Arizona's Active Volcanoes Don't Make Sense

[@bulldog71ss33]

I've lived in Arizona all my life (39 years) and I've known we have a few scattered dormant volcanoes here and there, but I never knew that we had a massive volcano field. Man, nobody tells me nothing.

[@meandyouagainstthealgorith5787]

The budget is very thin for science these days.

[@_spacegoat_]

Makes me wonder if Glassford Hill is part of this chain.

[@MoonBratStudio]

Same.

[@throbbinwood]

Maybe you just need to read more.

[@iFlyGood]

man, go for a friggin drive through your state. The basalt fields are blatantly obvious.

[@panderson9561]

About 10 years ago I toured the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff. Every hour or so they do a guided tour for like 20 or 25 people. There was only myself, one other guy, and the tour guide standing there waiting for the rest of the people to gather, so we were chit chatting. The tour guide was a NAU grad with a degree in geology. The other guy asked the tour guide where all the mountains around Flagstaff came from. The tour guide said Flagstaff sits in a volcano field. I said "Hopefully none of them are still active." He said "Oh don't worry, the last eruption was almost 1,000 years ago." Then he said "But now that I think about it, I've talked to pilots who've taken the tour who've flown over this area in the winter. They've told me they can see big round areas in the snow field that are totally free of snow." He said that likely means there are places in Northern Arizona where lava is still close enough to the surface to keep the temperature of the ground above freezing even in the winter.

[@scottfw7169]

Definitely falls within the "Hmm, interesting." category.

[@copperstatewayfarer3235]

I’ve heard that from several people, hikers, hunters, etc while I was studying at NAU. Very interesting phenomenon.

[@rescue270]

@@panderson9561 That is very interesting, but I must point out that molten rock coming out of a volcano onto the surface of the earth is lava. The molten rock still underground in the chamber under the volcano is called magma. Magma becomes lava when it exits the volcano. Therefore, there is magma still close enough to the surface to keep the ground from freezing.

[@rescue270]

@@garyb6219 This is true to a point... in order to be magma, rock must be in molten form. Magna that has completely hardened is simply known as igneous rock. Crystallized magna is underground molten rock that has cooled enough to where crystals of certain minerals have formed in it, but the base compounds are still in a mostly molten state. It is still very hot and capable of erupting.

[@Tom-d9x]

And the winter near the summit of Agassiz, circles devoid of snow show the heat still coming through.

[@zinger2967]

As a geologist the volcanoes in Arizona have always been interesting. I particularly like the Peridot Mesa in the San Carlos volcanic field as that is where a large amount of the gemstone peridot comes from!

[@GaiaCarney]

I had no idea! I love peridot 💚

[@MountainFisher]

@@GaiaCarney A Maar that erupted as much tephra as Mt. St. Helens near Las Cruces, NM also contains peridotite, but in another land grab was declared a National Monument. The bottom of the Maar, Kilbourne Hole is private property. Some mighty picky grabbing, but no more collecting except on private land. It isn't mostly gem quality, but some small xenoliths black on outside and green gems on the inside make great decorations. Problem is, with no collecting allowed, you get school teachers that smash xenoliths until they find one to show their classes peridotite then leave the busted up rocks behind. That is allowed, then people pick them up and take them who wouldn't break them up, but will pick up pieces.

[@MountainFisher]

The San Carlos field is part of the Jemez Lineament that stretches 500 miles from AZ into New Mexico where it is crosses with the Rio Grande Rift and together are thought to be the cause of the dormant Valles Caldera that last erupted 69,000 years ago. The super eruption*, so called was 1.2 million years ago and erupted 600 cu km of magma and ash and created the Bandelier Tuff. Its resurgent dome is Redondo Peak over 11,000 feet tall. The San Francisco hotspot isn't part of the Jemez Lineament which they used to think was a hot spot volcanic field too, but there is no systematic progression in age along the line. Indeed right in the middle of it the Zuni-Banderas field erupted only 3,000 years ago through an 8 meter tall cone and caused a 45 km flow up past where I-40 is now near Grants, NM. You can see it from space. The Jemez Lineament is now interpreted as a hydrous subduction zone scar, yes scar. This formed about 1.7 billion years ago, when oceanic crust was subducting under what was then the southern edge of North America. Geologist think that an eruption is possible almost anywhere along the Jemez Lineament especially anywhere towards the middle, less at the ends. The Rio Grande Rift last caused a 30 year eruption from one cinder cone Little Black Peak and created one of the world's longest single lava flows 70 km long and over 4 cubic km in volume 7,000 years ago. It almost reached the White Sands dunefield. Part of the failed Rio Grande Rift is the Socorro magma body. With an area of about 1,300 square miles at a thickness of 400 feet, its volume is roughly 130 cubic miles, making it the second-largest magma body known on Earth and is about 7 miles from the surface. 130 cubic miles=542 km/3. *Technically a "super eruption" expels at least 1000 KM/3 according to most government geological organizations. Although 600 cubic km would be fairly super as well for those a thousand miles downwind.

