The Geological Newsletter “News of the Geological Society of the Oregon Country”

Home , Beverly Beach State Park, Geology of Iceland, Simon Benson House, Tommotia

Volume 76, Number 1 January/February 2010

The Geological Society of the Oregon Country Past Presidents: P.O. Box 907, Portland, OR 97207 Clay Kelleher – 503/775-6263 www.gsoc.org Janet Rasmussen − 541/753-0774 2009-2010 Administration: [email protected] President: Newsletter Editor and Calendar: Carol Hasenberg Carol Hasenberg [email protected] [email protected] Vice-President: Website: Larry Purchase – 360/254-5635 Janet Rasmussen − 541/753-0774 [email protected] [email protected] Secretary Business Manager: Beverly Vogt – 503/292-6939 Jan Kem − 503/246-2275 [email protected] [email protected] Treasurer Assistant Business Manager: Richard Bartels − 503/292-6939 Rosemary Kenney – 503/892-6514 [email protected] Directors: VISITORS WELCOME AT ALL MEETINGS Jan Kem (1 year) – 503/246-2275 Dave Olcott (2 years) – 503/695-5219 Anne O’Neill (3 years) - 503/477-7827

CALENDAR Future Activities

February Activities GSOC Seventy Fifth Annual Banquet, Sunday, March 21, 2010, 1:00 p.m. at the Monarch Hotel in Clackamas, Oregon. Speaker Dr. Robert J. Carson of Whitman Friday evening talk, February 12, 2010, at 8 p.m., in College will present “Where the Great River Bends: A Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. natural and human history of the Columbia at Wallula,” (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State based upon his recent book of the same title. See page 9 University: Speaker Dr. Paul Hammond of Portland of this newsletter for the registration form. State University will present “Mapping Columbia River

Basalt lava flows in central Washington: What it tells us Check the GSOC website (www.gsoc.org) for updates to about tectonic plate activity.” the calendar.

Join GSOC members at Pizzicato Pizza, 1708 SW 6th Ave., at 6:30 p.m. before the lecture for an informal UPCOMING ACTIVITIES FROM OTHER dinner and conversation. ORGANIZATIONS

Free parking is available at Portland State University This year’s FOSSILFEST 2010 at Hatfield Marine Friday nights after 5 p.m. in Parking Structure 2 on Science Center Visitor Center in Newport , Oregon, will Broadway Ave. directly across from Cramer Hall and on be held on February 13, 2010, from 9 am until 4 pm. level one of Parking Structure 1, bounded by Broadway th Bill Orr and Ellen Morris Bishop are the scheduled and 6 Aves. and Harrison and Hall Sts. speakers. You may bring your fossils in to have them identified. If you are interested in joining informally arranged activities with other Society members, check in The Geological Newsletter -1- January/February 2010

with those staffing the informational table for GSOC. • Feb 24 Old Glaciers, Late Pleistocene Chronology Activities may include meals at local retaurants, walks of Alpine Glaciation for the western US, Shaun on the beach to look for fossils, or other side trips and Marcott, OSU gatherings. Attendees should make their own • Mar 3 When the Sandy River bed was 20 m higher:, arrangements for overnight lodging on Saturday if they Extreme sediment loading during Mount Hood's last desire to stay for the entire weekend. Recommendations eruption, Tom Pierson, USGS. of lodging may be found on our website (www.gsoc.org) • Mar 10 Ooze or Explode?, Geochemical control on in a link to this event. Call Janet Rasmussen at 541/753- Mount Hood’s plumbing and eruptive behavior, 0774 for more information about GSOC participation. Alison Koleszar, OSU

Concordia University Portland will host the 2010 Oregon State University Department of Geosciences Oregon Academy of Sciences Annual Meeting on 2010 Winter Seminar Series, Thursdays, 4:00 pm, 108 Saturday, February 27, 2010 (8 AM - 3 PM). Wilkinson Hall, unless otherwise noted. Refer to Registration deadline is February 12. For more department website for more information: information and registration form visit the website at http://www.geo.oregonstate.edu/events/SeminarSeries/S http://www.oas.pdx.edu/. eminar_Current.htm

The 2010 Seismological Society of America Meeting • February 4 Jeff Shaman, Oceanic and Atmospheric will be held in Portland, Oregon.: More than 500 Sciences, Oregon State University Absolute seismologists from around the world will convene at the Humidity and the Seasonality of Influenza Seismological Society of America (SSA) annual • February 11 John Dilles, Dept. of Geosciences, conference on April 21 – 23. SSA is an international Oregon State University So We Want Hybrid Fuel- scientific society devoted to the advancement of Efficient Cars and Solar Panels. What will be our seismology and its applications in understanding and real mineral and energy footprint? mitigating earthquake hazards and in imaging the • February 18 Dan Gavin, Dept. of Geography, structure of the earth. The searchable database of University of Oregon Climate-Driven Variation in meeting abstracts will be available in February. For a Fire Occurrence and Severity Over the Past 2000 complete description of special sessions, visit Years in the Siskiyou Mountains, Oregon: http://www.seismosoc.org/meetings/2010/specialsession Implication for current fire regimes s.php. SSA will also convene a town hall meeting about • February 25 Cathy Busby, Geological Sciences, UC, earthquake preparedness for Portland residents on April Santa Barbara The Birth of the Sierra Nevada 21. For more information, please visit the SSA meeting Microplate home page: • March 4 Pat Corcoran, Oregon Sea Grant and , Dept. http://www.seismosoc.org/meetings/2010/index.php. of Geosciences, Oregon State University Coastal Storms and Hazards: Research and Engagement in Portland State University Geology Department North Coast Communities Geology Winter Colloquium 2010, Cramer Hall S17, • March 11 Jack Barth, Oceanic and Atmospheric 3:30-4:30 p.m.. All are invited to attend! For Sciences, Oregon State University, Hypoxia off the information contact: Scott Burns, 503, 725-3389, Coast of Oregon and its Relation to Climate Change [email protected], or refer to the department website: http://geology.pdx.edu/node/3 University of Oregon Department of Geological Sciences, Winter 2010 Weekly Seminar Series, • Jan 27 On the Leading Edge, Early Pacific Wednesdays, 4:00 to 5:20 pm in 110 Willamette Hall. Northwest Exploration and the Roots of American Tea and cookies are served in Cascade 200 beginning at Fluvialism, Jim O’Connor, USGS 3:30 p.m.. Refer to department website for more • Feb 3 Stories in Stone, Travels through Urban information: Geology, David Williams, writer http://www.uoregon.edu/~dogsci/news/about • Feb 10 Understanding debris flows: you know it don't come easy, Dick Iverson, USGS • January 27 - Eldon M. Gath (Earth Consultants • Feb 17 Klamath Water, Application of groundwater International) , Tectonic Geomorphic and models to Klamath River Basin, Marshall Gannett, Paleoseismic Investigations for the Panama Canal USGS Expansion Project

The Geological Newsletter -2- January/February 2010

• February 3 - John Vidale (University of properties in your possession should be brought to Washington), Episodic Tremor and Slip, the curious the next meeting. In addition to officers, people who third wheel of fault motion need to prepare such information are Business • February 10 - Dr. William C. Hammond (University Manager, Internet Publicity Chair, Archivist, Field of Nevada, Reno), What GPS studies tell us about Committee Chair, Host Committee Chairs, deformation in the interior Western US Newsletter Editor, Property Chair, and Librarian. • February 17 - Mark Hemphill-Haley (Humboldt State University), Neotectonic Studies, North and The incoming President, Larry Purchase, will work South Islands, New Zealand or Why Sabbaticals are on filling the vacant chair positions. Bev is to send Good for the Soul digital copies of the bylaws to all board members by • February 24 - Cathy Busby (University of California email. Santa Barbara), Birth of the Sierra Nevada Microplate It was decided that because of the success of the • March 3 - Robert Yeats (Oregon State University), December meeting/party, we will do the same thing Slip rate budget across orogenic belts: Northern next December, except the whole event, including Pakistan case history light dinner buffet, review of field trips, and social • March 10 - John W. Valley (University of time with music will be at the Simon Benson Wisconsin), Zircon from Hell House. We need to encourage donations to cover

