EWU SUMMER FIELD COURSE


Crater Lake, Oregon sits in a caldera that formed about 6600 years ago.
(Image courtesy of the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory).

BIOL 497/597(77) or GEOL 497/597(77):
Craters, Calderas and Botany


Summer Quarter 1996 (5 credits)
Instructors: Drs. Buchanan, Kiver and Schwab

Objectives:

The goal of this class is to explore the natural history of the southern part of the Cascade Range in Oregon. We will discuss the complex geologic setting of the range while in the field focusing primarily on volcanic features, geologic history and landscape evolution. Adaptation of organisms to desert, alpine and forest habitats will be investigated, as well as primary and secondary succession on volcanic landscapes. We will primarily visit and explore Crater Lake National Park and Newberry Volcano National Monument. Here are graphics showing the location of Cascade Range volcanos [18K,gif] and the eruptive history [16K,gif] of the major cones.

Date:

Course meets the week of 14 July to 20 July, 1996. We will depart Cheney on Sunday, 14 July at 7:00 am from the Red Barn (southwest end of campus in Cheney) and return to the Red Barn on Saturday evening, 20 July.

Pre-Trip Meeting:

A mandatory pre-trip meeting is scheduled for Monday, 8 July at 6:30 pm in the Geology Department on the Cheney campus. It is critical that you attend this important meeting.

Tentative Field Itinerary:

Text:

Fire Mountains of the West by S. Harris is recommended and will be available in the EWU bookstore. Some handouts will be provided that cover biological topics. Bring about $10.00 to purchase maps and trail guides in the park (strongly recommended).

Course Tuition and Fees:

There is a $122 course fee which pays for transportation and campground costs. 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 and Food:

A recommended equipment list is found below. We will be camping in campgrounds during the entire trip, and preparing our meals in the field. A grocery stop will be made midweek. Plan accordingly.

Expectations:

Attend the pre-trip meeting. Complete a set of pre-trip questions (both biology and geology) due at departure time, maintain a road log of the trip that clearly describes each stop with text and sketches, and also complete worksheets during the trip. A set of post-trip questions will also be assigned. Road log, post-trip questions and worksheets are due in two weeks after returning from the field experience, on 5 August 1996. Note -- all park rules will be observed while in the field.

Rigor:

Some moderate hiking will be done and it is expected that students will be in reasonable physical condition. Students must be able to carry out sustained physical activity at high elevation, between 5,000 feet and 9,000 feet above sea level every day. Students with personal medical concerns must notify an instructor before participating in this field trip.

More information:

Call Drs. Buchanan and Kiver in the Department of Geology at (509)359-2286, and Dr. Schwab in the Department of Biology at (509)359-2339.

Or you can send inquiries via email to: geol@ewu.edu.

Suggested list of survival equipment:


1.  Outdoor clothing (including a rain jacket, sweater, long pants, hat, gloves, etc. in case of inclement weather).
Daytime temperatures will most likely be pleasant to hot, however, it may get chilly at night.   Also consider
bringing shorts and t-shirts for hiking in hot weather.

2.  Sturdy 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.  Don t forget a ground cloth.

4.  Sleeping bag 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.  Space is limited so please do not bring coolers.  We will
be stopping sometime in the middle of the field trip to purchase more food.  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 campgrounds.

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 the water.

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 and pencils (some colored) and pens.  Texts and handouts.

12.  No rock hammers or plant presses!  We will be visiting a national park and monument, therefore, no
collecting!

13.  Personal toiletry items, towel, etc.  There will be pay showers available in some campgrounds.

14.  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.

2.  Extra bucks for purchase of miscellaneous materials.  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.

Go To:

Check out Dr. Buchanan's Home Page to learn more about his courses and research activities.

Visit the official EWU Home Page for a virtual tour of the university.

Stop by the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory to learn more about Cascade Range volcanos.

Go to the Pacific Northwest Seismograph Network to check on recent seismic activity.

Get an Update on Current Volcanic Activity.