[@dmeemd7787]

@@MountainFisher this was the exact information I was looking for thinking about the volcanoes up in New Mexico! Anymore information you feel like sharing I would love to hear! As narrow or broad reaching as you feel like

[@Edward55221]

I always wanted to check out the volcanoes near the southern border of Arizona and spanning into Mexico. There's a massive lava field that's almost the size of Phoenix right along the boarder

[@winslow8779]

This is probably my favorite video about Arizona ever. I'm from AZ and have a deep love for the bizarre and wonderful landscape here. Thanks for discussing it so eloquently and capturing its beauty.

[@destroyerdragon2002]

When i was young I moved from kansas and loved the mountains but got tired of the desert. After having traveled the states as an adult I love arizona so much. There is so much natural beauty if you know where to look. Alot of live caves for example beautiful mountains. Hot springs old abandoned mining towns. ect..

[@winslow8779]

@@destroyerdragon2002 It's true, you have to know where to look! I love that the beauty of AZ is kind of hidden, but then once folks find it, it's hard to shake and it sticks with you for a long time. There's just nothing like it.

[@sr.flipflop5951]

⁠@@winslow8779I've been in AZ my whole life and I just got a chance to see the Tonto natural bridge. It's quite literally hidden and one the most awesome places to visit in AZ (imo). It deserves way more attention

[@ryanshiner1441]

I earned my geology degree at NAU in Flagstaff, and even did a funded research grant project on one of the volcanoes in the field. Its worth talking about, as its the only spatter cone out of the hundreds of cinder cones around. Its called Sproul Crater, and its subsequent lava flow that breached the rim led to the creation of Grand Falls. You were right next to it hiking up Mirriam Crater right after the sponsored part. Nice vid!

[@rorygallagher1026]

NAU geo grads are always watching rock nerd videos on the tube.

[@catw6274]

I took a geology class last year and am absolutely fascinated by it. Had no idea there were volcanos in AZ. Will def be taking a road trip!

[@callister4941]

Thats actually not Merriam and "The Sproul" during that part of the vid. @2:41 I believe what ur seeing is SP and a nearby sproul crater Also all the info ive ever seen says that Merriams flows created the falls not the sproul. Any links to your research grant project?

[@MountainRiverRunner]

Why would you say that it is unusual for Arizona to have volcanoes when as you travel north there is massive evidence of volcanic activity in Utah and Idaho?

[@spencore44]

yo me too

[@Moto_Medics]

using paper that way instead of fancy graphics was genius and honestly better imo

[@timgerk3262]

The sponsor ad highlighted the soundscape aspect. The tactile sense of drawing, tearing, sliding, and crumpling is a delight as well. And that's aside from the amazing olfactory sense I got from ink-on-paper style maps.

[@connorwilliams769]

This dude just created a short documentary that rivals pretty much everything from natgeo to BBC earth specials. Damn

[@stefanschleps8758]

And what have you done this weekend? 🤭

[@GaiaCarney]

I agree! It is lovely short film.

[@lethalweaboo8662]

If they still made documentaries

[@savage.4.24]

​@@stefanschleps8758i was a viewer-like you(only old folks will get this pbs joke...brought to you in part by an 80s baby)

[@dull_demon4717]

the ones now sure, but this feels like the old ones from early 2000s to me

[@nachomahn]

I live in Flag... And we get occasional earthquakes, a couple in the last 15 years were strong enough to crack windows, splash fishtanks onto the floor, and wake you up at night. There is still something down there... Waiting.... :) Great cinematography and great story. Thanks!

[@christopher4101]

I live in ned & my parents live in topp...... ie, stop with the weird acronyms. Just call it flagstaff.

[@samantha42042]

People from Flagstaff call it FLAG it's our town well call it whatever we want!! If you don't like it then that's YOUR problem!

[@rescue270]

​@@samantha42042 Just like people in Carrizo Springs, TX, call it "Carrizo." Fort Stockton, TX is "Stockton." Las Cruces, NM, is "Cruces."

[@tomtom86004]

​@christopher4101 it's not an acronym. It's just a shortened name.

[@DC-id5gi]

Went to school in Flag and remember am earthquake my Sophomore year. I was like AZ doesn't get earthquakes!

[@emmahardesty4330]

Thanks for discussing areas of AZ that even most locals don't know about. There's a dormant volcano right inside of downtown Tucson.

[@og_pixel_ninja]

I lived in Portland, OR for ys and ys, and there is a dormant volcano there too....Mt Tabor! Interesting how they just happen to be in cities lol!

[@morganmarston]

'A' mountain. It's where they have the 4th of July fireworks show.

[@carawells3658]

Whhaaat????