the cost of reserving the house. BOARD MEETING NOTES January 9, 2010 From now on, the Newsletter will be bimonthly, with the calendar sent out in intervening months. Board and GSOC members present included Carol Carol wants anyone with suggestions for changes in Hasenberg, Larry Purchase, Beverly Vogt, Richard format to send them to her as soon as possible. Bartels, Jan Kem, Dave Olcott, Anne O’Neill, Clay Kelleher, Janet Rasmussen, Doug Rasmussen, Paul The Banquet is March 21. Arrangements are being Edison-Lahm, Tara Schofstall, Rosemary Kenney, made to have two of Bob Carson’s books for sale at Rik Smoody, and John Newhouse. the banquet. The banquet flier will be available in the next Newsletter. Banquet arrangements were The agenda and the minutes of the November 14, discussed. The Board voted to authorize Tara to set 2009, Board meeting were approved. The up the online store for sales of GSOC memorabilia Treasurer’s report was discussed. We ended with and to purchase example products to show at the $2000 more than last year at the end of the year, sales table to encourage people to buy such items partially because we received a bequeathal of $1000 online. Special service awards to some of the from Bob Richmond’s estate. The Treasurer’s members were discussed. report was approved. Field trips were discussed. Larry’s President’s Trip To facilitate transfer of duties from outgoing is scheduled for June 18-22, with camping at officers and chairs to new officers and chairs, Carol Delintment Lake. Larry will check on possibility of asked all relevant people to create and bring to the reserving a group camp site and will provide a field next meeting a formal description of his/her duties, trip guide. Clay will work on a Bull Run trip for a list of all GSOC property in his/her possession, July10 or 17, Dave and Larry will have their and a supplemental list of all contacts and other overnight field and camping trip in August. Ken specific information that would be useful to the new Cameron will have his geology/hiking trip to officer. The formal description of duties and list of Ramona Falls in September. Bev will talk with Joe GSOC property in your possession should be posted Conrad to see if he will lead another building stones on the GSOC bulletin board. The supplemental list trip. Fossil Fest is Feb. 13. Our plans are informal, should not be a public document, but hard copies of and people will stay as long as they like. Larry will it, the position description, and list of GSOC organize and set up GSOC table. Bev and Bart will bring the laminated Oregon geologic map, banner, The Geological Newsletter -3- January/February 2010

brochures, and applications. Clearing house for Costa Rica’s Tectonic Setting plans and information will be at the GSOC table. Synopsis of the January 8, 2010, lecture by Dr. Janet will send information about the Fossil Fest to Martin Streck, Department of Geology, Portland Carol for the Newsletter as soon as possible. State University by Carol Hasenberg Jan, Anne, and Dave reported on their research for purchasing a digital projector in time for the annual Dr. Martin Streck, who has led field trips to Costa banquet. The Board gave Dave authority to Rica five times, specializes in Igneous Petrology purchase the Hitachi CP-X3010 LCD digital and Volcanology at Portland State University. projector. Thanks were given to the committee for Streck started the presentation about Costa Rica by doing such complicated research. describing the physical provinces of the Central American country. Costa Rica contains several Carol reminded the board that they were authorized mountain ranges that run more or less parallel to its to purchase a reduced price new GSA field trip Pacific (southern) shore, the Cordilleras guide for the GSOC library. A committee of Larry, Guanacaste, Tilarán, Central, and Talamanca from Clay, Paul, and Rosemary were appointed to west to east. These mountains get ever higher from research what to do when we need a larger meeting west to east, which was discussed later in the room and how we can recover the cost of such a lecture. Two of the highest peaks in Costa Rica are larger space. One suggestion is to ask for a donation Irazú in the Cordillera Central and Cerro Chirripó of $1 or $2 dollars for such good programs. Board (the highest at 3820 m.) in the Cordillera members are reminded of the Oregon Academy of Talamanca. The Central Valley, containing eighty Science meeting , Feb. 27, at Concordia University percent of the population of the country, lies in northeast Portland. We also want to thank adjacent and south and west of the backbone of the Rosemary again for hosting our Board meetings and country. The Nicoya peninsula is located on the supplying us with food and drinks!! Pacific shore to the west of the Central Valley. The Caribbean lowlands on the northern shore are moist The next meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m., and tropical. Saturday, March 20, 2010, at Rosemary’s house. Meeting adjourned. The tectonic setting which has produced this dramatic landscape is very complex. There are two Respectfully submitted, key features to the tectonic setting. One of these is Beverly Vogt, Secretary the fact that two remnants of the ancient Farallon plate, which has by now been largely subducted Donations for GSOC Annual Banquet below the North American plate, are key players in Rosemary Kenney will be accepting donations of the tectonic activity. The Cocos plate, one of these books, maps and other geology/natural history remnants, lies off the coast of Mexico and Central related items for the sale at the upcoming Annual America and is traveling northeast with a relative Banquet. motion of about 80 mm per year. The other Rosemary asks that you do NOT donate the remnant, the Nazca plate, is subducting into South following: America with an eastern motion. The Galapagos • NO rocks hot spot is the other key feature of the tectonic • NO textbooks older than 5 years setting. This hot plume is located at the boundary For more information call Rosemary at 503/892- between the Cocos and Nazca plates and has sent 6514. volumes of material both towards Central America

and South America on these plates.

According to the formation model described by Streck, the Galapagos hot spot was instrumental in

The Geological Newsletter -4- January/February 2010

creating a new tectonic plate sandwiched between Cordillera Talamanca the base heights are about the North American and South American plates. 2000m. with a peak height just below 4000 m. This This became the Caribbean plate that we see today. also demonstrates the effect of the Galapagos It began as a massive basaltic outpouring which volcanic ridge upon the geography of the country. occurred in the initial phase of eruptions from the hot spot, about 90 million years ago. Geologists In addition to easily seen effects of the hot spot, it is infer this by the fact that the basement basaltic rock also possible to distinguish characteristic magma found all over the Caribbean plate is about the same trace element proportions for different volcanic age and composition. The Caribbean plate was ranges in Central America. Streck showed some carried north and east from the hot spot location and example charts showing Barium/Lanthanum ratios developed its current size and boundaries over time. from Guatemala to Costa Rica, with the central Meanwhile the hot spot eruptions continued but on zone in Nicaragua having a much higher ratio than a lesser scale. We can see the result by studying a that of the earth’s mantle. The big picture inferred map of the ocean floor, which shows ridges of by this research is that in the central zone more volcanoes that emanate both northeast and east from recycled crust material is entering into the magmas. the Galapagos Islands. With all this geologic complexity and hazard, Today the land bridge of Central America that Central American countries should provide very stretches between the large American continents is fertile research areas for geologists like Dr. Streck at the southwestern edge of the Caribbean plate, and for years to come. They would also be very is a volcanic arc. The Cocos plate subducts below fascinating places to visit. the Caribbean plate on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Along with the Cocos plate has ridden the References and Additional Reading trail of the volcanic ridge from the Galapagos. Streck believes that this ridge is in the process of CentralAmerica.com site provided me with plugging the current subduction trench where it descriptions and spellings of the provinces of Costa intersects the Costa Rican coast near the Cordillera Rica: Talamanca. This is borne out by the fact that the http://centralamerica.com/cr/moon/moland.htm Talamanca volcanoes are currently not very active, whereas the other volcanoes in Costa Rica are very Wikipedia has good references on the Caribbean active. Eventually the subduction zone will migrate plate and other tectonic topics: to a new location in response to this impediment. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caribbean_Plate http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tectonic_plates A further complexity to this tectonic geometry is the Panamanian microplate, which is located on the Rutgers University has a lot of information about southwestern edge of the Caribbean plate. It Central America and field trips which they have contains the southeastern third of Costa Rica and done: Panama. With all these plate boundaries http://www-rci.rutgers.edu/~carr/index.html intersecting near or through the country, Costa Rica is a very geologically hazardous land. USGS page “Poster of the Seismicity of the Caribbean Plate and Vicinity” has nice Streck showed an elevation chart of Central downloadable maps of the area American volcanoes from Guatemala to Costa Rica http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqarchives/p (west to east)which showed their base heights as oster/regions/caribbean.php well as their peak heights. At either end of the chart were taller peaks but also higher base elevations. In At the time of this writing, the January 12, 2010, Costa Rica the volcanoes on the west side of the magnitude 7.0 earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, country have bases close to sea level and peak has just occurred. This is a Caribbean plate seismic heights of about 2000 m. On the eastern side in the The Geological Newsletter -5- January/February 2010

