A map of Skyrim with the Eastmarch highlited on the eastern side
(Image from elderscrolls.wikia.com)
Upon exploring the hot springs in the Eastmarch, I noticed that the entire area was very large and flat for the most part. I also found many geysers dotted throughout the hot springs. This large area of hot springs is a massive caldera. This would explain the formation of so many hot springs and geysers. The region is also somewhat circular and surrounded by large mountain ranges on either side. The caldera is very similar to Yellowstone.
Hot springs in the Eastmarch caldera
A large geyser in the hot springs
Another interesting thing I found near the immediate center of the caldera was a large rock formation that looked to be a rhyolite dome leftover from a volcanic eruption. The formation itself is called Bonestrewn Crest, named after the many mammoth bones strewn about the rock formation. It reminded me of the building rhyolite formation in Mt. St. Helens.
The rhyolite formation in the center of the caldera
A sky view of the Eastmarch caldera noting the position of Bonestrewn Crest in the center
One other thing I noticed while searching the landscape was this fault in the ground most likely from compression.
The fault shown here with the ground on the left about a foot higher than on the right
The people that live in this part of the Eastmarch make use of the warmer temperatures in this volcanic area to establish hunting camps where game such as sabre cats, bears, mammoth and elk are hunted. The large rhyolite formation in the center of the caldera is also a roosting spot for dragons.
-All above images except for the map are in-game screen captures done by myself.
First of all, good catch on the rhyloite dome and caldera in Skyrim. The only thing I think you could use just a little more content. One idea that pops to mind is just spending a little more time on the mountains around eastmarch, are they volvanically formed too? or do they look more like they were caused by faulting?
ReplyDeleteAt the bottom you used an example of a small fault you found, a couple more small forms like that and the processes that made them and you have it on this post. Mabey theres a dyke or two hanging around.
Hey Jacob! I am a huge fan of Skyrim and the great detail Bethesda put into creating this geographically diverse region of Tamriel. Although I have played quite a bit I never even knew there were hot springs in Skryim at all! I agree that the obvious circular formation of the springs in a lowland area would suggest a massive caldera there. The more dense and erosion resistant rhyolitic protrusion located in the center supports this theory. Perhaps the compression creating the fault could also account for the eastern mountain range due to a continental continental boundary? Overall I would say Talos would approve this post. (By Kevin McBride)
ReplyDeleteIs so cool they were so accurate in giving personality to their volcanoes. I like the fact that Skyrim is a volcanic region.
ReplyDeleteSo I assumed:
Volcano: Eastmarch Caldera.
Location: Skyrim.
Volcano Type: Caldera, Hot spring.
Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI): 8
Average VEI: ?
Status: Dormant.
Series: Skyrim.
And the infamous red mountain:
Volcano: Red Mountain.
Location: Morrowind.
Volcano Type: Shield Volcano, Stratovolcano, Lava dome, Hot spring.
Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI): 6
Average VEI: 4
Status: Active.
Series: The Elders Scroll.
Red Mountain is more a VEI 7
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