[@SherryONeill]

At Some Point, It Will No Longer Be Dormant Magma Is Moving Thru The Ancient Tubes ARound The Earth

[@georgecoons6872]

volcano or meteor impact. well one way to find out. magnet on a stick. if the volcano rock stick to the magnet you found a gold mine.

[@meandyouagainstthealgorith5787]

I've spent the majority of my career working in Northern Arizona in Soil Science. Sometimes, I've designed experiments on how these types of soils hold their water. It appears there is some random accommodation of water in cinder and ash soils. If enough water enters rock vesicles after a rainfall then water begins to be accommodated in the soil by the cohesive forces in the water itself. That may be how this ancient civilization existed in Wupatki. Also, I believe I have found a cinder cone that may be more recent than Sunset Crater. Just one quick note. By the technical definition of desert, there is little that actually qualifies as desert in Northern Arizona. I call it a woodland steppe, or a shrub steppe depending on the dominant vegetation.

[@Navigator2166]

Thank you for explaining a curiosity I've had since the mid-1990s. Working as an over-the-road truck driver, I passed through this region often. It was completely fascinating to me. What you have just taught me is: if it's shaped like a volcano, leaves debris like a volcano and your heart feels like it is a volcano… even if it’s not at a tectonic plate… it's a volcano! I retired from driving 15 years ago. Your excellent cinematography brought me back to this hauntingly beautiful place. Much appreciation.

[@bigguy7353]

They aren't though. His presentation is lacking critical facts.

[@TheIrradiatedTurtle]

Okay? Share the facts.

[@robertturley2974]

@@bigguy7353 Lacking critical facts? You mean like your comment?

[@VOID-Venture]

volcanoes aren't what you were told. I have a couple videos expounding upon this.

[@chuckoneill2023]

The "Don't steal meteor" sign is actually funny. I lived in Holbrook for years. It's some miles from "Meteor Crater", and also fairly rich with meteoric iron. Run a magnet through the soil (mostly sand) anywhere in Northern Arizona, you'll find some iron.

[@johnchedsey1306]

I went to college in Flagstaff. Cinders were everywhere, partly because that was used in the winters on the road rather than salt. Now that I live in Arizona again, I should go back up and explore those cones more. The whole region around Flagstaff is fascinating in every direction.

[@202cardline]

That's insanely cool that they use volcanic cinders instead of salt. Arizona continues to fascinate me.

[@relativityboy]

@@202cardline it's insanely cool until you try to clear them out of the little gaps in your fender-wells. LoL. I'll grant you it's interesting though.

[@JamesCAlien]

It snows in Arizona?

[@dripofabsinthe6188]

@@JamesCAlienyes it does, especially in Flagstaff, and where I’m at it is currently snowing in the white mountains.

[@eekee6034]

@@relativityboy This reminds me of 80s Britain, where people trying to stretch a few more miles out of clapped-out old bangers were always complaining about the salt on the roads and the rust it caused, wishing "the council" would use volcanic grit "like they do in Europe". I don't think they knew it collects.

[@ToawstTheToast]

As an Arizonan, I didn’t know there were active volcanoes here. Thanks for the informative video!

[@Gabrocol]

That last shot was BEAUTIFUL. The cinder cones casting dramatically huge shadows on the landscape at sunset. Amazing cinematography!

[@dandexinventor]

As a teenager in Flagstaff, I explored a lot of the volcanoes, ice tubes, craters and lived just North of The Peaks out by Sunset Crater, right at the edge of the area where NASA tested the moonbuggy. I loved it. When I was 16, a friend and I went into an ice tube without flashlights, We made it all the way to the end and back in total darkness...about two miles. We missed the sign at the entrance warning about bears, saw it after we were done. No Darwin awards for us then (1978)! The people are on the weird side of normal though. Something spiritually dark has taken over that area. This guy is right, of all the places I've been, Northern Arizona was and is unlike anyhwhere else. The lava flow fields are among my favorite. Cool video, thanks!

[@ti9erlilly]

I grew up in that cinder field, and your spot on about spiritually dark and weird. I feel like I've been fighting to keep myself light and balanced my whole life here. Most of the people I grew up with have struggled a ton, as have I, but it's twisted many of them. It's a beautiful place, though. The sound of the wind can be so peaceful on the days where it's not roaring.

[@Joe-wy2bn]

As a many-decades-long resident, I agree about the weird spiritual darkness in the area.

[@summerdreams7949]

I had no idea Arizona had so many volcanoes. so fascinating! Such a well made video too , your ability to capture the most gorgeous scenes is amazing

[@Arthion]

It's better to think of them many vents part of the same system, as in hundreds of craters being technically the same volcano. Rather than erupt again in the same location the actual volcano undernearth simply forms a new path and crater each time it erupts again. There are about 5 different major systems with hundreds of individual craters each all fed from the same 5 or so sources.