event. Please refer to the USGS website and hour. Such eruptive activity can cause great humanitarian organizations for more information: destruction and loss of life if it occurs in populated http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsw areas, as demonstrated by the devastation of St. w/Quakes/us2010rja6.php Pierre during the 1902 eruption of Mont Pelée on Martinique, Lesser Antilles.” Types of Volcanic Eruptions “"Hawaiian" eruptions may occur along fissures or Editor’s note: The following definitions are from fractures that serve as linear vents, such as during the USGS web page, the eruption of Mauna Loa Volcano in Hawaii in http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/volc/eruptions.html, 1950; or they may occur at a central vent such as maintained by John Watson and was last modified during the 1959 eruption in Kilauea Iki Crater of 2/5/97. Geologists have names which describe the Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii. In fissure-type eruptions, manner or pattern in which volcanoes erupt. These molten, incandescent lava spurts from a fissure on types of eruptions have historic precedents and the volcano's rift zone and feeds lava streams that most, but not all, of the names refer to the flow downslope. In central-vent eruptions, a precedents. You can also link to the USGS web fountain of fiery lava spurts to a height of several page and view the pictures that accompany the hundred feet or more. Such lava may collect in old descriptions. pit craters to form lava lakes, or form cones, or feed “In a Strombolian-type eruption observed during radiating flows.” the 1965 activity of Irazú Volcano in Costa Rica, huge clots of molten lava burst from the summit “"Phreatic" (or steam-blast) eruptions are driven by crater to form luminous arcs through the sky. explosive expanding steam resulting from cold Collecting on the flanks of the cone, lava clots ground or surface water coming into contact with combined to stream down the slopes in fiery hot rock or magma. The distinguishing feature of rivulets.” phreatic explosions is that they only blast out fragments of preexisting solid rock from the “In contrast, the eruptive activity of Parícutin volcanic conduit; no new magma is erupted. Volcano in 1947 demonstrated a "Vulcanian"-type Phreatic activity is generally weak, but can be quite eruption, in which a dense cloud of ash-laden gas violent in some cases, such as the 1965 eruption of explodes from the crater and rises high above the Taal Volcano, Philippines, and the 1975-76 activity peak. Steaming ash forms a whitish cloud near the at La Soufrière, Guadeloupe (Lesser Antilles).” upper level of the cone.” “The most powerful eruptions are called "plinian" “In a "Vesuvian" eruption, as typified by the and involve the explosive ejection of relatively eruption of Mount Vesuvius in Italy in A.D. 79, viscous lava. Large plinian eruptions--such as great quantities of ash-laden gas are violently during 18 May 1980 at Mount St. Helens or, more discharged to form cauliflower-shaped cloud high recently, during 15 June 1991 at Pinatubo in the above the volcano.” Philippines--can send ash and volcanic gas tens of miles into the air. The resulting ash fallout can “In a "Peléan" or "Nuée Ardente (glowing cloud) affect large areas hundreds of miles downwind. eruption, such as occurred on the Mayon Volcano in Fast-moving deadly pyroclastic flows ("nuées the Philippines in 1968, a large quantity of gas, ardentes") are also commonly associated with dust, ash, and incandescent lava fragments are plinian eruptions.” blown out of a central crater, fall back, and form tongue-like, glowing avalanches that move downslope at velocities as great as 100 miles per

The Geological Newsletter -6- January/February 2010

THE GEOLOGICAL NEWSLETTER INDEX Volume 75, 2009 compiled by Carol Hasenberg

January····················no.1 ··············· pages 1-7 July ·························no.7············ pages 43-49 February··················2 ···························· 7-14 August·····················8··························· 50-56 March······················3 ·························· 15-21 September ···············9··························· 57-63 April························4 ·························· 22-28 October ···················10························· 64-67 May·························5 ·························· 29-35 November ···············11························· 68-72 June·························6 ·························· 36-42 December················12························· 73-78

ARTICLES and REPORTS·············································································································································· Page A New Perspective on Oregon Fossils, Synopsis of the May 9, 2009, lecture by Dr. Willliam Orr of OSU, by Carol Hasenberg ····························································································································································· 38 A Tale of Two Calderas, Synopsis of the February 13, 2009, lecture by Mark Ferns and Jason McClaughry of DOGAMI, by Carol Hasenberg ··············································································································································· 17 Catclysms on the Columbia, Synopsis of the November 13, 2009, lecture by Dr. Scott Burns of PSU, by Evelyn Pratt · 75 Caving in Oregon, Synopsis of the September 17, 2009, Lecture by Patty and Roger Silver of the Oregon Grotto of the National Speleological Society, by Carol Hasenberg ··························································································· 65 Checklist for Geosearching the Web, by Tara Schoffstall ································································································· 11 Excursions into Zeolite Country, Synopsis of the October 9, 2009, lecture by Rudy Tschernich of the Rice Museum, by Carol Hasenberg ···················································································································································· 69 Is It a Meteorite (or a Meteor-Wrong)?, by Carol Hasenberg ···························································································· 19 Meteorites on the Road, Synopsis of the June 12, 2009, lecture by Dick Pugh of the Cascadia Meteorite Laboratory, by Evelyn Pratt ··························································································································································· 46 Oregon Aggregate Mine Permitting: Working Towards Economic and Ecologic Harmony, Synopsis of the December 12, 2008, lecture by Ben Mundie of DOGAMI, by Carol Hasenberg ·········································································· 3 The Cascadian Graben, by Janet Rasmussen ····················································································································· 45 The Effects of the Ice Age Floods on the Portland Region, Synopsis of the April 10, 2009, lecture by Rick Thompson and Sylvia Thompson, by Carol Hasenberg ················································································································· 31 The Wabar Meteor Crater Expedition and the Looming Threat of Impact Events, Synopsis of the March 8, 2009, lecture by Jeff Wynn, Chief Scientist for Volcano Hazards at USGS CVO, by Carol Hasenberg ··································· 26 Wave Energy: The Wave of the Future? Synopsis of the January 9, 2009, lecture by Justin Klure of Pacific Energy Ventures, LLC, by Carol Hasenberg ······················································································································· 9 What's a Nannofossil?, by Carol Hasenberg ······················································································································ 40

AUTHORS Hasenberg, Carol: Oregon Aggregate Mine Permitting: Working Towards Economic and Ecologic Harmony, Synopsis of the December 12, 2008, lecture by Ben Mundie of DOGAMI························································································ 3 Wave Energy: The Wave of the Future? Synopsis of the January 9, 2009, lecture by Justin Klure of Pacific Energy Ventures, LLC··············································································································································· 9 A Tale of Two Calderas, Synopsis of the February 13, 2009, lecture by Mark Ferns and Jason McClaughry of DOGAMI ································································································································································· 17 Is It a Meteorite (or a Meteor-Wrong)? ··················································································································· 19 "Dream Bigger Dreams," Synopsis of GSOC President Hasenberg's inaugural address, March 8, 2009 ··············· 24 The Wabar Meteor Crater Expedition and the Looming Threat of Impact Events, Synopsis of the March 8, 2009, lecture by Jeff Wynn, Chief Scientist for Volcano Hazards at USGS CVO···························································· 26 The Effects of the Ice Age Floods on the Portland Region, Synopsis of the April 10, 2009, lecture by Rick Thompson and Sylvia Thompson ···························································································································· 31 A New Perspective on Oregon Fossils, Synopsis of the May 9, 2009, lecture by Dr. Willliam Orr of OSU·········· 38

