as microspheres of iron. The USGS study of particulates found microspheres of molybdenum, requiring over 2700C to form, as well as iron microspheres. Jones, et al, found microspheres of iron in multiple dust samples from around ground zero, indicating wide dispersion of molten iron. Firefighters, as well as a rather long list of others, including engineers, recovery workers, reported molten metal, as firefighters reported, "flowing like lava" down channel rails. Extremely high temperature conditions persisted under the pile for months after the event. NIST's FAQ states: "13. Why did the NIST investigation not consider reports of molten steel in the wreckage from the WTC towers? NIST investigators and experts from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Structural Engineers Association of New York (SEONY) - who inspected the WTC steel at the WTC site and the salvage yards - found no evidence that would support the melting of steel in a jet-fuel ignited fire in the towers prior to collapse. The condition of the steel in the wreckage of the WTC towers (i.e., whether it was in a molten state or not) was irrelevant to the investigation of the collapse since it does not provide any conclusive information on the condition of the steel when the WTC towers were standing. NIST considered the damage to the steel structure and its fireproofing caused by the aircraft impact and the subsequent fires when the buildings were still standing since that damage was responsible for initiating the collapse of the WTC