Course Outline 

Geology 

	Activity 1: Virtual Field Trip to Oregon Volcanoes Activity 2: Volcanoes: Where and Why? Activity 3: Becoming a Vulcanologist

 

Image of Mt. St. Helens, courtesy of USGS and Cascade Volcano Observatory (http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Glossary/PyroFlows/images.html)

 

Background Information
Volcanoes have been an influence on Earth since its formation. They have shaped our planet and our atmosphere. Before scientific theories were developed to explain them, humans documented the power of volcanoes and, at times, their destructive power. As dramatically demonstrated by the catastrophic eruption of Mount St. Helens in May 1980 and of Pinatubo in June 1991, volcanoes can wreak havoc and devastation in the short term. However, it should be emphasized that the short-term hazards posed by volcanoes are balanced by benefits of volcanism and related processes over geologic time. Volcanic materials ultimately break down to form some of the most fertile soils on Earth, cultivation of which fostered and sustained civilizations. People use volcanically produced materials, as abrasive and cleaning agents, and for many chemical and industrial uses. The internal heat associated with some young volcanic systems has been harnessed to produce geothermal energy. Yet, today, half a billion people live close enough to Earth's 1,500 active terrestrial volcanoes to be threatened by them.

The Geology of Oregon has been dominated by volcanic activity for the last 200 million years (before this time there essentially was no Oregon). Volcanoes, extinct volcanoes, and volcanic rocks can be found in every part of the state. Huge outpourings of lava occurred about 15 million years ago when the Columbia River Basalts erupted near the Idaho border and flowed across the state to Tillamook Head. Today, the Cascade Range contains a number of volcanoes that have eruptive potential. Recently, satellite imagery has found that the earth is rising in the Three Sisters wilderness. Some scientists postulate that this may be a new volcano being born.

Geologists can use volcanoes to learn about the interior working of the Earth. They have numerous ways to classify them, depending on their needs. In this unit we will visit three Oregon Volcanoes including Newberry Volcano, Axial Volcano, and Mt. Mazama (Crater Lake National Park) through Oregon Field Guide video footage and the Internet. You will then locate volcanoes from the Pacific Ocean region on a map to look for trends and to learn a system for classifying volcanoes. Finally you will use this information to help you think like a vulcanologist to design an experiment about volcanoes.

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