The Geological Newsletter -7- January/February 2010

What's a Nannofossil?·············································································································································· 40 A Trip to the Dalles, Synopsis of the June 2009 Waste, Wind, and Water Field Trip ············································ 51 A Trip to the Dalles, cont.········································································································································ 58 SOTA Revisited, 2009 President's Field Trip Synopsis ·························································································· 60 Caving in Oregon, Synopsis of the September 17, 2009, Lecture by Patty and Roger Silver of the Oregon Grotto of the National Speleological Society······················································································································ 65 Excursions into Zeolite Country, Synopsis of the October 9, 2009, lecture by Rudy Tschernich of the Rice Museum ································································································································································ 69 Pratt, Evelyn: Meteorites on the Road, Synopsis of the June 12, 2009, lecture by Dick Pugh of the Cascadia Meteorite Laboratory································································································································································ 46 Catclysms on the Columbia, Synopsis of the November 13, 2009, lecture by Dr. Scott Burns of PSU·················· 75 Rasmussen, Janet: The Cascadian Graben ············································································································································· 45 Schoffstall, Tara: Checklist for Geosearching the Web ······················································································································· 11

FIELD TRIPS A Trip to the Dalles, cont., by Carol Hasenberg··················································································································· 58 A Trip to the Dalles, Synopsis of the June 2009 Waste, Wind, and Water Field Trip, by Carol Hasenberg························ 51 SOTA Revisited, 2009 President's Field Trip Synopsis, by Carol Hasenberg······································································ 60

SOCIETY BUSINESS "Dream Bigger Dreams," Synopsis of GSOC President Hasenberg's inaugural address, March 8, 2009, by Carol Hasenberg ············································································································································································· 24 Board Meeting Notes: April 10, 2009, by Beverly Vogt ······································································································ 32 Board Meeting Notes: December 13, 2008, by Beverly Vogt ································································································ 4 Board Meeting Notes: February 13, 2009, by Beverly Vogt ································································································ 16 Board Meeting Notes: June 6, 2009, by Beverly Vogt ········································································································· 47 Board Meeting Notes: November 14, 2009, by Beverly Vogt······························································································ 74 Generous Bequest to GSOC···················································································································································· 9 GSOC Society Dues Payment Schedule Changes ·················································································································· 2

MEMORIALS Deceased GSOC Member [Marilyn Lum] Led Quiet but Interesting Life ········································································· 48 In Memoriam - Ewart Baldwin ··········································································································································· 40 In Memoriam - Terry Norman Toedtemeier and Robert Ernest Richmond·········································································· 2 Long-Time GSOC Member Don Barr Dies························································································································ 66

MISCELLANEOUS Volcanic News from Alaska ················································································································································· 33

The Geological Newsletter -8- January/February 2010

• Geological Society of the Oregon Country Seventy Fifth Annual Banquet

Speaker

The Geological Society of the Oregon Country will be having its 75th Annual Banquet on Sunday March 21, 2010. Speaker Dr. Robert J. Carson of Whitman College will present “Where the Great River Bends: A natural and human history of the Columbia at Wallula,” based upon his recent book of the same title. Dr. Carson will discuss the geology, natural history, and human history of the Wallula area, with emphasis on the geology. There will be copies of the new book and his book Hiking Guide to Washington Geology (Keokee Books, 2009) available for purchase at the event.

Where and When

Location of the banquet will be at Monarch Hotel, 12566 SE 93rd Ave., Clackamas, Oregon near I-205 and Clackamas Town Center (http://www.monarchhotel.cc/). There is ample free parking. Doors to the banquet room open at 12:30 p.m. Dinner at 1:00 p.m. Program and speaker will begin at 2:15 p.m.

• Slow Roasted Pot Roast (accompanied by roasted garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables) • Chicken Piccata (grilled breast of chicken, finished with a light lemon-caper sauce accompanied by rice pilaf and seasonal vegetables) • Pasta Primavera (linguine and fresh vegetables tossed in Alfredo sauce and topped with parmesan cheese) All entrees include garden salad with ranch dressing, rolls with butter, chef’s dessert and coffee, tea, decaf or iced tea. ______

GSOC 75th ANNUAL BANQUET RESERVATION FORM – clip at line and mail. ______Number of tickets at $23.50 each (includes gratuity). Please indicate entrée choice.

Names of persons attending and meal choices: ______Meal choice (circle one) Pot Roast Pasta Chicken ______Meal choice (circle one) Pot Roast Pasta Chicken ______Meal choice (circle one) Pot Roast Pasta Chicken ______Meal choice (circle one) Pot Roast Pasta Chicken

______Amount enclosed. Reservations must be received by Monday, March 15, 2010. Please mail reservations and checks to GSOC, PO Box 907, Portland, OR 97207-0907

The Geological Newsletter -9- January/February 2010

Geological Society of the Oregon Country Activities:

ANNUAL EVENTS: President’s Field Trip—Summer or Fall; Banquet—March; Annual Business Meeting— February. FIELD TRIPS: About 4 per year. Fees: see field trip announcements on the calendar next page. GSOC LIBRARY: Rm. 69, Cramer Hall, Portland State University. Open 7:30 p.m. prior to meetings. PROGRAMS: Second Friday evening most months, 8:00 p.m., Rm. S17, Cramer Hall, PSU, SW Broadway at SW Mill St., Portland, Oregon. MEMBERSHIP: Per year from January 1: Individual--$25, Family--$35, Junior (under 18)/Student--$15. Membership applications are available on the website www.gsoc.org. PUBLICATIONS: THE GEOLOGICAL NEWSLETTER (ISSN 0270 5451), published monthly and mailed to each member. Subscriptions available to libraries and organizations only at $20.00 per year. Single Copies are available at $2.00 each. Order from: Geological Society of the Oregon Country, P.O. Box 907, Portland, Oregon 97207 TRIP LOGS: Write to the same address for names and price list.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE OREGON COUNTRY

Name______Spouse______Children under age 18______Address ______City ______State ___ Zip______-______Phone (_____)_____-______Email address______Geologic Interests and Hobbies______Please indicate Membership type and include check for appropriate amount: Individual $25.00 ______Family $35.00 ______Student $15.00 ______Make Check Payable to: The Geological Society of the Oregon Country PO Box 907 Portland, OR 97207-0907

The Geological Newsletter -10- January/February 2010

The Geological Newsletter “News of the Geological Society of the Oregon Country”

Volume 76, Number 2 March/April 2010

The Geological Society of the Oregon Country Past Presidents: P.O. Box 907, Portland, OR 97207-0907 Carol Hasenberg – 503/522-4249 www.gsoc.org [email protected] 2010 - 2011 Administration: Janet Rasmussen − 541/753-0774 President: [email protected] Larry Purchase – 360/254-5635 Newsletter Editor and Calendar: [email protected] Carol Hasenberg – 503/522-4249 Vice-President: [email protected] Rik Smoody - 360/546-2019 Website: [email protected] Janet Rasmussen − 541/753-0774 Secretary [email protected] Beverly Vogt – 503/292-6939 Business Manager: [email protected] Jan Kem − 503/246-2275 Treasurer [email protected] Richard Bartels − 503/292-6939 Assistant Business Manager: [email protected] Anne O’Neill - 503/477-7827 Directors: Dave Olcott (1 year) – 503/695-5219 VISITORS WELCOME AT ALL MEETINGS Anne O’Neill (2 years) - 503/477-7827 Paul Edison-Lahm (3 years) – 971/404-6064 [email protected]

CALENDAR flanks of volcanoes—lahars, debris avalanches, and floods. April Activities Join GSOC members at Pizzicato Pizza, 1708 SW 6th Ave., at 6:30 p.m. before the lecture for an informal Friday evening talk, April 9, 2010, at 8 p.m., in Room dinner and conversation. S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State University: Free parking is available at Portland State University Speaker Thomas C. Pierson of the USGS Cascades Friday nights after 5 p.m. in Parking Structure 2 on Volcano Observatory in Vancouver, Washington will Broadway Ave. directly across from Cramer Hall and on present “When the Bed of the Sandy River was 20m level one of Parking Structure 1, bounded by Broadway Higher,” a look at dramatic channel aggradation of the and 6th Aves. and Harrison and Hall Sts. lower Sandy River that resulted from a dome-building eruption (AD 1780-1793) during the most recent Future Activities volcanic activity at Mount Hood. Friday evening talk, May 14, 2010, at 8 p.m., in Room Dr. Pierson has worked for the CVO since 1980 and also S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. (between is an Adjunct Professor at also Adjunct Professor with Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State University: the Dept. of Geology at Portland State University and a Speaker William E. Scott f the USGS Cascades Volcano licensed geologist in the State of Washington. His work Observatory in Vancouver, Washington will present focuses on volcano hazards involving the mobilization “Re-evaluation of the Magnitude of the Great A.D.1835 and rapid movement of rock debris and water down the Eruption of Cosiguina Volcano, Nicaragua.”

