Mt. McLaughlin, courtesy U.S.G.S.
Volcanoes come in two flavors: some kaBoom and some Ooze (and some do both). Lucky us - we have all the possibilities here in southern Oregon. Join us, and take a detailed look at the processes which are working together in the formation and continued evolution of the Oregon Cascades. The course features a 4 day tent camping trip to the area for hands-on, real world observations of volcanic processes and materials.
The legal stuff...
Course: kaBoom and Ooze: the Volcanoes of Southern Oregon (GS-170)
Credits: 3 Transfer Credits
Dates: July 10, 2009 (orientation), and July 16 thru July 19 (field experience)
Orientation: July 10 from 8:00 am to early afternoon in room D-2 (Redwood campus)
Instructor: Mike Strickler: e-mail GeoMania@frontier.com
Enrollment: Twenty (20) students maximum
Description: GS-170 will take a detailed look at the volcanic materials and processes of southern Oregon. The course includes a 4 day camping trip to the area for a detailed and hands-on examination of the region.
Objectives: The purpose of this course is to familiarize the student with the unique geology and volcanic landforms southern Oregon. Information on plate tectonics, petrology, hydrology, and stream processes will be supplied at orientation, as well as during the trip itself.
Length: 5 days, consisting of 1 day of orientation, and 4 days in the Cascades and the volcanic fields near Bend, Oregon. Orientation will be held at the Redwood campus on Friday, July 10, 2009, from 8:00 am to mid-afternoon. We will meet in Newberry Crater on Thursday, July 16 at 12:30 pm.
Travel: By personal vehicle. Drivers will need to provide proof of insurance at orientation.
Logistics: We will meet in Newberry Crater on Thursday, July 16, 2009 at 12:30 pm. Students will drive their own vehicles; however, carpooling is encouraged and recommended. The class will meet daily from 8:00 am to approximately 5:00 pm. Students will be responsible for their own logding; however, camping sites will be available at campgrounds in the appropriate areas if the student wishes to remain with the group for the evening. The field portion of the course will end on Sunday afternoon (July 19). We will meet approx. 10 days later to share and turn in projects (time and location TBA).
Prerequisites: None; however, several of the day hikes may be moderately challenging. It is recommended that the student be in relatively good shape if he or she wishes to join in these experiences, and bring along comfortable hiking shoes or boots.
Please note: the ability to complete the hikes is not mandatory to earn a passing grade, but they are strongly recommended if the student wants to gain the full benefit of the course.
Required Text: None
Materials: Various handouts, and topographic and geologic maps of the region. The student is encouraged to research on-line for supplemental information prior to orientation.
Fees: In addition to tuition, a fee of $25 per student will be collected at registration. The student will also need additional funds during the field portion of the course for gas, food, and lodging (if not camping with the group).
The Itinerary...
Friday 7/10: Orientation, 8:00 am to approximately 3:00 pm
Thursday 7/16: Meet in Newberry Crater at 12:30 pm
All aboard
Lake Paulina trail
1st Night: Camp in Newberry Crater (hopefully Little Crater CG)
Evening activity: Sunset from Paulina Peak
Friday 7/17:
Lava Lands Visitor Center and Lava Butte
Benham Falls and the damming of the Deschutes River
Lava River Cave
Lava Cast Forest
2nd Night: Camp in Newberry Crater (hopefully Little Crater CG)
Saturday 7/18:
Cycles of volcanism
Introduction to volcanic glass / obsidian
Pyroclastics
3rd Night: Camp in Newberry Crater (hopefully Little Crater CG)
Evening activity: Paulina Falls
Sunday 7/19:
Crater Lake and the High Cascades
Trip ends at approximately 3:00 pm
TBA: Meet at an appropriate location to share and turn in projects