National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service: U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
 
 
Support the National Park Service
Sunset Crater Volcano National MonumentPlant growing in lava field
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Springs and Seeps
A fern takes root where extra moisture is available
A fern takes root where extra moisture is available
You won’t often see water at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. There are no streams or springs, and ground water is at least 1900’ deep. Most of the moisture from rain or snow filters rapidly down through the cinders. Water may collect briefly in hollows on the lava flows, but is soon channelled away through cracks. Some of this water finds its way to the edges of the lava flow, forming seepage areas that support isolated islands of vegetation. The plants found in these places are especially adapted to grow in fast-draining volcanic soils.
mock-up of lunar rover vehicle on cinder fields  

Did You Know?
In the 1960s, astronauts practiced for the first lunar landings on cinder fields in and around Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Disclaimer Accessibility Privacy Policy FOIA Notices USA.gov

Last Updated: August 21, 2006 at 13:28 EST