Volcanic Eruptions and Geological Features

The Vias Caldera is a significant geological site located at the intersection of the Hus Lineament and the Rio Grande Rift. This unique location has led to extensive volcanic activity over millions of years. The Toled Era eruption, occurring 1.6 million years ago, was a massive event that released 95 cubic miles of ash and pyroclastic flows. The Vias Caldera eruption followed 400,000 years later, further shaping the landscape. Recent volcanic activity continues, with the most recent eruption occurring 40,000 years ago. The Vias Caldera is a giant volcano with smaller volcanoes within it, making it a complex and dynamic geological feature.

What geological features intersect at the location of the Vias Caldera?

• The San Andreas Fault and the Rio Grande Rift

• The hus lineament and the Rio Grande Rift

• The hus lineament and the San Andreas Fault

• The Rio Grande Rift and the Yellowstone Caldera

How long ago did volcanic activity begin in the hus mountains?

• 5 million years ago

• 14 million years ago

• 10 million years ago

• 20 million years ago

What was the result of the magma from the Earth's mantle in the hus mountains?

• Formation of a single small volcano

• Formation of a mountain range

• Development of a large lake

• Creation of a giant magma chamber

How much ash was spewed out during the toled ERA eruption?

• 50 cubic miles

• 75 cubic miles

• 95 cubic miles

• 100 cubic miles

What was the speed of the pyroclastic flows during the toled ERA eruption?

• 200 mph

• 150 mph

• 100 mph

• 250 mph

How many cubic miles of ash did the Vias Caldera eruption produce compared to Mount St. Helens?

• 150 times more

• 100 times more

• 86,000 times more

• 50 times more

What is the name of the small mountain formed by more fluid magma 200,000 years after the Vias Caldera eruption?

• Mount Taylor

• Sero Del Medo

• Raton Mountain

• Taos Peak

How often do small volcanic eruptions occur around the central ring of the Vias Caldera?

• Every 10,000 years

• Every 20,000 years

• Every 50,000 years

• Every 100,000 years

When did the most recent eruption at the Banco Bonito lava flow occur?

• 40,000 years ago

• 20,000 years ago

• 30,000 years ago

• 10,000 years ago

How does the age of the youngest eruption in the Vias Caldera compare to that of Yellowstone?

• Younger than Yellowstone

• Older than Yellowstone

• Same age as Yellowstone

• Twice as old as Yellowstone