[@davidbright8978]

Arizona technical has three active volcanic areas. And the state has alot of dead one. The superstition mnt is the remains of a ancient volcano

[@babyfactory587]

Cinder cones

[@ricardorascon88]

Is no one gonna talk about Kanye sending millions of usd to fund that project 😂cmon that's so random ...bro was tryna be part of history I guess

[@MaryYoungblood-xy8vg]

They are actually all over the state not just on the Colorado Plateau. He only covered the San Francisco field. There are many others.

[@s.campbell6394]

The comments here are awesome. Thanks to all for the continuing education. I'm in the Mogollon Rim area. AZ is an amazing place to explore, such extremes. Finding coral at 7500' was a wtf? moment.

[@thekejofglory]

Props for using a phone's flash to explain hotspots. As someone who is familiar with hotspot, watching earth sciences videos from childhood, your method of showing hotspots was ingenious.

[@MrHowardking]

Too short - unlike so many crap individual videos with far too much look-at-me selfie input and horrendous-sounding soundtracks and voiceovers, you have managed an excellent balance of info, sound and visuals, as good as any professionally made series. Thank you. I look forward to your next production.

[@johncastle95]

I was in Sunset Crater on September 6th of 2022. It was one of my favorite life experiences. I saw it on google maps and decided to give it a shot. It is the only location i've ever visited that has lava flows, a rainstorm, lush forests and pure desert right on its horizons. Honestly a breathtaking place to visit. Surprisingly, it was very calm and desolate. I loved that. A truly unexplainable and mysterious landscape. As a photographer and videographer, it is truly a place of imagination and dreams and story. I recommend the time I went. It rains and there is sooo much ecosystem crossover there.

[@lindabuck2777]

Agree it’s eerily quiet there too! I was alone and decided to hug a tree 😳🤷‍♀️never thought about before thought it was -ya know-cuckoo but I’d heard it was good energy lol! Lemme tell you yes-I’m nuts now too 🤪coz it WAS amazing energy and yes I hugged a few more to compare! Nuts right?!?! Well, nothing compared to the energy there and all I can state is I felt wisdom and knowledge and like I was in a time tunnel of forever. Different for sure lol. Just sharing 🙏🏻❤️🤔

[@datgio4951]

I saw it on google maps too!!!! I had to Idea there was volcanos here, and there is a LOT of them! Im a going there next year on an Obsidian hunt

[@jewelboxed66]

@@lindabuck2777 trees are amazing

[@MamaMonsterPride]

⁠@@lindabuck2777I took my kids this past summer and they hugged a tree. I thought they were just being weird but now I wonder if I should have too

[@joelmachak4062]

I’m surprised you didn’t include Cinder Hills OHV area, just south of Sunset Crater. It’s 50,000 acres of cinder cones immediately adjacent to Sunset Crater that are completely accessible for off-road trail riding and roaming. Just be sure to bring a SERIOUS off-road vehicle. The views from the tops of some of the volcanic rims are amazing.

[@devinallen161]

Thank you for covering the active volcanoes of arizona. I live in the sedona area, and most folks passing through don't realize there is an ancient volcano right in the middle of the verde valley that last erupted between 14 and 15 million years ago! You have won my subscription today good sir. Quality work!

[@laurieann5312]

Where is the location in Verde Valley?

[@OneUsCreations]

@@laurieann5312 ...I was going to ask the same question ~!

[@DuneJumper]

House Mountain, a shield volcano like they have in Hawaii

[@JackHawkinswrites]

Verde Valley is between Phoenix and Flagstaff. Sedona, Camp Verde, Cottonwood and Jerome are the towns in the valley, along with Rimrock, Lake Montezuma, Cornville and Page Springs

[@gisselleayala8092]

This video is very well done! Arizona has some truly amazing things. Not just the Grand Canyon but even near Phoenix. Camelback mountain is a mysterious mountain too

[@kevincrosby1760]

For mysterious, you really need to spend some time in the Superstitions...

[@MySiamesedreams]

The superstition mtns are some of my favorite

[@Joshua-dh3uj]

I just visited those exact areas in northern Arizona myself 2 weeks ago! This volcanic landscape is fascinating.

[@religionoffreedom]

I’m planning a trip through there soon, what are the best sites you went to? TIA

[@Joshua-dh3uj]

@@religionoffreedom Sunset Crater National Monument and the surrounding volcanoes are the main focus of this video, but nearby is also Wupatki National Monument and of course the Grand Canyon.

[@coltonberry9935]

Jesus christ man, you're a talented filmmaker. And an excellent colorist too. The way you demonstrate concepts is also fantastic; simple but super effective, and still incredibly cinematic.

[@delusias]

The care into these videos is really palpable, imo the quality is unmatched on KZbin and I recommend them to as many people as I can! Keep it up man, loving the content

[@IzInAZ]

In Arizona we have low deserts, high mountains, volcanoes, and aliens too!

