NASA Astronauts Capture Ancient Lava Flow From Space

 
Astronauts on the International Space Station have spotted a rather exciting sight from way up above: ancient lava flow while in orbit over Southwestern US. 
 
The basaltic lava known as the Carrizozo Malpaís is located in New Mexico; the magma had come from a volcano called the Little Black Peak. The eruption dates back 5,000 years and lasted for several decades. 

Eventually, it was known as one of the longest flows from the Holocene Epoch. In total, it spans 50 miles of the Chihuahuan Desert. The northern parts of the basalt are disrupted by a road carved into it, while the southern portion stretches into Malpaís Springs
 
NASA noted that flora could still thrive despite the lava, and plants such as juniper trees, perennial flowers, and prickly pear cacti were seen growing in the area. 

A crew member took the images from Expedition 67, who used a Nikon D5 Digital camera. Lighter spots were seen from the renders, which NASA believes to be fissures, collapses, or areas to which the magma did not spread to. 

 
 
 
[via TechTimes and Earth Observatory, NASA, images via Earth Observatory, NASA]