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2017 Map of The Watchman

Name: 2017 Topographic Map of The Watchman
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2017
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2017

About this map

Craters of the Moon National Monument dominates this portion of the Snake River Plain, where volcanic activity has shaped a complex and distinct landscape. The southern portion of the quadrangle highlights the volcanic fissure system known as the Great Rift, featuring prominent landmarks like The Watchman and The Sentinel. These basaltic features are surrounded by extensive lava fields such as the Little Prairie Aa Flow, Serrate Flow, and Black Flow, illustrating the geological succession of the region.

Water sources are remarkably sparse across this arid terrain, with essential catchment points identified as Surprise Waterhole, Bearsden Waterhole, and Little Prairie Waterhole. Topographical variations are marked by isolated features like Round Knoll and the evocative Bridge of Tears, while the subterranean character of the volcanic field is noted at the Tom Thumb Tunnel. This survey documents the intersection of modern monument boundaries with a landscape defined by prehistoric volcanic events.