Mafic volcanism of the central Oregon Cascades 

Post-meeting field trip, August 19-24; max/min participants, 20/10

Join our multidisciplinary team on a journey exploring mafic volcanism in the Sand Mountain volcanic field and Santiam Pass area, McKenzie Pass, and the Bend region of Central Oregon.  We will visit several Holocene lava flows and scoria cones and discuss their petrology, associated mafic tephra deposits, and eruptive hazards of future mafic volcanism in the region. We will also consider the tectonic setting, hydrology, geomorphology, ecology, and glaciation history of the central Oregon Cascades and how these influence and are in turn influenced by mafic volcanism in the region. These explorations will be conducted on foot, by boat, and via the summer chair lift at Mt. Bachelor ski area. On August 21st we will watch a total solar eclipse in the Oregon High Desert, the first visible in the USA in over 25 years. The fourth day of the field trip will feature a selection of spectacular hikes ranging from 5 to 16 miles (8 to 26 km); participants can alternatively choose for this to be a rest day in Bend, Oregon - a good opportunity to explore local craft breweries. 

Logistics: 
August 19-24, leaving from and returning to Portland, OR (returning mid-afternoon on the 24th). 

Estimated Cost:
$800/person, include van transportation, boat rental fees, summer lift ticket at Mt. Bachelor ski area, lodging for 5 nights (based on double occupancy rooms), breakfast on Days (August 20-24), lunches on Days 1-6 (August 19-24), and dinner on Day 1 (August 19).

Leaders: 
Natalia Deligne, GNS Science, New Zealand
Daniele Mckay, Oregon State University
Rick Conrey, Hamilton College
Gordon Grant, U.S. Forest Service
Jim O’Connor, U.S. Geological Survey