Valles Caldera National Preserve, NM (Infrared)

The stillness and peacefulness of this scene hardly indicates its fiery inauguration. Valles Caldera, a collapsed super-volcano, began its first eruption cycle about 1,250,000 years ago, eventually creating a caldera over 13 miles in diameter. By the time it had gone through three major cycles it had deposited ash and molten rock thousands of feet thick. Now it may look peaceful, but it is not dormant. There are hot springs in the area and movement deep down, so this giant may be merely sleeping.