[ Schedule | Assignments ]
G162 Geology of Cascades Volcanoes
Summer Term 2007
Instructor: Dr. Bob Reynolds
Lecture / Lab T-R 7:00 – 8:20 PM
Office: 237 Ochoco Hall Phone: 383-7557 E-mail: breynolds@cocc.edu
Text: Fire Mountains of the West, 3rd edition by S.L. Harris
Purpose: The goal of this course is to provide you with a scientific understanding of the origin, occurrence, and eruptive behavior of the volcanoes of the Cascades mountain range. The class will meet for lecture twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7-8:20 PM in Ochoco 204. In addition, a significant part of the course will involve field trips to visit several volcanoes so that you can see first hand the characteristic rock types, eruptive products and landforms associated with Cascades volcanoes.
Mt Shasta, Crater Lake, Middle & North Sister
(Click on photo to enlarge)
Grades: There are a total of 300 possible points for the course. Your grade will be based upon the grade categories shown below. Final grades will be assigned as follows: A = 93-100%, A- = 90-92%, B+ = 87-89%, B = 83-86%, B- = 80-82%, C+ = 77-79%, C = 70-76%, D = 60-69%, F = less than 60%. Click on the following hyperlink and use your student ID number to view your grades for the course: G162 grades
Category point value
In-class final exam 150
2 field trips (50 points each) 100
Cascade volcano report 50
Field Trips: An integral part of geology involves the examination and interpretation of field exposures of volcanic rocks and landforms. Accordingly, I have scheduled several field trips to different Cascades volcanoes. These field trips will be all day-long and include in some cases a variety of moderate uphill hiking. A substantial part of your grade for the field trips will be based upon your willingness to take an active role in making measurements, observations, participating in discussions and asking questions. You should come prepared to take notes and record your observations. You will turn in a 2-3 page written summary of each of your field trip experiences, together with a suite of rocks that you collect and identify as well as photos of significant outcrops. Transportation and park entrance fees are student’s responsibility. Cost estimates for each field trip are provided below. Because we will be spending several hours outside, you should bring adequate clothing for cold, windy and rainy conditions. In addition, bring a lunch and beverage (no booze) as there are no restaurants in the wilderness. Likewise, toilet facilities are few and far between so plan accordingly. Bring your text, class notes and something with which to write. Finally, and most important, come with an open mind, lots of questions and a positive attitude.
example field trip report: Crater Lake field trip report
There are a few safety considerations that you should keep in mind for all field trips. First, the flanks of most volcanoes are steep and composed of rough and loose rock and snow that are unstable and difficult to walk upon. Generally, walking up steep slopes is easier than coming down, so be especially careful on the way down. In addition, we will be walking near some very steep cliffs and road cuts. Falling rocks and people are a potential tragedy so please be very careful in these areas. Traffic will be another hazard. Massive road slugs (many with poor eye sight) frequent the same areas we will be visiting. Please be very cautious when walking along the road and never stand on the road for more than a few seconds. Finally, if you get cold, ill or hurt during the day or if you have any special medical conditions please let me know.
Volcano report. In order to give you a chance to explore more deeply into Cascade volcanoes you will research and report on one of the Cascade volcanoes. Your report could be brief (3-4 pages) or extensive (6-8 pages), depending on whether you select a “lesser studied” or “main” Cascade volcano. Your report should be type written and include pictures, charts, maps and a reference list. You should summarize what is known about the geology of the volcano including such items as volcano type, eruptive history, eruptive behavior and products, characteristic landforms, historic activity, hazard and monitoring information. Your report is due on the last day of class.
example volcano reports: Mt Garabaldi typed report Mt Jefferson power point report
Lesser studied Cascade volcanoes: Mt Thielsen, Mt McLoughlin, Mt Bailey, Diamond Peak, Mt Washington, Three Fingered Jack, Belnap Crater, Mt Jefferson, Glacier Peak, Mt Garibaldi, Indian Heaven, Broken Top, Mt Washington.
Main Cascade volcanoes: Lassen, Mt Shasta, Crater Lake, Mt Bachelor, Newberry, Three Sisters, Mt Hood, Mt Adams, Mt St. Helens, Mt Rainier, Mt Baker, Medicine Lake
Reference sources can include web sites, but should also include other sources such as books and magazine articles. The following is a brief list of sources to get you started.
Web sites:
Cascade Volcano Observatory: http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/
Volcano World: http://volcano.und.edu/
Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program: http://www.volcano.si.edu/gvp/
Magazine resources:
Oregon Geology: published by the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries
California Geology: published by the California Department of conservation, Division of Mines and Geology
Washington Geology published by the Washington Division of Geology and Earth Resources
Final exam. The only test for this course is the final exam. The exam will consist of approximately 50 multiple choice questions and two essay questions. The exam will be a take home exam. The test is open book, but closed mouth. This means that you may use only your notes and text to answer the questions. You cannot talk with other students or share notes during the exam.
