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Aerial view of the SP volcanic crater
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Aerial view of the SP volcanic crater
SP volcanic crater. Aerial view of the SP volcanic crater with its cinder cone. The crater was named " Shit Pot" by early explorers because of its shape. Cinder cones form when bubbles of gas in the volcanos molten rock burst, throwing lava high into the air. The lava solidifies in flight, and falls to the ground making a conical pile of loose, cinder-like dry material. Volcanoes occur where faults in the Earths crust allow molten rock from the planets interior to reach the surface. The heat to melt the rock comes from a combination of radioactive decay, chemical changes occurring under high pressure, and friction during movements of rock. Photographed in Arizona, USA
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Media ID 6341159
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Arizona Crater Volcanic Volcano Cinder Cone Volcanic Crater
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This aerial view captures the SP volcanic crater in all its majestic glory. Located in Arizona, USA, this unique geological formation earned the rather amusing nickname "Shit Pot" due to its distinctive shape, as coined by early explorers. The photograph showcases the cinder cone within the crater, a result of gas bubbles bursting from molten rock and propelling lava high into the air. As these fiery projectiles solidify mid-flight, they create a conical pile of loose and cinder-like dry material. Volcanoes like SP are formed when faults in Earth's crust allow molten rock from deep within our planet to reach the surface. The intense heat required for such eruptions is derived from various sources: radioactive decay, chemical changes under immense pressure, and friction caused by tectonic movements. Science Photo Library has beautifully captured this breathtaking scene that not only highlights nature's raw power but also provides valuable insights into geology and volcanic activity. This print serves as a reminder of Earth's dynamic processes and offers an opportunity for scientific exploration and understanding.
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