Exploring Sulphur Springs in the Valles Caldera, New Mexico

Volcanic fumaroles, mudpots and hot springs!

This location is part of the Valles Caldera National Preserve so make sure access is allowed before you go.


https://www.nps.gov/vall/index.htm

We saw deer, a coyote, a rabbit, lots of neat birds and insects, spiders and chipmunks in the area, and the Valles is home to black bears, bobcats and herds of elk.


This Sulphur Springs area was first developed as a sulphur mine in the early 1900’s and then was converted to a health spa which operated until the 1970s when it burnt down. Evidence of this development is everywhere - old buildings, crumbling infrastructure, rusted out vehicles and other junk.

The mudpots, seeps and springs are delicate features and can contain hot acidic water. It would be best to maintain a safe distance and watch any children carefully to avoid any mishaps.

Please visit the following link for information about sulfur dioxide gas that is being emitted in low concentrations from the fumaroles. Some people with certain health conditions should avoid exposure. Use your own best judgement.

https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/mmg/mmg.asp...

In the video I talk about the magmatic source of the gases that are coming to the surface here. Isotopic studies on helium, hydrogen and nitrogen present in the gas show a mantle/magmatic signature for the gas emitting from these fumaroles. It is believed that the magmatic source is present between 5-15 km deep, and is about 10% melt, 90% crystallized. For a good scientific read on this, please check this link out:


https://openei.org/wiki/Valles_Calder...