The 21st Show

Scientists research dormant volcano in southern Illinois

 
Hicks Dome is a dormant cryptovolcano that sits in Hardin County in southern Illinois.

Hicks Dome is a dormant cryptovolcano that sits in Hardin County in southern Illinois. Tyler Horn, via WSIL

When you think of the geography of Illinois, there are many things that probably come to mind. Prairie as far as the eye can see, the occasional forest, and even a few hills. What probably doesn’t come to mind is volcanoes, but in Hardin County at the southeastern tip of the state, you can find a dormant one: Hicks Dome. At ground level, it looks like one of the many other bluffs in southern Illinois. But go below the surface, and you’ll find unique and unusual minerals and elements.

The 21st was joined by a geologist that's been studying the dome.

GUEST: 

Daniel Hummer

Assistant Professor, Geology, SIU Carbondale

 

 

Prepared for web by Owen Henderson

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