A Young Cone... and an Older Cone
The different ages of the two cones in
view could be predicted by their vegetation
and form.
Plants gradually begin to grab hold on newly
created volcanic cinders and lava. The earliest
poineers are different species from those that,
after many thousands of years, grow in mature
plant communities.
North Crater - about 2000 years old;
one of the most recent cones formed
in the park. Pioneering plants include
limber pine and antelope bitterbrush.
Much bare rock is still showing and
shapes are angular, less weathered.
Grassy Cone - about 7500 years old;
plants include sagebrush and Douglas
fir. More surface is covered by
vegetation and shapes are rounded,
with greater soil accumulation.
Day by day the landscape changes.
Cones erode. More soil builds up. One
type of plant community eventually
succeeds another.