The Geological Newsletter -11- March/April 2010

The eruption of Cosiguina Volcano, Nicaragua, in 1835 earthquake preparedness for Portland residents on April was described by witnesses in truly catastrophic terms. 21. For more information, please visit the SSA meeting The research community that assesses atmospheric home page: impacts of eruptions through study of ice cores has long http://www.seismosoc.org/meetings/2010/index.php. searched for signs of the eruption, but found little convincing evidence. Two brief field investigations of Cosiguina during the past few decades have shown that BOARD MEETING NOTES the eruption was more modest than related by March 20, 2010 eyewitnesses, but that a repeat would nonetheless have substantial consequences for the region. The meeting was called to order by President Larry Purchase at home of Rosemary Kenney. Board and Check the GSOC website (www.gsoc.org) for updates to GSOC members present included Larry Purchase, the calendar. Rik Smoody, Beverly Vogt, Richard Bartels, Dave

?? Question to the GSOC Membership ?? Olcott, Anne O’Neill, Janet Rasmussen, Paul Edison-Lahm, Jan Kem, Tara Schoffstall, Rosemary

Should we hold the Friday night meetings at 7:30 p.m. Kenney, Dawn Juliano, and Carol Hasenberg. rather than 8:00 p.m.? Please send your feedback to President Larry Purchase, in person at the April meeting, The agenda, the minutes of the January 10, 2009, or phone 360/254-5635 or email [email protected]. Board meeting, the election, the annual GSOC business meeting and the Treasurer’s report were approved. Larry appointed Janet to be Sgt.-at-Arms A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR -- to keep the meeting on track.

“Why didn’t I get a newsletter or calendar last month?” I have heard many members ask me this past month. I As part of the transfer of duties from outgoing should have sent out a calendar or newsletter but as there officers and chairs to new officers and chairs, Larry was no news, well, I just didn’t do it. I apologize. Also, dispersed keys and other GSOC equipment to the this is the March/April edition of the newsletter, even appropriate officers and committee chairs. .The though you won’t receive it until the beginning of April. formal description of duties and list of GSOC Next month we will issue the May/June issue and will be property should be posted on gsoc2.proboards.com. back to being caught up. You can expect to receive a In addition to officers, people who need to prepare newsletter from now on and a calendar in the off-months such information are Business Manager, Internet from now on. We also may include field trip flyers on Publicity Chair, Historian, Archivist, Field the off-months, so remember to check! Committee Chair, Host Committee Chairs, Newsletter Editor, Property Chair, and Librarian. UPCOMING ACTIVITIES FROM OTHER Larry Purchase has filled most of the vacant chair ORGANIZATIONS positions.

The 2010 Seismological Society of America Meeting The upcoming speaker schedule was discussed, will be held in Portland, Oregon.: More than 500 Tom Pierson from CVO will speak on April 9, seismologists from around the world will convene at the Willie Scott of CVO will speak on May 14. Carol Seismological Society of America (SSA) annual presented the schedule for the Newsletter, with conference on April 21 – 23. SSA is an international deadlines as follows: March/April deadline on scientific society devoted to the advancement of seismology and its applications in understanding and March 20, May/June deadline on April 20, mitigating earthquake hazards and in imaging the July/August deadline on June 20, September structure of the earth. The searchable database of /October deadline on August 20, and meeting abstracts will be available in February. For a November/December deadline on October 20. Bev complete description of special sessions, visit asked that people announce via email when they http://www.seismosoc.org/meetings/2010/specialsession post something important on Proboards. People who s.php. SSA will also convene a town hall meeting about

The Geological Newsletter -12- March/April 2010

have not yet put their position descriptions on could discuss changing the regular Friday night Proboard are encouraged to do so. meeting time to 7:30 p.m. at the next Board meeting. The committee for website and internet issues consists of Rik, Tara, Carol, and Janet. They will Newly appointed GSOC jobs are Property contact each other via cyberspace and work at Custodian, Bart, with Jan as list maintenance blinding speed to bring GSOC and the rest of us person; Librarian, Diana Gordon; Archivist, Carol; into the 21st Century. People doing anything related Historian, Rosemary; Assistant Business Manager, to PR are to mention that we have a twitter account Anne. Anyone having GSOC equipment should at www.twitter.com/geosocietyor. Tara also gave give Jan a list of what he/she has so Jan can make a me this URL: www.printfection.com/gsoc, for comprehensive list of GSOC equipment and its purchasing shirts and mugs with GSOC called out. location. Bev and Bart are given authority to donate At the next Board meeting Tara will report the old equipment we will never use again to Goodwill recommendations of the 4-member Website and and report any such donations to the GSOC Board. Internet Committee, regarding passwords and security issues, for discussion and decision. The Tara has been working getting samples of products above committee will also work on preparing a that can be ordered online to generate funding for presence on Facebook (check your email for the society, and the samples will be displayed at the updates from Rik). Also, any clarifications or banquet and future meeting to generate online corrections on material in this paragraph should go purchases. Thanks to Tara for her hard work on this to the committee listed above and then to the project. Anyone with other ideas for products secretary. Carol asked for comments from Board should contact Tara. members on her newly designed GSOC website. Bev and Bart have purchased at a reduced price the The 2010 field trip schedule was presented: recent GSA field trip guide and will see that it is • June 26, Bull Run trip, Clay, Bev, and Bart placed in the GSOC library. Two rare and possibly leading valuable books were discovered in the GSOC • July 17-18-19-20 (tentative date); Larry’s library discard pile (1896 Glacial Lake Agassiz President’s Trip, possibly reserving a group report and a Bretz book on the Missoula floods), camp site at Delintment Lake, and preparing and Jan and Bev will look at getting appraisals for a field trip guide, with Larry as leader and these. The book on romance of mining will be sold with help from Bev and Bart at a silent auction at the banquet. • August 21 and 22 (tentative date), Dave and Larry will have their overnight field and Special thanks to Don Haines of DOGAMI’s Nature camping trip in Phillipi Canyon in the of the Northwest for material donated to GSOC Columbia River Gorge for sale at the banquet. • September at an as yet unknown date, Ken Cameron will have his geology/hiking trip to Ramona Falls The next meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m., Janet suggested that next year we schedule a field Saturday, May 15, 2010, at Rosemary’s house. trip to study tidal pools between March and September at a low tide time. The summer picnic Beverly Vogt, Secretary was also discussed.

At the next Board meeting, the committee of Larry, Clay, Paul, and Rosemary will discuss the need for a larger meeting room and how we can recover the cost of such a larger space. Rosemary asked if we

The Geological Newsletter -13- March/April 2010

Natural History (@NMNH); Discovery News IN MEMORIAM (@Discovery); and many more! See our Twitter page for everyone we're following for a more Irv Ewen, 1964 GSOC president, dies complete list.

Irv Ewen passed away on Thursday, March 4, 2010 GSOC Products are 4 sale! after a long illness. Born October 12, 1932, Irv GSOC has a page on the printfection.com site for received a Bachelor’s Degree in Geology from products such as t-shirts, cups, mouse pads, etc. Oregon State University, and for his first job with designs including the GSOC logo, humorous worked as a field assistant for Andy Corcoran, a designs, and MORE! Help raise funds for the club former State Geologist and GSOC President, at the and have great GSOC products for yourself or for Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral gifts! Industries. http://www.printfection.com/gsoc

Irv then worked as a planner for Multnomah County GSOC is now on Facebook! for 35 years, was a volunteer with the Portland Dear Tara and members, Opera, and was also active in many other “I hauled off and created a Facebook account organizations, including GSOC, Portland Historical for GeoSociety Oregon (as if a person, born in Rail Society, Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, Northwest 1935) whose email address is: Senior Theater, and Portland Gay Men’s Chorus. [email protected]. He was a well known free-lance photographer, “If you want to sign on, invite GSOC to be leaving a collection of over 50,000 photographs of your friend on Facebook. For assistance, contact architecture, weddings, social and community me [Rik Smoody] for more info.” events, concerts, theater, opera, as well as views of -Rik Smoody the Columbia River Gorge, which he loved.

