One for the Volcanologists - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

LePetitChoux · 12-15-2002, 11:14 AM

What Kind of volcano was Mt.Doom? And why was it just one volcano in the middle of nowhere, because Volcanoes form on plate boundaries, so surely there would be volcanoes in a chain north and south of it? I don't mean to sound like one of those bores who scientifically disproves fiction (eg. it is physically impossible to change a pumpkin into a coach!), I'm just wondering, as we just did volcanoes in Geography. [img]smilies/confused.gif[/img]

Manwe Sulimo · 12-15-2002, 02:01 PM

Umm....a big one.

It was part of a mountain range, just sorta disconnected from it. Ered Lithui and Ephel Dúath met to create Udûn (no, not Hell), but also created a small "veryhighlands", between Isenmouthe, Orodruin, and Barad-dûr. If you look at the map, you see a small mountain range extending south from Ered Lithui, ending at Barad-dûr. Then, a small gap, then Orodruin. Then another gap, then Morgai. Mordor is actually Minas Tirith-like, with Udûn as the top tier, the aforementioned region the second highest, then Gorgoroth the third, followed by Nurn and the rest of Mordor. (At least, I assume that the elevation decreases, since there is the inland sea of Núrnen.) As for plates, it doesn't have to be directly over a plate, but slightly off....for instance, there is probably a division just east of Anduin (which formed Ephel Dúath) that might have a vent that travels to Orodruin.

[ December 15, 2002: Message edited by: Manwe Sulimo ]

akhtene · 12-15-2002, 05:39 PM

The mountain chain forming the northern border of Mordor are called Ered Lithui or
the ASH MOUNTAINS. This must indicate that there are\were volcanoes there, as ash accompanies volcanic erruptions.

piosenniel · 12-15-2002, 06:07 PM

I am going to refer you to: The Atlas of Middle-earth by Karen Wynn Fonstad, page 146 - 147.

You can read the longer explanation there by her (she is a cartographer), but in short: Mt Doom was a composite or strato-volcano, formed of alternating layers of ash and lava, not a simple cinder cone. She goes into a detailed discussion of why, from the description Tolkien gave both in words and in his own illustrations, that she came to that conclusion.

She does say that although it stood in the Plateau of Gorgoroth in northern Mordor, a land of vulcanism, it appearst to be the only active volcano in that area.

Frodo Baggins · 12-15-2002, 06:13 PM

Way to go Pio!! I have the same Atlas of Middle Earth! Its a ggod one I like it.

Birdland · 12-15-2002, 07:01 PM

Here is a relief map image of Mt. Fujiyama in Japan, which is an isolated volcanic peak on a surrounding plain.

In fact: if you squint, the picture kinda reminds you of the land of Mordor. (Except for being a lot greener and prettier.)

12-15-2002, 11:14 AM	#1
LePetitChoux Vegetable of Doom Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: London Posts: 720	One for the Volcanologists What Kind of volcano was Mt.Doom? And why was it just one volcano in the middle of nowhere, because Volcanoes form on plate boundaries, so surely there would be volcanoes in a chain north and south of it? I don't mean to sound like one of those bores who scientifically disproves fiction (eg. it is physically impossible to change a pumpkin into a coach!), I'm just wondering, as we just did volcanoes in Geography. [img]smilies/confused.gif[/img] __________________ je suis une bonne odeur

12-15-2002, 02:01 PM	#2
Manwe Sulimo Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Taurelilómëa-tumbalemorna Tumbaletaurëa Lómëanor Posts: 553	Umm....a big one. It was part of a mountain range, just sorta disconnected from it. Ered Lithui and Ephel Dúath met to create Udûn (no, not Hell), but also created a small "veryhighlands", between Isenmouthe, Orodruin, and Barad-dûr. If you look at the map, you see a small mountain range extending south from Ered Lithui, ending at Barad-dûr. Then, a small gap, then Orodruin. Then another gap, then Morgai. Mordor is actually Minas Tirith-like, with Udûn as the top tier, the aforementioned region the second highest, then Gorgoroth the third, followed by Nurn and the rest of Mordor. (At least, I assume that the elevation decreases, since there is the inland sea of Núrnen.) As for plates, it doesn't have to be directly over a plate, but slightly off....for instance, there is probably a division just east of Anduin (which formed Ephel Dúath) that might have a vent that travels to Orodruin. [ December 15, 2002: Message edited by: Manwe Sulimo ] __________________ "Monkeys learn sign language so they can tell the dolphins they love them."

12-15-2002, 05:39 PM	#3
akhtene Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: May 2002 Location: stronghold of the North Posts: 390	The mountain chain forming the northern border of Mordor are called Ered Lithui or the ASH MOUNTAINS. This must indicate that there are\were volcanoes there, as ash accompanies volcanic erruptions. __________________ Где найти мне сил, чтобы вернуться через века, Чтобы ты - простил?.. А трава разлуки высока...

12-15-2002, 06:07 PM	#4
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	I am going to refer you to: The Atlas of Middle-earth by Karen Wynn Fonstad, page 146 - 147. You can read the longer explanation there by her (she is a cartographer), but in short: Mt Doom was a composite or strato-volcano, formed of alternating layers of ash and lava, not a simple cinder cone. She goes into a detailed discussion of why, from the description Tolkien gave both in words and in his own illustrations, that she came to that conclusion. She does say that although it stood in the Plateau of Gorgoroth in northern Mordor, a land of vulcanism, it appearst to be the only active volcano in that area. __________________ Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.

12-15-2002, 06:13 PM	#5
Frodo Baggins Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Bag-End, Under-Hill, Hobbiton-across-the Water Posts: 606	Way to go Pio!! I have the same Atlas of Middle Earth! Its a ggod one I like it. __________________ "I'm your huckleberry....that's just my game."

12-15-2002, 07:01 PM	#6
Birdland Ghastly Neekerbreeker Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: the banks of the mighty Scioto Posts: 1,751	Here is a relief map image of Mt. Fujiyama in Japan, which is an isolated volcanic peak on a surrounding plain. In fact: if you squint, the picture kinda reminds you of the land of Mordor. (Except for being a lot greener and prettier.)