The Eagle Mts. (an Oligocene caldera) were the site of my originally-intended Master's Thesis work, during the summer of 1978. The photo here was taken from the East Mill area, where we camped, for several weeks, while we mapped the southeastern portion of the mountains. In the near foreground is a portion of Wyche Ridge, composed of Cretaceous sedimentary rocks, forming part of the margin of the caldera.
Eagle Flat is in the middleground and the Carrizo Mountains are in the background (and maybe the Beech Mountains and/or the Sierra Diablo in the far background, too). Alamo Springs may be visible from this location, also.
Aside from the El Paso area, within this view is probably the greatest geodiversity in Trans-Pecos Texas, though some might argue that point. In the background are several outcroppings of Proterozoic metamorphics and in the near foreground are the aforementioned Oligocene ash flow tuffs of the Eagle Mountains.
Within this view is the Texas Lineament, the northeastern edge of the "Chihuahua Tectonic Belt", and related features.
Aside from this, part of the exploits of the 9th and 10th U.S. Calvalry (the Buffalo Soldiers) against the Apache Chief Victorio took place within sight of this area.
To the right of the view, maybe 40 miles or so away - to the southeast - are the Davis Mountains. Within the mountains are the Ft. Davis historical site, one or more wineries, the Chihuahuan Desert Museum, and the McDonald Observatory.
To the left, maybe 80 miles or so away - to the north - is Capitan Peak and the Guadalupe Mountains, McKittrick Canyon and Carlsbad Caverns. So much to see.
I discussed some other favorites in this post.
Thank you for sharing one of your favorite geologic pictures. I can see why you like it so much.
ReplyDeleteThe parade is up and rolling at http://theaccretionarywedge.wordpress.com/2011/03/12/aw32-a-parade-of-geological-images/