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Volcano Threats in New Mexico

 

            
             In New Mexico there are volcanoes everywhere. The lunar-landscape rocks around the Grants and the Carrizozo, and the black flat-topped mesas around Albuquerque are all volcanic lava flows. Some are only 3000 years old and some can be as old as 1.7 billion years. The Jemez Mountains are the most recently active volcanic area. Although an eruption hasn't occurred for 60,000 years, the area is due for one pretty soon. The Jemez Mountains volcanic field might be entering a new phase of volcanic activity based on geophysical measurements and measured periodicities of eruptions. The likeliest of volcanic activity will come by way of lava flow or a cinder cone. This type of eruption is generally known as Hawaiian, because it is how the islands were formed and are still being formed. Although it isn't as destructive, the lava flow could do a lot of damage. There have been 700 volcanic eruptions in New Mexico in the past 5 million years. In the next 100 years there is only a 1% chance of a volcanic eruption but with seismic monitoring and continuing study the scientists hope to have a good idea when the next will occur. .
             As far as I"m concerned the threat of a volcano eruption is very slim but shouldn't be ignored. If the passive eruption style continues with the lava flows and small cinder cones, I"d say we should be on our toes for the next big eruption. Also since New Mexico has a lot of volcanic areas instead of only one or two, the risk of damage and life-loss is very high if a major eruption were to occur anywhere. So what I know is I will keep my eyes open for any seismic activity and will get the hell out of dodge if the ground starts rumbling. I don't want to be a character from Dantes Peak.
            


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