GEO 151 - Geology of Mount St. Helens Field Trip

1 Credits

Explore Washington’s volcanic history in a one-day trip to Mount St. Helens! This class examines the events leading up to, during, and after the May 18, 1980 cataclysmic eruption as well as the 2004-2008 eruptions from this active and dangerous volcano. You will learn about what explosive eruptions look like by studying the deposit and materials left behind and discuss the impact of these eruptions on our state. The class includes a field trip and classroom instruction before the trip.

Course Note Previously GEOL 151. A field class that may require strenuous walking on uneven terrain. An additional fee.
FeesRG

Quarters Typically Offered

Spring Weekend

Designed to Serve Students who are interested in the course content.
Active Date 20170731T09:57:42

Grading System Decimal Grade
Class Limit 20
Contact Hours: Lecture 5 Lab 12 Worksite 0 Clinical 0 Other 0
Total Contact Hours 17
Degree Distributions:
AA

Science

Course Outline

Geologic framework and plate tectonic setting of Mount St. Helens.
Basic introduction to volcanology.
Geologic history of Mount St. Helens.
Precursors to May 18, 1980 eruption.
The eruption and its effects.
Post May 18 activity.
Current status of volcano.
Field trip to Mount St. Helens.

Student Learning Outcomes
Student will accurately explain geologic phenomena using the geologic setting of the Pacific Northwest.

Student will apply basic principles of volcanology to explain phenomena at Mount St. Helens.

Student will accurately relate the history of Mount St. Helens and the events of May 18, 1980.

Student will accurately explain the geologic phenomena and landscape seen at Mount St. Helens in terms of the effects of the eruption.

Student will accurately describe the monitoring of Mount St. Helens and current volcanic conditions.