Jornada del Muerto Basin, New MexicoAlex stared at the crater of dried lava. Jornada del Muerto was shield volcano, like those in Hawaii. The look and texture showed that serious trouble would be brewing if this volcano awoke unexpectedly from its slumber. If new lava tubes formed, and no one realized it, an explorer could pop one open by stepping in it, and die from burns.
Few plants had grown on the lava here. Unlike on Hawaii, where plant growth would recover in the cooled lava fields within a year or two. Of course, the lack of water here was partly to blame as well.
Alex had left his pole at the base, and regretted it. It would be difficult to determine if the ground was solid beneath them. The walking stick he had picked up by the creek side had been forgotten somewhere as well. Wi
