In 1891, America’s first Chief Geologist, G.K. Gilbert � working for J.W. Powell, of Grand Canyon fame � rode his horse through the forests of the San Francisco Peaks. He was surveying volcanic cinder cones and lava flows, trying to determine if the same processes produced (the unhappily named) Coon Mountain on the plain east of Flagstaff.
Gilbert’s odyssey began when he heard a lecture in Washington, D.C. about meteorites near Canyon Diablo and the mysterious crater-like feature called Coon Mountain. He decided to apply a new scientific concept called the method of multiple working hypotheses. Noting the hundreds of volcanic vents in the area, he hypothesized Coon Mountain had a similar origin. Alternatively, he hypothesized, the structure was produced by the “collision of a star.� Gilbert � America’s first lunar geologist � believed lunar craters were produced by impacting space debris. Could Coon Mountain be an Earthly example of the same phenomenon?
David Kring teaches university students and astronauts about planetary processes in the Coconino National Forest. He is a Trustee of the Museum of Northern Arizona, which was responsible for a century of geologic studies in the Coconino National Forest and where stories of the Colorado Plateau are told every day.
The NPS/USFS Roving Rangers volunteer through a unique agreement between the Flagstaff Area National Monuments and the Coconino National Forest to provide Interpretive Ranger walks and talks in the Flagstaff area each summer.
Submit questions for the ‘Ask a Ranger’ weekly column to [email protected].
The annual Gardeners Market, which features workshops and local growers selling Flagstaff-adapted plants and seeds, continues through the end of June in the Pine Forest Charter School parking lot. Read moreGallery: Go greener at the 3rd annual Gardeners Market
Meet Tanya! This 11-month-old retriever mix is a sweet, cuddly companion who absolutely loves kids and people of all shapes and sizes. Whether it is going for a walk, enjoying some tasty food,… Read moreCHA Pet of the Week: Tanya
The Wool and Fiber Festival, a two-day natural fiber-themed event presented by Threaded Together, featured demonstrations, animals, vendors and more at the Pioneer Museum over the weekend. Read moreGallery: Wool and Fiber Festival in Flagstaff
With the fire season upon us again, I'm wondering if we have some kind of citywide alarm system telling us to evacuate if that time comes? We are surrounded by forest and have been lucky so fa… Read moreLetter to the Editor: Idea sounds alarm on wildfires
