Several groups settled on
the canyon-slashed slopes of the Pajarito Plateau, in a striking setting characterized by
tan cliffs, forested mesas, and deep gorges. The story of these people - their adaptation
to their environment and their relationships with other groups - is gradually being
brought to light through continuing research by archaeologists, adding to our knowledge of
prehistoric Southwestern cultures.
The Pajarito Plateau is of interest geologically as well as archaeologically. It is
constituted largely of tuff (consolidated volcanic ash) and basaltic lava
ejected thousands of years ago by a great volcano. The caldera (saucer-shaped
depression) created by the collapsed summit of the volcano is among the world's largest
calderas; its rim forms the Jemez Mountains. Through this highland, running water has cut
many steep-walled canyons down to the Rio Grande.
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