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 A field class that requires navigating steep and uneven terrain and traversing distances of about 2 miles of dusty and rocky environments.
FeesRG SC

Quarters Typically Offered
Spring Weekend

Designed to Serve Students who are interested in the course content.
Active Date 20210403T10:08:55

Grading System Decimal Grade
Class Limit 20
Contact Hours: Lecture 5.5 Lab 11
Total Contact Hours 16.5
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 analyze the landscape at Mount St. Helens to determine and accurately relate the history and effects of past eruptions, including the events of May 18, 1980.

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

Student will practice safety in geologic fieldwork by fully participating, following safety protocols, paying attention, and following directions of trip leader(s) at all times.

Student will create geologically reasonable hypotheses based on learned knowledge to explain observations of rocks and features.

Student will use verbal and writing skills to synthesize and clearly present their research on geologic information to a targeted audience using appropriate terms and vocabulary.