[@Phoenix85006]

Awesome video. I'm a native Arizonan and had no idea we had so MANY volcanoes. Thanks for educating and keep up the great work 👍

[@champboehm7863]

The footage at 7:10 should be in schools, i live in AZ and have never seen this. It's incredible. So is this video.

[@slimpickle47]

I hit the like button, I full screen and watch the entire video. Every time without fail. Always worth the watch 👌

[@AidinRobbins]

Means the world! 🥹

[@dudedabsworth8023]

I moved to California years ago from the east coast. I didn’t know much about the west. I took a road trip to the Grand Canyon and took every scenic route I could find. Eventually I ended up at a volcano with lava flows all over. It blew my mind. I still remember the excitement I felt. Last week I stood on top of Haleakalā. It’s become a passion.

[@Hampst3rboy]

Arizona is a beautiful place; I've lived here for my whole life, and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. Awesome video!

[@MrPapamaci88]

Another possibly funny spot probably will be Hungary eventually (far in the future). The Caledonian Mountains were originally here but since it was fully built of granite and quite possibly it was the biggest mountain range ever, it literally sank into the ground, the tallest peak which some estimate to had been around 10-13 km high is now less than 400 meters (Velencei Mountain), it's technically a hill but is called a mountain due to being pure granite. That's all that's left of a mountain chain that spanned Europe many millions of years ago. Now Hungary is one of the most geologically active region when it comes to thermal springs in mainland Europe, you can literally drill for thermal water all across the country. Many thermal springs also stink of sulfur. There are occasional quakes, small ones, there are a few faults too, also, tiny. We usually feel Croatian and Serbian quakes more than the local ones and yet there are far too many things here that point at future volcanism. It may take millions of years but eventually it'll be a fun place for future scientists to study, whether they are our descendants or other lifeforms (I mean even our descendants won't be Homo Sapiens by that time for sure). At least that's my take, then again, nature may think it funny and blow up half the country tomorrow because it felt like it, you just never know with volcanism! New volcanoes - especially in not overly observed areas - can pop up real fast, often without warning. I like volcanoes! 😄

[@brin6494]

Your videos are some of the few hidden gems of KZbin that move me. Every flippin' time you manage to do it. Kudos, I really mean it!

[@yanille4109]

I live just a few miles from the san Francisco peaks, studied environmental science at NAU and have done a lot of fieldwork out there. Just found your channel and love the content, fantastic video man, keep it up!

[@garymorgan3443]

I grew up in all that. Incredible geology going from there, up beyond the Four Corners area. So much to see and explore. I miss that land; it is in my soul. Enjoy your time there... it will change you.

[@_spacegoat_]

Arizona native here....beautiful landscape shots. The deserts are full of mystery.

[@brett327]

Seriously, this content is SO GOOD. Beautifully shot, great storytelling, interesting topics. Nicely done, Aidin.

[@ms.anthropik]

Many years ago on a vacation to Arizona, I went to this site and walked on the dried lava bed. I still have a piece of lava rock that I picked up while there. I was astounded to know that Arizona had this many volcanoes in one place.

[@MuhammadKeita94]

Never stop doing what you do! Your content is extremely well put together and very educational!

[@GeologyHub]

My unpopular opinion on the matter is that some form of lithospheric drip is involved in the Uinkaret, and possibly the San Francisco volcanic fields. This could theoretically power both systems.

[@TheGrumpyOldWitch]

Thank you so much for producing and providing this content. Honestly, this should be on Discovery,History,PBS,etc. It definitely is fascinating! And confirms what I thought years ago when traveling through Arizona. I kept seeing what I thought were lava rocks along the highway. So, I made my husband stop so I could pick one up and look at it. He told me that I was crazy to think that there were volcanos in Arizona (they didn't have any) and that it must be from when that meteor that hit. I can not wait to show him this! Again thank you so much for the great educational content!

[@jro341]

Between Seligman and Ash Fork is the same way. I have 40 acres and it is nothing but rocks. Lava rocks among all other kinds of weird stuff. Some sound like steel blocks when they hit each other.

[@ti9erlilly]

I grew up out there. You probably passed the geodesic dome that looks like a jack-o'-lantern on your way to Merriam Crater. My mom and grandmother built the majority of it, but it was too expensive for them to finish. I lived in it for years with my mom. It was completely unfinished inside, and the styrofoam insulation was covered in cinders from where they had been laying in the ground. The area was a bizarre but beautiful place to grow up. I recognize every place you filmed. I must say that your shot of the San Francisco Peaks is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen, and I look at that gorgeous mountain every day. There's a reason it is held sacred by so many of the tribes in the four corners region. Thank you for making such a wonderful video about my home. It was informative, and beautifully filmed. I've subscribed, and I'm excited to see more of your content.

