Valles Caldera Facts & Worksheets

Valles Caldera is a wide volcanic caldera located in the Jemez Mountains, a group of mountains in northern New Mexico. With its hot springs, steams, volcanic domes, and several grass valleys, it was considered a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service in 1975.

See the fact file below for more information about the Valles Caldera, or you can download our 26-page Valles Caldera worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

CHARACTERISTICS OF VALLES CALDERA

• Valles Caldera was formed 1.25 million years ago and is considered a well-preserved landmark.
• It is a type of an explosive caldera. A caldera is a significant depression or a cauldron-like hollow formed when a volcano erupts and collapses. Its center was uplifted as a “resurgent dome” that swells the caldera floor due to the movement in the magma chamber beneath it because the magma continues to be injected into the collapsed chamber.
• Valles Calderas was formed by two volcanic eruptions that ejected about 600 cubic kilometers of magma about 1.45 and 1.1 million years ago. The caldera spans 13.7 miles wide with an elevation of 11,253 feet. Its most recent eruption dates back to about 68,900 years ago.

TYPES OF CALDERA

• Explosive calderas erupt magma that is rich in silica from a magma chamber. There are three types of explosive calderas:
• Summit calderas are formed at the top of large volcanoes that experience a 6 to 7-magnitude scale on the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI). When filled with rain, they can form steady-state lakes, which can be drained if the rim becomes breached. 

Examples of this type of caldera are the Aniakchak caldera (Alaska), Crater Lake caldera (Oregon), and Katmai caldera (Alaska).

• Resurgent calderas are considered the most significant volcanic features on Earth. They are formed after volcanic activities that are large enough to empty the magma reservoir. It then collapses its roof and creates a ground subsidence that makes the caldera.
• Resurgent calderas can erupt large volumes of ash and pumice. Examples of this type of caldera are the Yellowstone Caldera (Wyoming), which is referred to as a super volcano with a magnitude of 8 on the VEI. A perfect example of a Resurgent caldera is the Valles Caldera.
• Older caldera Complexes are known for their large volume of ignimbrites, a type of volcanic rock consisting of hardened tuff. These rocks are formed from the deposits of pyroclastic flow. Their eruptions can range from colossal to apocalyptic, with a magnitude of 6 to 8 on the VEI. Their walls are difficult to find due to erosion and volcanic activity in the area.

Examples of this type of caldera are the Pine Mountain caldera (Texas), Turkey Creek caldera (Arizona), Montezuma caldera (Arizona), Bursum caldera (New Mexico), Gila Cliff Dwellings caldera (New Mexico), and the Tucson Mountain caldera (Arizona).

• While most of the calderas common to knowledge are explosive, some calderas are non-explosive, primarily caused by the magma being basalt or poor silica content in these volcanoes. This makes the magma less viscous, drawing the magma chamber by large lava flows.
• Examples of non-explosive calderas are the Kīlauea caldera (Hawaii) and the Moku’āweoweo caldera (Hawaii).

HISTORY OF VALLES CALDERA

• Native Americans visit the Valles Caldera to hunt and gather obsidian, which is used to create spears and points for arrows. Some issues used for spears were discovered and are dated 11,000 years ago. Obsidian was also used as trading goods by tribes across the Southwest. Spanish and Mexican settlers, as well as different Native American people and tribes, eventually visited the place for subsequent clashes and raids.
• In 1876, Valles Caldera became a part of Baca Ranch, a place owned by the Bacas, a wealthy family. A location called Baca Location number one was used for business exchanges and enterprises.
• In 1926, the Bond brothers, Frank and George, purchased the Baca Location. Frank Bond, one of the primary owners of the location, used the land to take advantage of the lucrative wool market by raising thousands of sheep, which later caused damage to the land. When Frank Bond died in 1945, this business was taken over by his son, Franklin.
• In 1963, the Baca Location was sold to James Patrick Dunigan. He established the Baca Land and Cattle Company. He also committed to maintaining the land as a working ranch and the wonders and nature of Valle Grande.
• Because Valles Caldera is in Valles Caldera National Preserve, a unit of the National Park System, it became a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service in 1975. On July 25, 2000, President Clinton signed the Valles Caldera Preservation Act of 2000.
• The Valles Caldera Preservation Act of 2000 created the Valles Caldera National Preserve (VCNP). This has led to providing for the federal purchase of the ranch, which eventually made the Dunigan family sell the surface estate and seven-eighths of the geothermal estate for $101 million. Some areas of the Baca ranch are not put up for purchase due to their cultural significance to the Native Americans, and others were obtained by Santa Clara Pueblo.
  • The Valles Caldera Trust, an experimental management organization, was created with the Valles Caldera Preservation Act of 2000, which aims to have the preserve be financially self-sustaining by 2015. This aim was deemed challenging as they could not reach the amount needed to manage the property each year.
• In July 2011, the Las Conchas Fire burned 30,000 acres of the Valles Caldera National Reserve.
• On December 19, 2014, the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act was signed by President Barack Obama, which ordered a transfer of administrative jurisdiction of the preserve to the National Park Service.

