HIGH RESOLUTION SOIL SURVEY OF CAPULIN VOLCANO NATIONAL MONUMENT

A high resolution soil survey of Capulin Volcano National Monument was conducted in New Mexico, USA, in order to provide a more detailed soil map for the monument. Interest in this project began due to vast differences in vegetative cover between the site and other cinder cones in the surrounding area. Differences in vegetative cover have caused speculation into possible soil differences on Capulin Volcano. The area to be studied was divided into a grid consisting of 114 triangles in ArcGIS. Parameters that consist of slope and vegetative cover were taken and a composite soil sample was collected on site. Later, pH, electrical conductivity, C:N ratio, essential elements, organic matter, particle size, and color were analyzed. After completion of analysis a more accurate soil description of the monument will be available to better understand vegetative anomalies.