“The Best Geologist is the One Who Has Seen the Most Rocks”1
Allison Richards, SA-5323
As I edge closer to graduation, I find myself dwelling on the experiences that I had while earning my bachelor’s degree. Without a doubt, taking the ideas I learned in the classroom and applying them to the field proved to be invaluable to enhancing my understanding of geology. These adventures ranged from short jaunts to Wyoming to longer courses that spanned the Western U.S.
One of the most influential trips was the Volcanology class I took in August of 2013. Before the three week excursion, we had classroom lectures to learn about volcanology before seeing it in the field. Dr. Uwe Kackstaetter, MEM-2437, (Metropolitan State University of Denver) took us across the northwestern United States, packing in as many volcanic landscapes as possible. The first major stop was majestic Yellowstone National Park, where we saw a rainbow of algae in the hot springs, geysers erupting, and bubbling mud pots.
Figure 1, Mammoth Hot Springs Travertine Terraces.
We followed the track of the Yellowstone hotspot to Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho. This seldom-visited trea- sure was a welcome relief after the Yellowstone crowds. We set off to discover the seemingly alien land- scape. The vast lava fields seemed to go on forever, showing the com- plete destruction the flood basalts caused to the surrounding grass- lands. Entering lava tubes, just feet a few from stifling heat, the temperature dropped so dramati- cally we found ice crystals. After leaving Craters of the Moon, we headed northwest to start our journey along the Cascade Range, entering Mount Rainier National Park.
Driving through the park, we were in awe as the enormous stratovolcano emerged from the clouds. Every site was stun- ning. Our next stop was Mount Saint Helens, where we saw the mass destruction caused by the 1980 eruption. The immensity of the eruption’s effects can be seen across the landscape and cannot be understood merely by descriptions in the classroom. Miles from the eruption site, large amounts of pumice can be found effortlessly. Spirit Lake, just north of the volcano, still holds copious amount of floating logs that were torn down like twigs from the pyroclastic flows.
Figure 3. Mount Saint Helens from Harmony Falls, Spirit Lake Trail.
One of the most spectacular stops on this journey was Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. Mount Mazama’s collapsed cal- dera forms the setting of the deepest lake in the United States. This lake, with no inlet or outlet, is unbelievably clear; the striking blue color makes the lake look surreal. Surrounding the lake are fossilized fumaroles, called Pinnacles, left behind as erosion removed the unconsolidated pumice and ash. Before seeing the spires, I had never imagined this was possible.
Figure 4. In front of Crater Lake and Wizard Island cin- der cone.
After days of driving across 8 states and camp- ing each night I was ready for
Figure 2. Mount Rainier from Sunrise Trail. 1. Herbert Harold Read, 1940
more adventure, but undeniably in need of a shower. This geologic excursion was one of the most eye opening experiences I had throughout college. While in the field, we learned more than we ever could have if we remained in the classroom. We will remember the journey forever.
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