Black Mesa, a flat-topped formation created by a horizontal lava flow, is separated from a similar mesa to the north by a curving ridge of poorly consolidated lake sediments. Below is a telephoto view of where that ridge abuts Black Mesa, and a sunbeam that is truncated by the ridge, casting a shadow line.

Black Mesa at sunset, 7:03 PM, May 31, 2016
The photo below was taken 7 minutes later. This Black Mesa should not be confused with another Black Mesa, that is located 15 or more miles to the south, on the San Ildefonso reservation, south of Espanola. That Black Mesa is a volcanic plug. This Black Mesa is located just north of Espanola, and sits within the angle formed by the confluence of the the Rio Chama and its tributary, the Rio Ojo Caliente, with the Rio Grande.

Black Mesa at sunset, 7:11 PM, May 31, 2016
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About Evensteven
I am a photographer and author, and live in Embudo, New Mexico, alongside the Rio Grande. I have published a book of photography and accompanying text on running the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. The first (print) edition is out of print, but a second edition is available as an iBook (eBook) through the iTunes bookstore. All Grand Canyon, river and nature lovers will enjoy my book:
The Grand: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-grand/id672492447
I have also published six additional iBooks:
1. The Salt River: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-salt-river/id12449222822.
2. Coyote Buttes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/coyote-buttes/id1271773201
3. Four Cornered, the Land: https://books.apple.com/us/book/four-cornered/id1384038899
4. Four Cornered, The Rivers: https://books.apple.com/us/book/four-cornered-book-two-the-rivers/id1402287568
5. Rio Marañon: https://books.apple.com/us/book/four-cornered-book-two-the-rivers/id1402287568
6. Rio Grande: https://books.apple.com/us/book/rio-grande-new-mexico/id1469126321