Did you know: about crowley lake columns?

Crowley Lake columns are a geological formation in California's Eastern Sierra, formed by volcanic activity approximately 760,000 years ago. A massive eruption created the Long Valley Caldera, and subsequent snowmelt seeping into the hot volcanic ash led to the formation of these striking stone pillars.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Volcanic Eruption:
A large volcanic eruption formed the Long Valley Caldera and deposited a layer of hot volcanic ash.
Snowmelt and Boiling Water:
Meltwater from snow percolated through the porous ash, encountering the still-hot material.
Convection Cells and Mineral Deposition:
The boiling water created convection cells, similar to heat pipes, which carried dissolved minerals upward.
Columnar Jointing:
As the steam cooled, the minerals solidified, cementing together the tiny spaces within the ash. This process, known as columnar jointing, created the erosion-resistant columns.
Erosion and Exposure:
Over time, wind and water eroded away the surrounding ash, revealing the columns and creating the unique landscape we see today.
Unique Features:
The columns exhibit a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, with some standing erect and others leaning or warped.
Essentially, the combination of volcanic activity and the unique properties of hot volcanic ash interacting with water led to the formation of these fascinating geological structures.