[@garretthess4953]

Aidin, awesome work as always. Question for you: would you consider making a comprehensive course/masterclass detailing the process, tools, storyboarding, research, old footage, etc you use when you make these "mini docs"? Because I know myself, and I'm sure a lot of your audience, would definitely buy it. I know you have talked about your process in past videos, but I'd love to support you and buy a detailed and thorough masterclass.

[@Interweb_Gremlin]

There is a fault in southern Utah about 20-30 minutes from the Arizona border. The geology in that area is really fascinating. It's home to one of the worlds largest laccoliths, a mass of igneous rock, typically lens-shaped, that has been intruded between rock strata, causing uplift in the shape of a dome. The laccolith in this area is a gigantic mountain called Pine Valley. There are also numerous volcanic vents and a proper vocano called Molly's Nipple that sits on the fault overlooking the town of Hurricane. If you go past the border into Arizona and drive towards the Grand Canyon, you'll probably see Mt Trumble a massive and ancient volcano. It's littered with lava toobs, and ash from its eruption extends to the state line, referred to as blue clay by the locals. If you follow the creek bed in the twin city of Hildale and Colorado City, you'll find the clay layer.

[@Chris43791FTW]

once again a true piece of art. I liked how you exemplified the volcanoes through the sand in the hourglass, something so minute but just adds to the extra layer of craftmanship.

[@andykillary6989]

This was a very visually pleasing video. I wish more KZbinrs put this artistic flair on their videos.

[@victoresteves]

Your unique style of storytelling and amazing cinematography make for the most compelling content! And as a fellow volcano lover this video was even more mesmerizing! Arizona besides looking like some parts of Iceland, it remembered me so much of Lanzarote! Congrats

[@jamesgenero8783]

Hi, great video! I am a student studying geology in University, the volcanic field you mentioned, the San Francisco Volcanic Field is something I did a project on for my volcanology class. I enjoyed hearing your explanation on why this volcanic field exists. I wanted to share another perspective I have when I studied this volcano for me class. I learned that this volcanic field exists because of something called lithospheric drip, let me explain. This volcanic field is straddled on the edge of the Colorado Plateau (a very thick plateau!) and the much thinner Basin and Range plateau. The difference in thickness is so great that it can generate small-scale convection in the mantle (similar to the big convection of the mantle, just on a smaller scale). This convection is actually enough to "scrape" the bottom of the Colorado Plateau (the part of the plateau that borders the mantle) and the newly "scraped off" crust sinks down into the much hotter mantle and melts. This melt then rises to the surface and erupts as the volcanoes you've seen. The reason why there are hundreds of vents is because rate of magma being generated is so slow so the pathway to the surface is cooled before a new supply of magma can reach it, plus this convection is occurring over a large area and the variety of volcanoes (such as San Francisco Peak you showed) seen in this field can be attributed to many factors, one being the compositional makeup of the Colorado Plateau. I can understand why one can conclude there is a hotspot here based on the age progression of the vents, but there is a different explanation. That is, that is just showing the general movement of that section of the North American plate (it's even clearer when you look at the mechanics of the Basin and Range Province). This is what I learned when I was working on this project and I hope it provides further insight into the mystery of volcanoes here. If you had any questions, I can try my best to clarify them!

[@albertmoots744]

As a rock hunter and a kid we traveled all over but when I found where a plate was descending along 87 beeline highway west side, and on the east side were volcanos it became very interesting to plot them in Az there is a line north to south through the state North of Bell Road in the Valley was so many of them all the way to New River Road off Cavecreek rd. We have eyes but we do not see what is in front of us.

[@2MakeHimFamous1]

KZbin doesn't deserve this high quality of a video. I've never been interested in volcanos until now. Great narrating voice too.

[@GinaScott0315]

As an aspiring voice over actor and wanting to do my own demos, your knowledge and suggestions of Epidemic sound is something I’m definitely going to use to add the perfect touch to my voice over demos. Thank you for all you do and all you share with us. I’m a new subscriber and I can’t get enough of your documentaries!!! I’m impressed, and so thankful for your way of educating us…. Keep it up young man. You have a unique talent

[@firstname405]

This was fascinating to watch! Your visual and verbal storytelling were so engaging and skillful, especially the paper crumpling to show the tectonic plate movement and the torch light to show the hotspot location. Well done :)

[@lukelarsen1672]

Beautiful work as always. First thing I thought of when I saw the big volcano when you showed it was saint Helens - it was so cool that other people had that same thought. Also, I grew up in central Oregon, which is covered in cinder cones and lava tubes, so it was so cool to learn more about it. Nice job.

[@JAXXNCREATED]

I live in Arizona, and I'm never disappointed by all the new nature I find out about in AZ, I am disappointed by how boring everything else in the state is though.

