now I have to ask myself.. where are some of those 'other' lava tubes and just what are 'they' being used for..
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/06/oregon-lost-lake-disappearing-hole-video_n_7208122.html
Oregon's 'Lost Lake' Is Disappearing Down A Big Hole, And Now We Know Why
The Huffington Post | By Jacqueline Howard
Posted: 05/06/2015 9:20 am EDT Updated: 05/06/2015 9:59 am EDT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-fLLT_pss0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-fLLT_pss0
For as long as anyone can remember, something strange has been happening at Lost Lake in central Oregon's Willamette National Forest.
Around this time each year, the lake drains down a huge hole (see video above). Just where all the H2O goes has been a bit of a mystery, The Bulletin reported.
The lake "fills up in the winter, when input exceeds the rate of draining, and then it goes dry [as the spring turns to summer] and it becomes a meadow," Jude McHugh, a spokeswoman for the national forest, told the Bend, Ore.-based newspaper. If anyone were to plug the hole -- which McHugh said she hopes no one would try to do -- it would cause flooding.
(http://i.huffpost.com/gen/2916374/thumbs/o-OREGON-LOST-LAKE-570.jpg?7)
Water flowing down the hole in Lost Lake.
McHugh recently revealed an explanation for the water's disappearing act, and it's simple science.
It turns out that the hole is an old, collapsed lava tube, McHugh told The Huffington Post in a telephone interview. Streams of lava that pour onto our planet's surface from Earth's interior form these natural conduits. The surface and outer regions of the streams cool and solidify, forming a tunnel through which still-molten lava continues to flow and drain away. Check out the infographic below.
(http://i.huffpost.com/gen/2913520/thumbs/o-LAVA-TUBE-570.jpg?6)
An illustration of how lava tubes form, provided by the U.S. Geological Survey.
McHugh said that Lost Lake's water seeps into Earth's porous subsurface through the lava tube and refills the underground water supply that feeds springs in other areas of the forest and even provides drinking water for the community.
"It takes seven to ten years for water to travel through the porous rock out into the valley floor. It's a pretty amazing process," she said. "This is one place where you can dramatically see that water is going into the Earth."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VkdkkKwnJQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VkdkkKwnJQ
8)
Very interesting story Otter, like the part about how the water
is filtered and feeds springs in the area. Its a good thing this
is in Oregon, if it was in CA they would probably siphon the water
away to fill swimming pools in Beverly Hills.
I saw something the other day, about the magma reservoir under Yellowstone being much larger than originally thought. The Yellowstone caldera and the Lost Lake area are both in the same active chain. I keep feeling like something major is due to happen. Just please don't make it be in mid July while I'm visiting Yellowstone. That would be a real trip ruiner!
Shasta
Ah yes sky, Lost Lake is near hidden lake, a favorite of fishermen here who like to get away from it all. One of the hundreds of amazing places to be found here whilst hiking through the vast wild lands of Oregon. You really never know what amazing sights you might find once you get off the beaten path around here.
And Shasta you lucky dog! ( ;) ) lol I am of course so jealous of your good fortune to visit in July. But you must know that of course having seen the thread I did on Yellowstone in the magnificent planet area here.
Have you ever visited before?
Being the lucky CAT, that I am, I have visited Yellowstone several times. It's just a days drive from the Denver area. The last time I was through there, my daughter and I were on our way to Seattle. I nearly hit an elk. It was dusk, she was moseying across the road. I had a four door Metro at the time. I don't know if she would have even noticed the impact. Somehow, I have missed your Yellowstone thread. I have to find that.
Shasta