In this article, we will explore the impact of San Francisco volcanic field on various aspects of society. From its influence on a personal level to its impact on the economy and politics, San Francisco volcanic field has been the subject of debate and analysis in different scenarios over time. Through a journey through different perspectives, we will seek to understand the role that San Francisco volcanic field plays in daily life and in the future of humanity. We will also examine possible challenges and opportunities related to San Francisco volcanic field, with the aim of shedding light on its relevance and consequences today.
Part of the San Francisco Peaks in northern Arizona
The San Francisco volcanic field is an area of volcanoes in northern Arizona, north of Flagstaff, US. The field covers 1,800 square miles (4,700 km2) of the southern boundary of the Colorado Plateau. The field contains 600 volcanoes ranging in age from nearly 6 million years old to less than 1,000 years (Miocene to Holocene), of which Sunset Crater is the youngest. The highest peak in the field is Humphreys Peak, at Flagstaff's northern perimeter: the peak is Arizona's highest at 12,633 feet (3,851 m) and is a part of the San Francisco Peaks, an activestratovolcano complex.
Given that Sunset Crater is such a young volcanic feature of this area and that eruptions have occurred every several thousands of years in frequency, it is likely that there will be a future eruption in the San Francisco Volcanic field. However, it is impossible to predict when and exactly where a new eruption might occur. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) says that a future eruption would likely be in the eastern side of the volcanic field, where the most recent volcanic activity has occurred. Such an eruption is likely to be small and pose little hazard due to the remoteness of the area.
Visitation and usage
Popular tourist and hiking destinations in the volcanic field include the Kendrick Mountain Wilderness, 20 miles northwest of Flagstaff; and Sunset Crater. Sunset crater has a hiking trail along an ʻaʻā lava flow to its base.
Areas of the volcanic field have been used by NASA for testing techniques for exploration in a simulated extraterrestrial terrain environment.NASA has also conducted the Desert Research and Technology Studies (DRATS) tests here.
^Holm, RF; Moore, RB (1987). "Holocene scoria cone and lava flows at Sunset Crater, northern Arizona". Geological Society of America Centennial Field Guide. pp. 393–97.