and geologic history. Wildlife thrives in this area, and will be displaced if the Valles Caldera is not preserved. Overall this area is a unique area that deserves to be preserved and enjoyed by many generations to come.
(2005). In Valles Caldera National Preserve. Retrieved March 7, 2012, fromhttp://www.vallescaldera.gov/index.aspx
(2010). Geology of the Valles Caldera. Retrieved March 9, 2012, from http://vallescaldera.com/faq#1
(1) The Valles Caldera was formed after a volcanic eruption approximately 1.2 million years ago in the Jemez Mountains of Northern New Mexico (www.vallescaldera.com, 2010). The caldera is made up of twelve miles of natural beauty (www.vallescaldera.com, 2010).
ReplyDelete(2) After reading over much of the information pertaining to the caldera is evident to me that the region is unique and full of “… diverse ecological communities (Valles Caldera National Preserve: Master plan for interpretation, 2005, p.5). The land offers a glimpse into history and in my opinion is worth preserving because as it stands it “…is the core breading ground and nursery for the Jemez Mountains elk population (Valles Caldera National Preserve: Master Plan for Interpretation, 2005, p. 5).
(3) Given the previously stated information and the knowledge that there are over 550 plant species, 107 bird species, etc (Valles Caldera National Preserve: Master Plan for Interpretation, 2005), it is fair to assume that there is still much more to learn about the caldera and what effects it has on the ecosystem.
References:
VallesCaldera.com: The independent news source about the Valles Caldera. (2010). Retrieved from http://vallescaldera.com/
Valles Caldera National Preserve: Master Plan for Interpretation. (2005). Aldrich Pears Associates. Vancouver, BC Canada.