Irv is survived by Marlo James Dean, his life WELCOME NEW MEMBERS FOR 2010! partner of 14 years. Dave Aeder Sheila Alfsen ST James Argentina Joseph Cohen GSOC in the 21 Century Sally Visher Patrick Farrell by Tara Schoffstall Christopher Hunter Karl Karlgaard Michael Klaas William N.Orr GSOC now Twitters! Elizabeth Smith Jean Spangler Follow us @GeoSocietyOR for all the latest info. Kristine Quintana Sign up and add the above address as a friend to your twitter feed or preview the feed at http://twitter.com/GeoSocietyOR. GEOLOGICAL MAPPING AND STRUCTURE IN SOUTHEASTERN Members might also be interested in following WASHINGTON these sites as well as our own: Geology.com Synopsis of the February 12, 2010, lecture by Dr. (@GeologyDotCom); Geology News Paul Hammond, Department of Geology, Portland (@GeologyNews); GSA (@geosociety); State University Earthquake and Tsunami (@EQTW); Scientific by Carol Hasenberg American (@sciam); OMSI (@OMSI); Get

Geology Jobs (@GetGeologyJobs); NASA Paul Hammond’s talk discussed how his Portland (@NASA); AAPG (@AAPG); National State University team’s recent stratigraphic Geographic (@NatGeoSociety); Meteorite Men mapping work for the US Forest Service (@MeteoriteMen); Smithsonian's Museum of The Geological Newsletter -14- March/April 2010

demonstrates regional deformation caused by of tectonic plates and underlying mantle. The motion of the North American and Pacific tectonic Yakima Fold belt is one of the few places in the plates. The area in question lies between Chinook world where anticlines (fold humps) are non-eroded Pass and Yakima in the White Pass area southeast ridges. of Mt. Rainier in Washington. The tectonic environment for the region is the Stratigraphic mapping is a forensic science in which boundary between the North American Plate and geologists use different sorts of evidence to the oceanic plates to the west, including the Pacific determine the extent of geological layers – Plate and Juan de Fuca Plate. GPS technology has formations, units, and individual flows - which have been able to confirm the movement of the tectonic a common origin and age. The eastern section of plates, as well as evidence collected on the earth’s the study area is overlain by the westernmost layers surface. The movement of the oceanic plates is of Columbia River Basalt. Hammond described such that they push the North American plate some of the complexity in sorting out the various boundary north. Also, the thickness of the North individual flows of the Columbia River Basalt units American plate varies from about 60 km in the in the area. Features of individual flows include northeast corner of Washington to 30 km further lobate margins, vesicular boundaries, and thin out west and south. The result is that the thinner, into scoria. Individual flows can also be weaker crust in this area is folded northward and distinguished on the basis of chemical trace element also tends to rotate and shear around the obstruction analysis. This analysis work is done by the to the north and east. This explains the presence of Washington State University GeoAnalytical both the Yakima Folds and northwest/southeast Laboratory which has a world-renown reputation trending faulting. for consistent results. References And Additional Reading: Hammond’s team mapped the Columbia River Basalt strata in the region, as well as older The Evergreen State College, “Field Trip Guide: formations below. Three volcanic units were of Geology and Art Cascade Mountains & Columbia particular interest: the Tieton, Edgar Rock, and Plateau,” Fall 2004: Fifes Peak volcanoes volcanics occurred in the early http://academic.evergreen.edu/curricular/geologyan Miocene, approximately 22-26 million years ago. dart/Central%20WA%20Field%20Trip%20Guide.p These volcanoes were early arc volcanoes in the df region. By mapping these and the Columbia River basalts they were able to determine the amount of Newell P. Campbell and Daryl Gusey, “Geology of folding and faulting in the area. the Naches Ranger District, Wenatchee National Forest, Kittitas and Yakima Counties, Washington,” A series of folds with an east to west axis are Washington DNR Open File Report 92-3, March evident between the Columbia River Gorge to the 1992: south and continue north through the Yakima http://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/ger_ofr92- Valley and are known as the Yakima Folds to 3_naches_text.pdf (key) geologists. Since these folds occur in strata that http://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/ger_ofr92- was flat 16 million years ago, their existence tells 3_naches_pl1_63k.pdf (map, 85MB) This map is structural geologists what sort of forces have been well out-of-date and incomplete. acting on the continent since then. In addition to the east-west oriented Yakima Folds, the area also Thomas R. Watters, “Periodically spaced anticlines contains folds and faults running nearly right angles of the Columbia Plateau,” Geological Society of to these, and a notable example of these is the America Special Paper 239, 1989: Cleman Mountain anticline ridge. All these fold http://si- structures are expressions of the reaction of the pddr.si.edu/dspace/bitstream/10088/2656/1/198910. earth’s crust to the forces created by the movement pdf Reference should be made to Special Paper The Geological Newsletter -15- March/April 2010

239, which contains a wealth of information on the The Wallula Gap is in the easternmost section of the basalts and Columbia Plateau. Columbia Gorge. To the north of the Gap, the Columbia River is joined by the Snake River and The Wallula Gap 17Ma to Now the Yakima River, and so all three of these river Synopsis of the March 21, 2010, annual banquet basins are emptied through the gap. The McNary address by Dr. Robert J. Carson, professor of Dam, completed in 1953, is located south of the Geology and Environmental Studies, Whitman Gap and impounds the present reservoir Lake College, Walla Walla, Washington Wallula in the Gap. by Carol Hasenberg Carson speculated on what geological formation The speaker for the 75th Annual Banquet of the might underlie the Columbia River Basalt (CRB) in Geological Society of the Oregon Country was Dr. the Wallula Gap area: it could be Tertiary Robert J. Carson, a geologist well known to all of sediment, terrane rocks or granite, similar to that his Portland colleagues. In his address, Carson found in the nearby Wallowa Mountains. The discussed material used in his recently co-authored outpourings of the Columbia River Basalt greatly book, Where the Great River Bends: A natural and affected the history of the Wallula Gap, because the human history of the Columbia at Wallula (Keokee courses of the rivers in the area were greatly Books, 2008). As he took the podium, Carson affected by the floods of the molten rock. During recognized several of his colleagues in the the greatest flood basalt events, the course of the audience: Bill Orr from the University of Oregon, Columbia River was pushed to the extreme north Paul Hammond, whose son was the first graduate of and west sector of the basin, and the Columbia Whitman’s geological degree program, and Scott River left the basin far to the west of the Gap. With Burns of Portland State University. the subsequent warping and folding of the terrain, the Columbia and Yakima Rivers passed through Carson then dedicated his talk to Ewart and Margie the Gap at about some time before 5 million years Baldwin. Ewart Baldwin helped to establish the ago. Meanwhile, the ancestral Clearwater and geology program at Whitman College during the Salmon Rivers changed their courses from a more 1980-81 academic year. Carson remembered northern outlet into the Columbia basin to Wallula Baldwin fondly by quoting his three favorite Gap earlier than the Columbia River itself. sayings that Baldwin used during the field trips he led: He would bellow to the bus driver to put the After the basalt floods, the river systems continued “pedal to the metal” to get to the next stop and then to evolve and erode the basalts into the Columbia shout “Stop the machine!” when they arrived. He River basin we see today. The most dramatic would never let the bus driver backtrack by changes to the look of the basin occurred during the hollering “Never Deadhead!,” a trucking term used Pleistocene, when the Cordilleran glacier covered to admonish drivers to never take the truck back the northwestern part of the continent and ice and empty. water were more abundant and destructive than they are today. Most of us know that Glacial Lake Carson began his discussion of the geological Missoula flooded the Columbia River basin many history of the Wallula Gap by showing the GSOC times between 18,000 and 15,000 years ago.. It is audience the first image recorded (by hand drawing) less well known that Glacial Lake Bonneville was of the area from Paul Kane on the 1843 Fremont also drained through this outlet about 16,000 years Expedition. The picture highlighted the Twin ago.

