Schonchin Lava Tubes Research Natural Area
Map SatelliteThis Research Natural Area lies in a wilderness portion of the Lava Beds National Monument .
The area was established around a portion of Pleistocene Schonchin Flow that exhibits an unusual lava tube collapse system. The lava tubas were formed when the surface flow cooled while the underlying lava continued to flow.
Vegetation in the area consists of Great Basin sagebrush, with Artemisia tridentata and antelope bush, Purshia tridentata, the dominant shrub cover and with bunch grass the understory.
Integrity: The area is virtually pristine.
Use: Research, educational, observational.
July 1982
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
