The Institute team set out early and arrived in the region around 11:00 AM MST, choosing to first explore the Spatter Cones. Here, fountains of lava fragmented in mid-air as gasses escaped. The lava landed in showers around each vent, forming the cones. The team visited three of these cones along the trail, as well as one volcanic vent. Also along the trail could be seen several collapsed lava tubes, evidence of the lava moving underground. These tubes today are homes to bats and other animals.
After exploring the Spatter Cones, the team moved to nearby Subway Cave, a large lava tube that once was filled with lava flowing downhill from the original vents. The team explored this .5 IN (.5 km / .3 mi) tube as their last stop on this latest volcanic survey. This final exploration complete, the science team returned to Molossia, having gained new insight into the amazing, powerful and sometimes violent forces that mold and shape our world.
Visit the webpage of the Molossian Institute of Volcanology here.
Mysterious Lava Tube Entrance.
Peering Into A Lava Tube.
Rock Formations Caused By Rapidly Cooling Lava.