Sisters, a basalt chimney that served as a rock Carson illustrated the concept of the Glacial Lake climbing mecca from the 1920’s until 2001 when rock climbing was banned. Missoula ice dam created by the Pend Orielle lobe of the Cordilleran Ice Sheet using a smaller modern day analogy which he recently photographed on a field trip. The photos were of the Perito Moreno The Geological Newsletter -16- March/April 2010

Glacier in Patagonia, which also bisects L-shaped the event, printed by Keokee Books of Sand Point, Lago Argentina and creates up to 30 meters of Idaho. Where the Great River Bends is a elevation difference in the levels of the two arms of particularly lavish printing with full color the lake. illustrations throughout Thanks again to Dr. Carson for making GSOC’s 75th Anniversary so special! During the Ice Age Floods the Wallula Gap played a significant role in the draining of the Columbia References and Additional Reading: basin. A “hydraulic dam” was formed at the Gap due to the fact that there was about twice as much Carson, R.J., ed., 2008, Where the Great River flow as could fit through the gap. Bends: The Columbia at Wallula, Sandpoint, Idaho, Keokee Co. Publishing, Inc. Keokee Books’ Next Carson discussed the after-effects of the Ice description of the book can be found at: Age Floods that can be seen in the Gap today. http://www.keokeebooks.com/greatriverbends.html These include erosional features, such as scablands, and depositional features, including eddy bars in Carson, Bob, and Scott Babcock, 2009, Hiking side canyons at elevations up to 900 feet . The talus Guide to Washington Geology, Sandpoint, Idaho, piles we see at the bases of features like Twin Keokee Books, 272 p. Sisters and the sand dunes in Juniper Canyon have been accumulating since the floodwaters receded. USGS CVO website Descriptions: Glaciations, Ice Sheets, and Glacial Lakes Dr. Carson saved about ten minutes at the end of his Lake Bonneville and the Bonneville Flood lecture to discuss the biological diversity and Lake Missoula and the Missoula Floods: modern history of the Wallula Gap. Co-author http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Glossary/Glaciers/IceShe Mike Denny wrote the chapter of the book which ets/framework.html deals with biology. Denny discusses some of the Glacial Lake Missoula and the Missoula Floods nuts and bolts of how the ecosystem works in http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Glossary/Glaciers/IceShe addition to describing the biological diversity. His ets/description_lake_missoula.html work is illustrated with outstanding wildlife Lake Bonneville and the Bonneville Flood: photography. http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Glossary/Glaciers/IceShe ets/description_lake_bonneville.html Next Carson showed pictures of the Gap during the Oregon Country era. Fort Walla Walla and the US Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, town of Wallula were shown in their heydays from “McNary Master Plan: A Plan for Development and sketches, paintings, and photographs. Some more Management of the Natural and Manmade recent photos of a frozen Columbia River in 1916 Resources of Lake Wallula.”: and 1929 suggest the magnitude of climate change http://www.nww.usace.army.mil/planning/ER/mcna which we are experiencing. Next came photos of ry/default.htm the 1948 flood on the Columbia River, which flooded agricultural fields along the river. Those Wikipedia: The Perito Moreno Glacier page: same fields were flooded for good in 1953 after the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perito_Moreno_Glacier construction of the McNary Dam. The old town of Wallula was covered by the floodwaters and the Twin Sisters Final Report (report on prohibition of town cemetery was moved above the flood line. rock climbing), December 1, 2001: http://www.whitman.edu/environmental_studies/int After his very interesting lecture, Carson signed ernships/reports/Stinson.htm copies of the two titles he brought for purchase at

The Geological Newsletter -17- March/April 2010

Geological Society of the Oregon Country Activities:

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE OREGON COUNTRY

The Geological Newsletter -18- March/April 2010

The Geological Newsletter “News of the Geological Society of the Oregon Country”

Volume 76, Number 3 May/June 2010

CALENDAR eyewitnesses, but that a repeat would nonetheless have substantial consequences for the region.

May/June Activities Join GSOC members at Pizzicato Pizza, 1708 SW 6th Ave., at 6:00 p.m. before the lecture for an informal Friday evening talk, May 14, 2010, at 7:30 p.m., in dinner and conversation. Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State GSOC Seminar, Wednesday, May 19th @ 8pm, Room University: Speaker William E. Scott of the USGS 69, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. (between Cascades Volcano Observatory in Vancouver, Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State University Washington will present “Re-evaluation of the “Get Online or Left Behind: Keeping up with Geology Magnitude of the Great A.D.1835 Eruption of Cosigüina News in the 21st Century” Volcano, Nicaragua.” With all the geologic events going on, it's not the TV you should be watching - it's the internet. Want to get The eruption of Cosigüina Volcano, Nicaragua, in 1835 the news before the news does? Or just want to find out was described by witnesses in truly catastrophic terms. more details on the events already out there? Tara The research community that assesses atmospheric Schoffstall will offer an overview of using Google and impacts of eruptions through study of ice cores has long Twitter for geology research, events, and on the spot searched for signs of the eruption, but found little updates. Learn how to use the internet to find convincing evidence. Two brief field investigations of information, such as online seismograms, volcanocams, Cosigüina during the past few decades have shown that tsunami models, first hand accounts from the scene of the eruption was more modest than related by the events in real time - plus much, much more! All ages welcome. The Geological Newsletter -19- May/June 2010

Cataracts.” Led by GSOC Director Dave Olcott, this full day trip leaving from Lewis and Clark State Park will focus on catastrophic flood features, both ‘recent’ Friday evening talk, June 11, 2010, at 7:30 p.m., in and “ancient”. Specifically, the trip will examine sites Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. from The Dalles, through 15 Mile Creek Valley and (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State eastward to Phillipi Canyon. Several sites that J Harlan University: Speaker Don J. Pettit, Senior Emergency Bretz documented in his 1928 publication, “ Bars of Response Planner, Emergency Response Program, Channeled Scabland” will be visited. Transportation will Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. Stay be by car caravan/car pool with participants making their tuned to the website or the June calendar for more info. own arrangements. In an attempt to reduce the number of cars, car pooling is encouraged (Dave will assist in Field Trip to Bull Run Watershed coordinating this endeavor). The trip registration form Saturday, June 26, 2010 - GSOC member Clay Kelleher will be in the July/August issue of The Geological is arranging a one day trip to Bull Run Watershed. This Newsletter and participation will be limited to the first restricted area provides the water supply for Portland, 25 members and their guests who have paid for the trip. Oregon. See the Field Trip Reviews on our website For more information contact Dave Olcott (www.gsoc.org) for photos and text about the last GSOC ([email protected]) or (503) 695-5219). trip to Bull Run, which was very popular and well- attended. For more information or to register for the trip, NOTE: You must be a GSOC member or guest of a refer to the registration form on page 25 of this member to attend GSOC field trips. You may join GSOC newsletter or available from the GSOC website. at any time, for $25.

NOTE: You must be a GSOC member or guest of a Check the GSOC website (www.gsoc.org) for updates to member to attend GSOC field trips. You may join GSOC the calendar. at any time, for $25. GSOC Meetings Start at 7:30 Now! Free parking is available at Portland State University Friday nights after 5 p.m. in Parking Structure 2 on At the April Friday night meeting, GSOC members Broadway Ave. directly across from Cramer Hall and on decided to hold the Friday night meetings at 7:30 p.m. level one of Parking Structure 1, bounded by Broadway rather than 8:00 p.m. We will start this policy in May th and 6 Aves. and Harrison and Hall Sts. 2010, so remember to come earlier!

