Red Bomb Crater
Almost 1,000 feet in diameter, Red Bomb Crater formed as basaltic magma rose through the water-saturated layers beneath South-dome, which is to the north. The source of the water was run-off from the Steen Mountains, visible directly to the south. The water changed to steam, generating a confined steam explosion, much like a hot water tank explosion. Magma and rock flew upward and rained down around the vent, forming the cinder, or more correctly, the scoria cone. Bombs and cinders stuck togethor forming the dark layers. Volcanic activity resumed in a series of small explosive eruptions inside the big crater, forming the funnel-shaped craters.
Walk around the parking lot and the north rim of the crater and you will find many volcanic bombs. Keep your eyes out for breadcrust bombs, like the one in the 1st photograph on the left. When balls of basalt fly through the air from the eruption, the surface cools rapidly and then the inside gases expand. This causes the outside of the balls to crack, forming a breadcrust texture. Please do not take these bombs away from thier home, leave them be for other to see. "Take only pictures, leave only footprints."
Directions:
Only a short distance from Laval Pit Crater traveling northwest on the dirt road you will find a short parking loop road. Be careful to stay on the firmly packed soils, more than a few cars have gotten stuck in the tephra.
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