Hey, let's go to the beach! Join us, and take a detailed look at the processes which are working together in the formation and continued evolution of the southern Oregon coast. The course features a 3 day tent camping trip to the area for hands-on, real world observations.
The legal stuff...
Course: Geology of the Oregon Coast (GS-170)
Credits: 3 Transfer Credits
Dates: August 1, 2008 (orientation), and August 8 - 10 (field experience)
Orientation: August 1, 2008 from 8:00 am to early afternoon in room D-1 (Redwood campus)
Instructor: Mike Strickler
Enrollment: Twenty (20) students maximum
Description: GS-170 will take a detailed look at the southern Oregon coast. The course includes a 3 day camping trip to the area for a detailed and hands-on examination of the region.
Objectives: The purpose of this course is to familiarize the student with the unique geology and landforms of the Oregon coast. Information on plate tectonics, oceanography, petrology, hydrology, and stream processes will be supplied at orientation, as well as during the trip itself.
Length: 4 days, consisting of 1 day of orientation and 3 days along the Oregon coast. Orientation will be held at the Redwood campus on Friday, August 1, 2008, from 8:00 am to early afternoon. We will meet in Crescent City, California (next to the giant tetrapod) on Friday morning, August 8 at 9:00 am.
Travel: By personal vehicle. Drivers will need to provide proof of insurance at orientation.
Logistics: We will meet in Crescent City on the morning of Friday, August 8, 2008 at 9:00 am. Students will drive their own vehicles; however, carpooling is encouraged and recommended. The class will meet daily from 8:00 am to approximately 5:00 pm. Students will be responsible for obtaining camping sites; however, several sites may be available at specified campgrounds in the appropriate areas if the student wishes to remain with the group for the evening. The field portion of the course will end on Sunday evening (August 10). We will meet approximately 10 days later to share and turn in projects (time and location TBA at orientation).
Prerequisites: None; however, several of the day hikes may be moderately challenging (especially the trail to Rainbow Rock - short, but steep). It is recommended that the student be in relatively good shape if he or she wishes to join in these experiences.
Please note: the ability to complete the hikes is not mandatory to earn a passing grade, but they are strongly recommended if the student wants to get the full benefit of the course.
Required Text: None
Materials: Various handouts, and topographic and geologic maps of the region. The student is encouraged to research on-line for supplemental information prior to orientation.
Fees: A fee of $25 per student will be required (collected at registration), as will additional money for gas, food, and campsites (or other lodging) during the field portion of the course.
The Itinerary...
Friday 8/1: Orientation, 8:00 am to approximately 2:00 pm
Friday 8/8: Meet in Crescent City at 9:00 am
The giant tetrapod: Tsunami
Beachfront: sedimentary rocks - faults and folds
Rainbow Rock: accreted terrains
Night 1: Camp at (or near) Harris State Beach
Saturday 8/9: Wander north
Lone Ranch beach: conglomerates
Port Orford jetty
Cape Blanco lighthouse
Bandon: mouth of the Coquille River
Night 2: Camp at (or near) Sunset Bay
Sunday 8/10: Wander north
Sunset Bay: sedimentary processes
Cape Arago: an active continental margin!
Shore Acres: botanical gardens and shoreline processes
Trip ends at approximately 5:00
TBA: Meet at an appropriate location to share and turn in projects