Page 3 - 2009 DT 7 issues

Desert Trumpet
ago. Seismicity continues to increase volcano, the Cleopatra-Hamblin
since the eruptions of 1975 and 1984. volcano on the west side of the Overton Editor
Although the planet is populated with arm of Lake Mead. This stratovolcano Barbara Wolin
a number of active and potentially formed about 11-15 million years ago Contributing Writers
dangerous volcanoes, few have been and has since been split into two parts Louis C. Kleber
consistently monitored. The Hawaiian H. Dan Wray
Islands’ monitoring system includes Barbara Wolin
only three dilatometers and one strain Publishers
meter strategically placed to detect Norm Kresge
changes in both volcanoes. Barbara Wolin
Of the many volcanoes scattered
throughout the western U.S., Administrative Assistant
Phyllis Lisi
Yellowstone is the most famous.
Approximately 2 million years ago, Plenipotentiary
Norman Wolin
it produced the largest explosion
ever known on the continent. The The Desert Trumpet is published month-
last of three great eruptions 600,000 ly by and for Friends’ members. Statements,
opinions and points of view expressed by
years ago produced the Yellowstone writers are their own and do not necessarily
Caldera, which currently contains reflect those of Friends. Please submit all
one of the largest and most active articles, photos and artwork NLT the15th of
each month by calling 515-5350. If you are
hydrothermal systems in the world. interested in becoming part of the Desert
Yellowstone’s spectacular geysers, Trumpet staff, contact Editor at forrcnews@
cox.net
consistently active for 10,000 years,
owe their existence to one of a dozen Friends is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) or-
or so global hot spots, where rising ganization dedicated solely to the welfare
of the Red Rock Canyon National Conser-
mantle plumes may eventually break vation Area. Friends provides volunteers
through thinner layers of crust. In the Phreatic eruption and funding for projects including envi-
ronmental education, teacher workshops,
last 17 million years, Yellowstone’s natural resource protection, cultural resource
hot spot has left buried calderas in separated by fault slippage. Nevada is monitoring, hike programs and other services.
Washington State, Oregon, California, the fourth most seismic state behind Annual individual membership is $25.00.
General meetings are held four times a
Nevada and Idaho, burying about Alaska, Hawaii and California and year; Board meetings are held on the second
200,000 square miles under lava flows ranks second in the production of Tuesday of each month at the Visitor Center
unless otherwise posted. Messages may
a half-mile or more thick. Although it geothermal energy, thanks to natural be left at 255-8743. Visit our website at www.
is not considered a threat at present, reservoirs of super-heated water and friendsofredrockcanyon.org
Yellowstone’s caldera continues to steam below the surface.
be monitored. Volcanoes can be violent reminders
Closer to home, Lassen Peak of earth’s dynamic interior, capable of January Board Meeting
in California, last erupted in 1914 rendering catastrophe. At times, they
with a small phreatic eruption, a have changed history and determined Red Rock Canyon
venting of superheated ground water the fate of civilizations. They were
which flashes into steam. (A similar instrumental in supplying most of Visitor Center
venting preceded the 1980 Mt. St. the oxygen in our atmosphere after
Helens event.) The eruption continued Earth’s stable land masses formed. Friday, January 9
spasmodically until 1921. Without them there would be no life Friend’s Room
Nevada is home to a number of as we know it . . . and, of course,
volcanoes. While most are labeled no “us.”—Barbara Wolin 9:00 a.m.
dormant or extinct, several are still
occasionally rattled by seismicity, Members welcome
especially along the California border. Photos: Courtesy, D. A. Swanson /
Las Vegas hosts its own long dormant USGS; U.S. Forest Service.

FORRC/January/2009 Page 3