S-P Crater, Arizona (Infrared). Framed here by a gaunt-but-graceful juniper tree, this well-formed cinder cone north of Flagstaff is estimated to be around 60,000 years old (i.e., very young by geologic standards). It is part of northern Arizona’s San Francisco Volcanic Field, a hotspot that contains over 600 volcanic peaks and vents.

Tech info: Nikon D3200 camera (modified for infrared with 590nm filter), Nikon 18-140mm lens at 18mm, 1/320 sec. at f11, ISO 200.

Image ©2021 James D. Peterson