Southern Idaho's Balanced Rock area records an explosive and nonexplosive volcanic history

Geology professor Shawn Willsey explains the fascinating story of two volcanic eruptions near Balanced Rock, a scenic attraction south of Buhl. This area near Salmon Falls Creek canyon records evidence of two contrasting eruptive styles, nonexplosive eruptions of pasty rhyolite lava and huge, explosive eruptions of ash. These eruptions occurred about eight million years ago as this part of Idaho moved over the Yellowstone hot spot.

You can learn more about southern Idaho geology by purchasing Geology Underfoot in Southern Idaho and Roadside Geology of Idaho. Both available locally or on Amazon.

GPS location: 42.54496, -114.95411

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