The tholeiitic basalt shows chemical and isotopic signatures of magma formed from the spinel-rich mantle rock of the lithosphere, the outer rigid shell of the Earth that includes the crust and uppermost mantle.

[5] A significant portion of the volcanic field is part of the El Malpais National Monument.

In addition, hiking trails enable visitors to see the lava field's unique characteristics.

[6][7][8] The nearly 17.5 mile long lava tube emanating from this crater is the longest in North America.

His daughter married into the Candelaria family, which continues to own and operate the ice cave to this day.