Ancient Volcanic Plug

February 15, 2017

VolcanicPlug_DSC_8258

Photographer: Sebastian Jeremias
Summary Authors: Sebastian Jeremias; Jim Foster

The huge volcanic plug featured above, Piedra Parada, stands about 935 ft (285 m) tall and is nearly 330 ft (100 m) wide. It's found in the Chubut Province of Argentina. Approximately 50 million years ago, it was the chimney of a massive volcano that stretched some 19 mi (30 km) across. Composed of hardened lava, and protected by the volcano's exterior flanks, it was much more resistant to erosion than other parts of the volcanic cone.

This photo was taken on January 3, 2017, in the Buitrera Canyon; a 2 mi (5 km) long corridor formed from 660 ft (200 m) tall walls. It was once home to indigenous people and is now a focal point for archaeological investigations. It's also a destination for rock climbers from all over the world.

Photo Details: Camera Model: NIKON D80; Focal Length: 62mm (35mm equivalent: 93mm); Aperture: ƒ/9.0; Exposure Time: 0.013 s (1/80); ISO equiv: 320.