The Active Volcano in New Mexico; Carrizozo

Within New Mexico is a vast darkened area representing a single 50 mile or 80 kilometer long lava flow which is even visible from the international space station. It originated in one of the planet's largest recent effusive eruptions a mere 5,300 years ago. During a several decade long eruption, the Carrizozo volcano output a massive amount of molten rock, burying the landscape in up to several hundred feet of lava. Although it has not erupted since, this volcano will erupt again.

Thumbnail Photo Credit: Google Earth, Image © 2025 Airbus

Google Earth imagery used in this video: ©Google & Data Providers

Photo Credit at 1m36s: gnuckx, Flickr, Public Domain

Special Thanks: INVOLCAN, TV Canarias

0:00 Long Lava Flows
0:19 An Eruption in New Mexico
0:39 Carrizozo Volcano Location
0:54 Geologic Setting
1:20 Geologic History
3:26 Future Hazard

[GeologyHub]

Active rift systems through shield volcanoes can often produce very large volume effusive eruptions, but the largest tend to originate from more massive continental rift systems. This is why areas around central Iceland, New Mexico, and near Lake Baikal in Russia have produced some of the world's largest effusive eruptions in the last 10, 000 years.

[jonathanemig]

I lived in New Mexico for much of my childhood. (4-16) Such a wonderful state to explore a plethora of natural phenomena. Truly an enchanting state.

[marvthebass]

I live in New Mexico and I've seen this lava flow. It is incredible! And it's proximity to White Sands and The Trinity Site makes it a great area to visit

[SpruceDodger]

Very cool! I first saw that lava flow on google earth a while back...its proximity to White Sands really made it stand out even more from above. Thanks for the history on it, very fascinating!

[captainnope]

Honestly this would be one of the volcanoes I would hope to see erupt in my lifetime, as it's very low risk, but would be incredible to see in person or from the air, all while not having to feel guilty about any towns getting flattened.

[AstroGuy]

I always love your videos!! I'm really interested into Physicial Geography and your videos are perfect for me when it comes to learning about volcanoes worldwide, keep up the great work!!! 🌋🙌

[markcrombie]

New Mexico is just loaded with volcanic fields, many of which are obscure with very little information available which makes them even more fascinating.

[StuffandThings_]

Damn, rift zones *dominate* that list of largest effusive eruptions. Iceland, Baikal rift, Rio Grande rift, and even the Canaries likely have some fracture zones along with the hotspot at play. The rest seem to be from deep rooted hotspots from superplumes (Mayotte and Kilauea). I think that list alone is worth a video, along with whatever anomalous large-volume effusive eruptions *haven't* come from a rift or deep plume.

[aurorablackrose]

Thank you so much for reviewing this area! I was heading to Alamogordo two weeks ago when I came across this section. I drove East on Route 380 from Interstate 25 near San Antonio. This area blew my mind!

[warrenlanglois]

Albuquerque. There's a volcanic field there too. I used to see the old lava flows when going to my grandparents house and it was beautiful.

[semipenguin]

Great video.

Back in the 90s, my exwife and I took a road trip in old Route 66 in California. There’s a lava flow in the Amboy area. Maybe you can do a video of that.

[brianwooton]

I've been there and it's quite stunning. One tiny correction. I think the locals would call it "carazoso", not "carry-zozo".

[equarg]

New Mexico, the land of enchantment and occasional (geologically) eruptions 🌋

[rocksandoil]

Love the final pix of the petroglyhs - Three Rivers no doubt

[bobh]

I lived in Grants, NM for a time -- nearby there is a sizable area referred to as the "El Malpais" - a large dormant lava field. We drove adjacent to it several times but I gathered it was not wise to hike unless accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. As there were no labelled locations on the maps in the video, it was difficult to determine precisely where in the state the flows depicted occurred.

[julane-hy]

Visited your Etsy shop and was happy to see the great reviews! Love your videos.

[vexile]

The explanation is easy to understand thank you for the hard work

[ShadowNinjaOfFlames]

I love just to the south of this lava flow! Very cool to see it on your channel! Thank you 😊

[Pacolitis]

I've lived in New Mexico all my life and didn't know about all the volcanoes in the region. I would love to see a video about Carlsbad Caverns! It's a wonder to behold!

[SinnerChrono]

I wonder what native tribes living in the area must have thought seeing this eruption 5300 years ago.