GEO 159 - Fire and Ice: Geology of Tahoma (Mount Rainier) Field Trip

1 Credits

Why do we have active volcanoes like Tahoma in the Pacific Northwest? How did it form? On this one-day field trip to the Mount Rainier National Park you will examine rock outcrops that illustrate the history and formation of the Tahoma volcano, ranging from its volcanic eruptions, massive landslides, and glaciers. Class includes a full day field trip and classroom instruction before the trip.

Course Note This is a field class that may require navigating steep or uneven terrain, climbing stairs and/ or walking distances up to a mile on dusty, uneven, and unpaved trails at elevations up to 6500 feet (2000 meters). Bathrooms may be limited and rustic.
FeesGeology Field Trip Fee Science Lab Support Fee

Quarters Typically Offered
Summer Day, Weekend
Fall Day, Weekend

Designed to Serve Students who are interested in the course content and want to learn about local geology in a field based class.
Active Date 20260408T15:00:14

Grading Basis Decimal Grade
Class Limit 20
Contact Hours: Lecture 5.5 Lab 11
Total Contact Hours 16.5
Degree Distributions:
AA

Natural Science
Science

Course Outline

Geologic and plate tectonic setting of the Pacific Northwest
Introduction to igneous rocks and how/ where they form
The formation of the Tahoma/ Rainier volcanic system, and the rock types present
Introduction to volcanic hazards associated with Tahoma/ Rainier; and evidence for past large events
Principles of relative dating
History of glaciers on Tahoma/ Rainier and their relation to climate change
Basic field techniques

Student Learning Outcomes
Describe the geologic history of Tahoma as recorded by the bedrock and sediment deposits in the Mount Rainier National Park area, demonstrating that the Earth changes over time from dynamic plate tectonics and surface processes operating at a range of time scales.

Observe and describe the actual scale of geologic features and materials as compared to pictures in books or other media.

Sketch and/or describe field observations in order to recognize characteristic rock and sediment units formed by volcanic and other geologic processes.

Use geologic principles of relative dating to determine the geologic history of the Tahoma volcanic system.

Create geologically reasonable hypotheses based on learned knowledge to explain observations of rocks and features.

Use observations as evidence to interpret changes in the local landscape over geologic time, and describe the geologic history of the Tahoma volcanic system and the Cascadia Subduction Zone.

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

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