Upcoming Field Trips

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• Citizen science opportunity - basaltic andesite sample collection

  • Start
    1 Sep 2024
  • End
    1 Sep 2025
  • Location
    Various locations

  
  

  Citizen Science Opportunity!

  
  

  Are you interested in participating in a community sampling opportunity by taking a hike and collecting a rock? If so, then read on!

  
  

  The central Oregon Cascades are unusual when compared to the rest of the Cascade volcanic range. This region of the Cascades is dominated by basaltic andesite, a volcanic rock of intermediate composition between basalt and andesite. Basaltic andesite has been the most prevalent type of lava erupted in the central Oregon Cascades for the past ~8 million years. It can be seen in many of the prominent skyline peaks of central Oregon, including North Sister, Black Butte, Mt. Washington, and Three Fingered Jack. Despite the overwhelming dominance of basaltic andesite in this region, the chemical variability of these lavas has not been well documented. Are they related to basaltic lavas that have been erupted in the region? What geologic processes are responsible for generating and sustaining large volumes of basaltic andesite volcanism in this portion of the Cascades?

  Alyssa Smith, PhD candidate at Portland State University, is studying these rocks to improve understanding of their geochemistry and the volcanic history of the central Oregon Cascades. You can watch a recording of her recent COGS presentation here: On Basaltic Andesites: The Dominant Lava Type of the Central Oregon High Cascades Alyssa has been collecting samples from many locations in central Oregon, but more locations remain to be sampled. Knowing that many COGS members enjoy hiking and might be willing to carry a rock hammer, we have worked with to Alyssa to develop this community sampling opportunity.

  
  

  
  

  Alyssa has assembled maps, a spreadsheet with sample locations, and tutorials on collection methods and how to use the Avenza Maps app in the field.These can be accessed in the following FOLDER

  So if you are going to hike Scott Mountain, or Black Crater, or one of the other 77 sites in Alyssa's field area, check out this citizen science opportunity. Contact Alyssa in advance of your hike to get all the details about how to collect samples: aks9@pdx.edu  

  With notice, a Zoom call with Alyssa can also be arranged.

  
  

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