RESEARCH AND SCIENCE: VALLES CALDERA

• R.L. Smith and R.A. Bailey chose the Valles Caldera as their model in creating their 1986 paper that introduces the concept of a resurgent caldera. The great form of the caldera became a rich source of information when studying resurgent calderas. Researchers also study the fundamental processes of magmatism, hydrothermal systems, and ore deposition.
• Valles Caldera has a subarctic climate. It is defined by having long, cold winters and short, warm summers.
• From October to November 1964 and September 1966, The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) used the Valles Caldera to train Apollo astronauts in identifying and determining volcanic features.
• The volcanic properties of Valles Caldera can be a great source of renewable and non-polluting geothermal energy. However, some people thought this would damage the scenery of the landmark, making them oppose the proposal. The caldera was also a place for conducting experiments on the Enhanced Geothermal System or Hot-dry-rock Geothermal System.
• Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) involves drilling deep wells underground in hot, dry rocks to reopen and allow hot water or steam to circulate on the rock. The generated electricity will come from the hot water as it is pumped out of the surface. Doing an Enhanced Geothermal System may increase the likelihood of earthquakes in its area.

RECREATION AT VALLES CALDERA

• Valles Caldera is home to various recreational activities, including hiking, horse riding, and biking.
• This landmark is also a venue for equestrian endurance races and ski orienteering, a well-known winter racing sport.
• Valles Caldera is also a popular place for filming exterior sets of Western genre films.

Valles Caldera Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Valles Caldera across 26 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Valles Caldera. With its hot springs, steams, volcanic domes, and several grass valleys, it was considered a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service in 1975.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. Valles Caldera Facts
2. Organizing Calderas
3. Best of Valles Caldera
4. Turn The Compass
5. Um, Actually, Caldera!
6. Caldera Box
7. From Valles, With Love
8. Frame-By-Frame
9. Firewatch
10. Go Go, Power Rangers!
11. Caldera Merch Drop

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Valles Caldera?

Valles Caldera, also known as the Valles Caldera National Preserve, is a large volcanic caldera located in the Jemez Mountains of northern New Mexico. It is the collapsed remains of a massive volcano that erupted over a million years ago. The caldera spans approximately 13.7 miles (22 kilometers) in diameter and is known for its stunning landscapes, including grasslands, forests, and numerous hot springs.

How was Valles Caldera formed?

Valles Caldera was formed through a series of volcanic eruptions. The most significant eruption occurred over 1.25 million years ago when a massive volcano, known as the Jemez Volcanic Field, erupted, releasing a tremendous amount of volcanic material. The resulting empty magma chamber collapsed, forming the caldera we see today.

What is the significance of Valles Caldera?

Valles Caldera is significant for several reasons. It offers a unique opportunity to study the geology and formation of calderas, which are relatively rare geological features. Additionally, the caldera’s diverse ecosystems, including grasslands, forests, and wetlands, make it an important area for ecological research and conservation. It’s also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

What is the role of the Valles Caldera National Preserve?

The Valles Caldera National Preserve was established in 2000 to protect the unique geological and ecological features of the area. It serves as a place for scientific research, outdoor recreation, and education. The preserve is managed by the National Park Service and is open to the public for various activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and guided tours.

Are there any cultural or historical aspects associated with Valles Caldera?

Yes, Valles Caldera has cultural and historical significance as well. The area has a long history of human habitation, dating back to Native American tribes such as the Pueblo people. The preserve contains archaeological sites, including ancient ruins and petroglyphs, which provide insights into the region’s prehistoric inhabitants. Additionally, the preserve’s history includes cattle ranching, logging, and other land uses that have shaped its cultural heritage.

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