Pinnacles Valley
by Sharon Elliott
Title
Pinnacles Valley
Artist
Sharon Elliott
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Pinnacles Valley in the Annie and Wheeler creek area of Crater Lake National Park is one of the most unique land formations that I have seen in my travels along the Western United States. These Pinnicles are remnants of ash flows that formed when Mount Mazama erupted an estimated 7,700 years ago. As the ash flows filled glacial valleys, vents formed and hot gases escaped, The pinnacles are cemented pipes of these ancient fumorales; erosion has removed the softer materials. As I stood and gazed at this valley, I tried to imagine and wonder what it would have been like to see steam rising from these vents.
I am in awe and wonder of the work of the Creator.
What is now Crater Lake was once, 7,700 years ago, Mount Mazama in the Cascade string of volcanic mountains that stretches from Northern California up through Washington state. It is believed that Mount Mazama rivaled with present day Mount Rainier, and Mount Hood in elevation. Mount Mazama had a very large magma chamber in it's center, which when it erupted, cause the top of the mountain to collapse inside itself leaving a bowl shaped caldera (a Spanish term for caldron), that is estimated to be 4,000 feet deep. Phantom Ship is thought to be what was once the summit of Mount Mazama. Wizard Island is a dome that built up from successive eruptions after the main eruption which collapsed the mountain.
As I sit and view this lake I try to think of a word that describes the color of the water...the only word I can come up with is Iridescent. I don't care how many times I go and see it over and over, I am still amazed at the pristine beauty.
Uploaded
February 3rd, 2013
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Viewed 808 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 03/26/2024 at 10:32 PM
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Comments (53)
Bob Christopher
Hi Sharon...I like your image. A wonderful location and you have photographed it nicely. Well done...Cheers Bob f/v
Michael Daniels
This image has such an abstract quality to it. Very appealing. Love the touch of color.
Belinda Greb
Awesome image - fascinating, it still looks like ash which makes these towers seem fantastical.