[@artbandaaryan8634]

i just love your videos and was waiting for it from a long time now ... i appreciate your efforts 🥺💖💖

[@AidinRobbins]

Hope you enjoy this one!!

[@artbandaaryan8634]

yeah i am 😁😁@@AidinRobbins

[@Lotuslaful]

Im in the Arizona desert and had no idea! Thank you for sharing and the education:) Well done!

[@hendrsb33]

Cool stuff! I take people on Jeep tours in Sedona and I always talk about the volcanic history of Arizona, pointing out the cones and basalt layers we see in the Verde Valley. If I have passengers that are going to the Grand Canyon, I tell them about the Vulcan's Throne and to keep an eye out for the cinder cones they'll see along the way. One of these days, I'll have to go explore them myself.

[@EraX52]

I'm still a kid, learning to become a volcanologist and so far. I know a lot. This is a fascinating volcanic field and you did some great story-telling and history of the field. I was surprised that Kanye actually funded a project for a volcano. There are many unusual volcanic fields, and one I recommend is the Salton Buttes volcanoes in the Salton Sea in California. Its mud pots and volcanoes are interesting. Another one is then Big Pine or the Coso Volcanic Field in California. I have driven by these many times, but have never gone out and walked around them. Anyways, this was a fantastic video, love the footage, and the history. Keep up the great work, Aidin!

[@bigpebble]

Nice video, but wish you'd not said these were in the middle of the AZ desert. That's not accurate they are in Northern AZ in the high desert of the Kaibab plain at over 7,000 ft.

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

Wow! Those last shots are so beautiful! I didn’t even know there were volcanoes in Arizona.❤️🐝🤗

[@earkittycat]

Your videos always make me more interested in nature

[@AidinRobbins]

Always the goal!

[@ThomasPurkis]

I started watching this and said to myself out loud at 0:49, “Wow, that’s an incredible shot. That’s amazing”. I’ve never had such a reaction to any piece of video content before. Incredible work.

[@karenroot450]

I’m surprised that the Arizona school system doesn’t teach about the volcanic area! They should. Great video. The landscape is beautiful. Thanks

[@donleamon8653]

They did back in the '70's-80's when I went... Suppose they gotta make room for the DEI stuff somewhere in the curriculum now.

[@kslinaz5668]

I just found your channel. The connection was this video on Arizona. You are extremely talented. The quality of your video is professional and visually elegant.❤

[@TacoAmigo777]

Your editing style and narration is amazing. Thank you for bringing light to a beautiful area of the US.

[@icescrew1]

I grew up North of Flagstaff near and on the Navajo Reservation. I've ridden horseback all thru these areas. The Geography and Archeology of this area is amazing. It's my favorite place. I was also St Helens when it blew, fighting wildland fire for the government. Very exciting.

[@cameronkirk8453]

Being from Flagstaff, it’s always awesome to see videos about where I grew up. Your videos and story telling are always superb.

[@boeing900]

I was a pilot for Continental/United Airlines for 34 years and it was that old lava flow that caught my eye many many years ago. This was always one of those places I wished I could just place myself in and explore. Great video and very well done. Thank you.

[@billalumni7760]

Love the fact we still don't know everything.

[@TaylorBrauer]

I had no idea there were so many in Arizona. You captured incredible shots and I loved the story telling. Thanks for making this.

[@Duncan_Idaho_Potato]

Fun fact: the cinder cone seen at 5:16 is called S.P. Crater. The former landowner decided that it resembled a spilled chamber pot (what people pooped in back in the day, in case you didn't know) and decided to name the mountain "Shit Pot Crater". The name stuck, but mapmakers refused to use the full name, so it became S.P. Crater.

[@profsteve7653]

Flagstaff and Sunset crater area are one of my favorite geologic areas-the lava flows in the park are incredible and like Arizona has a rich geologic history. Travel up there every couple years to camp and explore this amazing landscape

[@shantishanti1949]

Fascinating- I never knew any of this about the Volcano’s. I have been to the crater from the meteorite when a teenager- no one mentioned the Volcano’s!!

[@alexmontgomery255]

Last April I was flying to Las Vegas and I saw these volcanoes which are undoubtedly the same ones you’re describing in your video. I took several photos and in one I counted about 20. It’s an amazing sight.

[@vickilim1644]

I'm a native Arizonan. People may not realize that there are 2 areas in the Phoenix area. My aunt/uncle lived on Moon mountain just north of Thunderbird and east of 19th Ave. The mountain is covered with lava rock. At one time I lived at the end of 7th Ave which abuts the Mountain Preserve. There is a towering mountain that's in the preserve which many used to hang-glide off of and land near 7th Ave. That mountain is also covered with lava rock.

[@enament]

I enjoyed this video, i appreciate the fact that this video wasn't another poorly made Ai video . Thanks for putting the effort in to make a quality video thats immersive.

