HARTMAN MULTIMEDIA
Nature Based Multimedia Information Systems
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HARTMAN MULTIMEDIA
Nature Based Multimedia Information Systems |
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Rodman Lava Area This area offers an excellent example of Pleistocene
volcanic ponding and flows, as well as a well-preserved cone, Pipkin Cone (see
also Lava Bed Mountains). The lava of the eruptive center and cone intruded the
Mesozoic granitic bedrock at a relatively high point in the mountains.
The eruptive basalt ponded in a high, Mesozoic granite and Miocene
nonmarine sedimentary-bounded valley and then flowed to the main valley some 600
meters (2,000 feet) lower. Differential weathering of the granite, basalt and
sedimentary rocks since the time of the eruption is well exhibited.
The basalt, being relatively inert in the desert climate, stands, in
places, 10 meters (30 feet) above the deteriorating granitic and sedimentary
rocks. Creosote bush scrub, often sparse or absent,
particularly on the basalt, is the dominant vegetative type. There are yuccas,
Yucca schidigera, present. Animal life is sparse. In the gas and breccia cavities in the flow there are
vertebrate animal remnants dating from the Pleistocene to Recent. Integrity: A
portion of Pipkin Cone has been mined but the remainder of the area is virtually
pristine. Use: Research,
educational, observational, on public portions.
Some private. January 1981
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