Department of Geology
Eastern Washington University
GEOLOGY 497 Geology of the Snake River Plain (2 credits)
Fall Quarter, 1997 - Instructors: Drs. Kiver and McCollum
Objectives: A seven day field class to explore parts of the Columbia
Intermontane Province with emphasis on the Snake River Plain in southern
Idaho. Highlights include visits to John Day Fossil Beds, Hagerman Fossil
Beds, the Thousand Springs area, Craters of the Moon, the Teton Dam site,
and Quake Lake near West Yellowstone.
Prerequisites: Beginning course in geology or permission of an instructor.
Note that enrollment will be limited in this course.
Dates: Course meets 14 September (Sunday) through 20 September (Saturday).
We will depart Cheney on Sunday, September 14 at 7::00 A.M. sharp! Meet in
the parking lot above the football field. Fall quarter classes begin on
Monday, September 22.
Pre-Trip Meeting: A mandatory pre-trip meeting is scheduled for 12
September (Friday) at 4:30 p.m. in Room 135 in the Science Building. It is
critical (and expected) that you attend this very important meeting! If
you absolutely cannot attend and expect to go on the field trip contact Dr.
Kiver (509-359-7959).
Tentative Itinerary:
Sun. 14 Sep. Drive to John Day, tour museum, camp at forest service
campground
Mon. 15 Sep. Hagerman Fossil Beds
Tues. 16 Sep. Horse quarry, Thousand Springs, camp at Craters of the Moon
Wed. 17 Sep. Craters of the Moon
Thurs. 18 Sep. Idaho Rift National Landmark
Fri. 19 Sep. Menan Buttes, Teton Dam, Anthony Dunes, camp at Henry Lake
Sat. 20 Sep. Quake Lake, drive to EWU
Recommended Text: Roadside Geology of Idaho. Some handouts will be
provided. Bring some cash to purchase maps and trail guides.
Course Fees: There is a $50 course fee that helps pay for transportation
and camping fees. Students must provide their own camping gear and food
during the trip. Note - All tuition and fees must be paid in full prior to
departure.
Equipment: Students need to provide their own camping gear for the trip.
A recommended equipment list is found at the end of this information. We
will be camping in campgrounds during the entire trip, and preparing meals
in the field. One grocery stop will be made on Tuesday.
Expectations: Attend pre-trip meeting. Maintain a road log of the trip
that clearly describes each stop with text and sketches, and also complete
daily summaries. A set of post-trip questions will also be assigned.
Students will prepare a written report of up to ten pages that focuses on
some aspect of the Columbia Intermontane geology. All assignments are due
on 7 November 1997.
Rigor: Some hiking will be done and it is expected that students will be
in reasonable physical condition. Students with personal medical concerns
must notify an instructor before participating in this field trip.
More Information: Call Dr. Kiver at (509) 359-7959 or Dr. McCollum at
(509) 359-7473
Suggested list of survival equipment:
1. Outdoor clothing (including a rain jacket, warm jacket, sweater,
long pants, hat, gloves, etc. in case of inclement weather). Daytime
temperatures will most likely be warm to hot, however, it will get cold at
night. Also consider bringing shorts and t-shirts for hiking in hot
weather.
2. Sturdy lightweight hiking shoes and extra socks; tennis shoes
and/or sandals for around camp.
3. Shelter - pair up with someone and share a lightweight nylon tent.
Hint: bring a tarp, too.
4. Sleeping bag, ground cloth and pad - recall that it may get chilly
at night.
5. Food - we will be camping every night and also preparing meals in
the field. Plan your meals ahead of time, preferably using foods items
that do not break or spoil. Because of space considerations, coolers are
forbidden. Note: pack your lunch for the first day on the road.
6. Camp stove - again, pair up with someone and share a stove. It is
unlikely that camp fires are permitted in the park at the end of the summer.
7. Eating utensils - to be both fed and polite! Include a bowl,
knife, spoon, etc.
8. Water bottles - bring at least two (2) one-liter water bottles. We
will provide all the water you can drink.
9. Money - as everyone knows one can always survive with money!
10. Sturdy day pack - a roomy day pack to carry your lunch, notebook,
water bottles, sweater, etc. Do not bring a frame backpack!
11. Notebook pencils (some colored) and pens. Texts and handouts.
12. No rock hammers! We will be visiting state and national parks,
therefore, no collecting rocks and plants! Park rules will be observed
during this field course.
13. Personal toiletry items and a towel. There may be pay showers
available in some campgrounds.
14. Strongly recommended: broad-rimmed hat, sun screen, sun glasses
and bandana. Flashlight for around camp at night.
Non-essential items (what the heck, go first class)
1. Camera and film - buy your film ahead of time as it is very
expensive in the park.
2. Extra bucks for purchase of material in park bookstore. Always
tempting!
3. Hand lens and binoculars. Plant, bird, bug and rock field guides.
Important Note: Please try to pack all of the above items in a soft duffel
to facilitate packing the gear. Avoid suitcases or frame backpacks! Also,
keep important or necessary items in your day pack for instant access
during travel. Pack compactly!