Geology Davis Mountains, TexasGeology Davis Mountains, TexasApril 25 and 26, 2007. We are staying in Balmorhea State Park. Water & 50-amps $14 with cable TV $17 plus $5 each for park entry fee. Located a few miles south of I-10 exit 206 if you are east bound and exit 209 if you are west bound. We like to stay here for the wildlife and birding. Balmorhea State Park boast the worlds largest swimming pool. Davis Mountains viewed from exit 209 on I-10 in West Texas
As we turn off I-10 at exit 209 we can see the Davis Mountains to the south.
Columnar Jointed Basalt in ancient lava flow
All kinds of volcanic activity are present in the Davis Mountains. Lava flows with columnar joints are common as are thick ash-flow tuffs.
Columnar Jointed Basalt visible in Davis Mountains
The magma that formed these rocks either flowed out or was blasted out of two main volcanic centers, one south of Ft Davis the other north west of Ft Davis.
Columnar jointed basalt formed from old lava flow
Some of these 37-million year old lava flows are nearly 1,000 feet thick.
Columnar jointed basalt formed from ancient lava flow
Columnar-jointed basalt in lava flow caps mesa between Balmorhea and Ft Davis.
Columnar jointed basalt in ancient lava flow
Close up of columnar-jointing lava flow.
Columnar jointed basalt from old lava flow
More columnar jointed basalt in old lava flow.
Columnar jointed basalt in old lava flow
More lava flow and even the untrained eye can recognize the columnar jointing.
An intrusion or dike near McDonald Ovservatory in the Davis Mountains |
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