[@larryhand7219]

I live in Northern California and purchased 5 acres in northern Arizona. I saw all the volcanic geological formations and asked the locals about it they acted like they didn’t know anything about it or said they were all dead volcanos.

[@orinblank2056]

Fun little fact: the area around Merriam Crater before the reservation line is usually called the 40s, on account of the large amount of 40 acre plots there. Although Turrell has been buying most of them to put in a conservation trust from what I hear, so that's pretty cool

[@purplefireweed]

I grew up in AZ as a small kid and was awed by visiting Meteor Crater, experienced the 1980 Mt St Helens eruption as a teen, and currently live on the world's most active volcano, Kileauea. How did I not know there is an active volcanic field in AZ???? My mind is blown. THANK YOU for this. I can tell I'll be digging for more deep into the night...

[@freethebirds3578]

I lived in the 4 Corners for years, and it is beautiful. I was a little surprised this video was short on location details, and didn't mention other volcanic formations such as Monument Valley, Shiprock, or others in New Mexico.

[@stephanarizona9094]

I live in North Central Arizona, I don't believe we have any active volcanos but there is literately hundreds of ancient volcanos. The town I live in has a massive ancient volcano which is now a landmark and hiking attraction.

[@npenick66]

In Flagstaff we don't salt the roads in the winter to get rid of snow and ice, we use volcanic cinders. We don't use gravel for roads, we use cinders. There is a huge offroad vehicle area called Cinder Hills that's great for camping, dirt bikes and quads.

[@OvidioJOrtiz]

I was just in Arizona last week and stopped at SP Crater. Wow was that a beautiful volcano and lava flow to see. It was also incredible seeing “volcano valley” behind SP crater

[@Eli-jw8mx]

Arizona is such a vast state there is so much to explore and it’s so much more than just Phoenix and the Grand Canyon.

[@MegaCharger9]

This was actually better than what NAT GEO or PBS have put together or done to cover this region. Absolutely loved how you covered the history of the region and how they (Volcanoes) formed. ❤❤😊

[@lisamoore8041]

I’m so glad you made this video. I was flying back from Vegas when I saw the volcanos. I took a picture but had no idea that’s what it really was. Now I know. Thank you.

[@lenrod]

I live in the area of the "Hot Spot." There are even more volcanos in the area that he did not cover. Not all of the volcanos are made up of cinder cones. There are also many basalt flows and instances of super heated soil that can be seen compressed on top of the pre-existing sand stone layers in the area. He did a great job with this video.

[@bobbear4934]

this is the first I've heard of volcanos in AZ. Thank you. 🌋

[@kylecosgray2176]

I live about an hour and a half from the Springerville Volcanic field in AZ. Travel through there quite often for work as well as for off-roading excursions. It truly does feel like a world frozen in time and breathtakingly beautiful. Also, first time seeing one of your videos. Gotta say, this was wonderfully done, and the cinematography is fantastic. I will be watching more. Thank you.

[@lontoc4150]

What’s crazy is 95% of people that live in this area don’t even know this is a volcanic field, let alone the fact they’re still active.

[@patriciamedaris8552]

I live in Kingman AZ and used to do some gold mining. From Kingman to Meadview is nothing but volcanic plugs, dormant volcanos, and a lot of mountainous areas. The closest city is Golden Valley and the water is never cold. We have the Kaiser Spring volcanic field to the south and are surrounded by volcanic areas Black Mountains (Silver Creek Caldera) and Hualapai Peak.

[@laferrari3027]

Thank you so much for bringing attention to the San Francisco volcanic field! I’ve been going to college here in Flagstaff the last four years, and I majored in geology in my freshman year. When I learned about all of this, it blew my mind, and even though I’m no longer pursuing a geological career, I still have a fondness for it. Excellent video!

[@OdeletteBryce]

The key to growth is the introduction of higher dimensions of consciousness into our awareness.

[@sergeantseven4240]

I lived and worked around Flagstaff for 7 years. Spent a lot of time near Doney Park and the cinder cones. They are destructing one near the mall and using the cinders to cover the ice in the winter rather than using salt.

[@NesconProductions]

Well done doc. here by Mr. Robbins. One side note concerning 'hot spot' volcanoes. One such area created the Hawaiian Islands and continues to be an active region with a small eruption at Kilauea early this year.

[@jonhenke1504]

The Frisco peaks next to Flagstaff was a 15 to 16000 ft volcano before it blew its top thousands of years ago! That was a big volcano. You even find cinder cones over between Show Low and Lakeside Az in Eastern Arizona. One called "Porter mountain" has a flat top and a bunch of radio towers on it.

[@orinblank2056]

I used to live in Arizona, right by Merriam Crater in the beginning, and seeing my dad's property smack dab in the middle of the screen caught me so off guard

[@ericmandia3835]

I love that you uses S.P. volcano for the thumbnail. Extremely recognizable with a name you have to censer for polite company.