GRANTS, NM – On Friday, August 23 at the Double Six Gallery, there was a showing of the 2009 PBS documentary, “Sleeping Monsters, Sacred Fires: Volcanos of New Mexico”.
New Mexico is “the volcano state” to enthusiasts, that is the volcanologists, artists, scientists, and Native American experts who might believe the volcanoes are only hibernating, so to speak. They wonder when the “sleeping monsters” will awaken.
Narrator, Kate Nelson, paints a colorful and intriguing portrait of New Mexico’s geologic history as she explains the formation of the Rio Grande Rift, the Sandias, and how our state is decorated with volcanoes.
Those who are interested in the landscape they pass on their road trips will enjoy this informative film, which is brief, and only 25 minutes. It briefly explains what we see as we drive across “the volcano state”. Some of our familiar and favorite landmarks are also volcanos or are the result of volcanic activity: the Rio Grande Rift, Zuni Salt Lake, Mount Taylor, Cabezon, and Capulin.
There are many folktales and religious beliefs associated with volcanoes. Some have elements of truth. The Acoma Pueblo tribe understands that the earth is alive, always changing. Their belief is that volcanoes are sacred portals through which fire spirits return to remind believers of their power.
Information about the Valles Caldera is only one of the fascinating facts in this video. Starting with a crack in the earth, a blast that emitted shock waves caused the emission of gases reaching 400-500 degrees. Eruptions of the Valles Caldera were reported to be 250 times greater than the Mount Saint Helen eruption. The Valles Caldera is not the largest caldera in New Mexico. That would be a “collection of calderas in southwestern New Mexico that are some of the biggest in the solar system.”
Other fascinating (if this appeals to you) details will be shared in the second showing of “Sleeping Monsters, Sacred Fires: Volcanos of New Mexico” on Friday, October 11, at 4 p.m.