Oregon Field Geology West: Coast to the Cascades

The Columbia River as a commons, changes in the Columbia River estuary since the journey of Lewis and Clark, and the natural history of Oak, Sitka Spruce, and Red Cedar forests. Field study in western Oregon of geologic processes of an active continental margin. The class journeys from the Pacific Coast to the Cascade Mountains while examining evidence of subduction zone earthquakes, docked seamounts, and active stratovolcanoes. Students learn to interpret the landscape with the theory of plate tectonics, to recognize regional geologic hazards, and to represent their interpretations as cross-sectional diagrams, stratigraphic columns, geologic maps and chronologies. Instruction emphasizes the ability to communicate these understandings to general audiences. The class invites teachers from all subjects and grade levels to participate.

Pre-trip meeting: Wednesday, August 6 from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. in Roger's Hall room 218

Instructor: Robert Butler, Ph.D. & Bonnie Magura, MAT
Dates: August 9-16, 2008
Degree-applicable credit: SCI 675, 2 semester hours, $1154
Course Fee: additional $325

Registration Form (pdf)