Pediments of the Vermejo Park area, New Mexico
— Charles L. Pillmore and Glenn R. Scott

Geomorphic erosion surfaces or pediments distinguish the eastern flank of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. In the area of Vermejo Park, New Mexico, and immediately west of there, an especially interesting assemblage is preserved; preservation is due, at least in part, to an abundant nearby source of rhyolite that forms much of the gravelly alluvium covering the surfaces. The extremely resistant nature of the rhyolite pebbles, cobbles and boulders constituting the alluvium has armored the pediment surfaces against erosion.

 

Several pediment levels have been studied in the area. Most levels can be related in time and origin to other Quaternary pediments along the Colorado Rocky Mountain front. Certain of the higher levels in the Vermejo Park area, however, appear older and may be middle to late Tertiary erosion surfaces.