ooted (Infrared). One disadvantage that plants have, compared to most members of the animal kingdom, is that they have to have to survive wherever they sprout. If that spot happens to be in the midst of a lava flow, it makes for a very challenging existence, especially for a huge pine tree. There’s precious little soil for roots to penetrate, so instead they have to stretch across a rugged, abrasive rock surface searching for crevices in which to grab hold.

Such was the case for this giant root near Sunset Crater, belonging to a deceased ponderosa whose stump is visible in the upper left.

Tech info: Nikon D800E camera (modified for full spectrum response and with Wratten #70 filter behind lens, approximating a 680nm infrared filter), Nikon 8-15mm fisheye lens at 15mm, 1/125 sec. at f/11, ISO 250.

Image ©2024 James D. Peterson