USGS Photograph by Lyn Topinka
Course overview:
What are the impacts of volcanic activity on people, infrastructure, and natural resources? This 2-week field course with a focus on the central Oregon Cascades will answer these questions. Learn how and why volcanoes erupt, where they exist on the planet, and how we monitor them for signs of activity. Gain an appreciation for the impacts of volcanic activity on human history, and the risks and benefits of living in close proximity to potentially active volcanoes.
Course logistics:
August 7-13, 2023: The course will meet every day in Bend, Oregon. Dorms are available for an estimated $35/night, or you can arrange your own lodging in Bend. Course fees cover all transportation costs for daily field trips.
August 14-20, 2023: Web based section of the course, completed online. Proctored exam will be given on August 18 (on campus or at any approved testing center).
Registration: There are no pre-reqs for this course – ALL MAJORS ARE WELCOME! Instructor approval is required to ensure students are aware of the course logistics prior to registration.
Questions? Contact Daniele McKay, dmckay1@uoregon.edu for more information.
Course highlights:
Explore recent volcanic features on daily field trips in central Oregon!
During our week in central Oregon, we will ride the summer chairlift up Mt. Bachelor for a 360° view of the geology of the Cascades. We will visit some of the youngest lava flows in Oregon at Newberry National Volcanic Monument, and learn about the processes that created these volcanic deposits. We will tour lava tube caves, visit rivers that have cut deep channels through lava flows, and explore lakes that were created by volcanic activity.
This could be you! Ride the summer chairlift at Mt. Bachelor for a 360° view of the geology of the Cascades. Photos credit: Central Oregon Visitors Association
Walk on some of the youngest lava flows in Oregon! Photo credit: Lava Butte, Q. Myers
Walk on some of the youngest lava flows in Oregon! Photo credit: Big Obsidian lava flow, Greg Burke
Visit the largest volcano in the Cascades! Photo credit: Newberry National Volcanic Monument, U.S. Forest Service
Explore lava tube caves! Photo credit: Lava River Cave, Dave Bunnell, Under Earth Images
Slideshow from past courses:
GEOL 399: Cascade Volcanoes – Summer 2019
Hi my name is julian. I am an environmental science major and I would be really interested in joining your class if there are any openings.
Hi Julian! Thanks for your interest in the class. I’ll send an email to your UO address with details about how to register.