Future Activities UPCOMING ACTIVITIES FROM OTHER

President’s Field Trip ORGANIZATIONS July 17-20, 2010 Fri-Tues - GSOC President Larry Purchase is arranging the President's Field Trip for mid- Portland State University Geology Department July in Eastern Oregon. This will be a camping trip, as Geology Spring Colloquium 2010, Cramer Hall S17, motels are over an hour's drive away. We hope to camp 3:30-4:30 p.m.. All are invited to attend! For at Delintment Lake in the Ochoco Mountains. We will information contact: Martin Streck, 503-725-3379, visit the oldest rocks in Oregon near the town of Suplee, [email protected], or refer to the department website: and also have an opportunity to dig for ammonite fossils http://geology.pdx.edu/files/u5/Seminar_Spring_10_100 at a private ranch. Watch this space for more details on 330v2_0.pdf schedule and cost as they become available. The trip registration form will be included with the June issue of • April 28, 2010 “The Dynamics of the Mount Etna The Geological Calendar. plumbing system.”, Wendy Bohrson, Central Washington University NOTE: You must be a GSOC member or guest of a • May 5, 2010 “The Not-So-Great 1835 eruption of member to attend GSOC field trips. You may join GSOC Volcán Cosigüina,, Nicaragua – Reconciling at any time, for $25. eyewitness accounts and the geologic record.”, Willie Scott, Cascades Volcano Observatory Field Trip, August 21st, 2010: “In the Path of • May 12, 2010 “The petrology of ongoing eruptions Catastrophic Floods; Bars, Scablands, and at Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii: Summit and rift zone The Geological Newsletter -20- May/June 2010

perspectives on the dynamic balance between Since 2000, their field seminars have helped educate magma recharge, storage and eruption during shield hundreds of people about the wild wonders of Mount St. building.”, Carl Thornber, Cascades Volcano Helens. They’ve taken people exploring on the Pumice Observatory Plain, led them to the volcano’s summit, showed them • May 26, 2010 “Mount St. Helens: The legacy of the the stars, and shared with them the history of the 1980 unrest and eruption.”, Cynthia Gardner, eruption and how it changed the land. Their seminars, Cascades Volcano Observatory taught by highly experienced, passionate instructors, are open to all ages. Youths under 14 must be accompanied Oregon State University Department of Geosciences by an adult. For the current schedule see the website: 2010 Spring Seminar Series, Thursdays, 4:00 pm, mshinstitute.org/index.php/programs/field_seminars Gilfillan Auditorium, unless otherwise noted. Refer to department website for more information: OMSI Science Pub Portland http://www.geo.oregonstate.edu/Seminars There are now TWO Science Pubs in Portland -- one at the Bagdad Theater in Southeast, and one at Mission • May 06, 2010 Nadine Barlow, Department of Theater in Northwest. Learn about cutting-edge topics in Physics, Northern Arizona University, “Planetary science and technology from leading researchers and Potholes--Impact Cratering on Earth and throughout scientists, all while enjoying food and drinks. the Solar Systems,” Gilfillan Auditorium Experience an informal atmosphere where you can • May 13, 2010 Kelly Falkner, Oceanic and interact with experts and where there are no silly Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University, questions. No scientific background is required; just “Ocean-ice Sheet Interactions in Petermann Fjord, bring your curiosity, sense of humor, and appetite for Northern Greenland”, Gilfillan Auditorium food, drinks, and knowledge! • May 20, 2010 Cynthia Gardner, Cascade Volcano http://www.omsi.edu/sciencepubportland Observatory, Vancouver, WA Mt. St. Helens, “30 Years On: The Legacy of the 1980 Unrest and • “Searching for Other Earths,” Monday, May 10, Eruption”, Gilfillan Auditorium Ruslan Belikov, PhD, an astrophysicist at the NASA • May 27, 2010 Patricia Gregg, Department of Ames Research Center, Bagdad Theater (note: one Geosciences, Oregon State University, topic TBD, week later than usual!) Gilfillan Auditorium • “What's Eating You: People and Parasites,” • Jun 03, 2010 Sherry Cady, Department of Geology, Tuesday, May 25, Eugene H. Kaplan, PhD, Axinn Portland State University, “Biogeochemical Distinguished Professor of Conservation and Interactions between Microorganisms and the Ecology, at Hofstra University, Mission Theater Environment”, Gilfillan Auditorium • “The Cheese Stands Alone: The Science Behind Oregon’s Acclaimed Artisan Cheeses,” Monday, University of Oregon Department of Geological June 7, Lisbeth Goddik, PhD, associate professor of Sciences, Spring 2010 Weekly Seminar Series, Food Science and Technology at Oregon State Wednesdays, 4:00 to 5:20 pm in 110 Willamette Hall. University and an extension dairy processing Tea and cookies are served in Cascade 200 beginning at specialist, at the Bagdad Theater 3:30 p.m.. Refer to department website for more information: ST http://www.uoregon.edu/~dogsci/news/about GSOC in the 21 Century by Tara Schoffstall • April 28 - Gordon Grant (USFS), topic TBA • May 5 - Kurt Cuffey (UC Berkeley), topic TBA GSOC now Twitters! • May 12 - Jim O'Connor (USGS), topic TBA Follow us @GeoSocietyOR for all the latest info. • May 19 - Darryl Granger (Purdue University), topic Sign up and add the above address as a friend to TBA your twitter feed or preview the feed at • May 26 - Noah Finnegan (UC Santa Cruz), “Do bedrock rivers record climate change?” http://twitter.com/GeoSocietyOR. • June 2 - Oliver Chadwick (UC Santa Barbara), topic TBA GSOC Products are 4 sale! GSOC has a page on the printfection.com site for Mt. St. Helens Institute Field Seminars products such as t-shirts, cups, mouse pads, etc. The Geological Newsletter -21- May/June 2010

with designs including the GSOC logo, humorous others on hikes, walks, and field trips. She was designs, and MORE! Help raise funds for the club president of the Native Plant Society, Oregon Agate and have great GSOC products for yourself or for and Mineral Society and Geological Society of the gifts! Oregon Country. She and husband Bill joined http://www.printfection.com/gsoc GSOC in 1975, and she served as president in 1998. In addition to her presidency, she served as GSOC is now on Facebook! librarian, on various committees, and was Chairman Dear Tara and members, of the Banquet Committee for several years. She not “I hauled off and created a Facebook account only organized the banquets but supervised the for GeoSociety Oregon (as if a person, born in making of the place cards. Because of her artistic 1935) whose email address is: talent, one year she hand-painted all of the banquet [email protected]. place cards! Each place card was a different scene “If you want to sign on, invite GeoSocietyOR from the President's Field Trip. Her President's to be your friend on Facebook. For assistance, Field trip was "Puget Lowlands to Cascade contact me [Rik Smoody] for more info.” Highlands,” with the assistance of John Whitmer. -Rik Smoody We learned about Puget Sound and the North Editor’s Note: Note correction in bold to the Cascades, including Anacortes, Concrete and facebook friend search word from the last Washington Pass. newsletter. I was not able to find our facebook page by searching with “GSOC”. She was always gracious, cooperative and available when anyone help with any thing. NEW LOOK TO THE GSOC She is survived by her daughters, Helen Sinclair of WEBSITE Portland, Barbara Kennedy of Crooked River Ranch and Kathryn Persing of Redmond, son Bernie Check out the new look to our website! Our new Abrahams of Wetmore, Colorado, and several site features a home page with upcoming events grandchildren and great-grandchildren. listed, a calendar page which combines meeting and field trip calendars, a GSOC history section, Rosemary Kenney, GSOC Historian newsletter archives, membership info, contacts, AND MORE! Our site URL is www.gsoc.org. Aggradation from Mt. Hood Future website projects will include slideshow Volcanic Eruptions in the Sandy effects, updating old field trip reviews to fit the new format, expanding the archives sections and adding River new events! Keep abreast of all the action by Synopsis of the April 9, 2010, lecture by Dr. visiting our site regularly! Thomas Pierson, Supervisory Hydrologist, USGS CVO Laboratory, Vancouver, Washington

IN MEMORIAM by Carol Hasenberg Longtime member and Past President Esther Kennedy dies Last month, Dr. Pierson lectured the GSOC crowd on the process of river aggradation as a result of a Esther was born in French Gulch, California, on volcanic eruption. According to Wikipedia, July 17, 1912, and died in Portland, Oregon, on aggradation is “the increase in land elevation due to March 29, 2010. the deposition of sediment” where the sediment “can be caused by changes in climate, land use, and She was an avid amateur botanist, birder and geologic activity, such as volcanic eruption, geologist, and enjoyed sharing her knowledge with earthquakes, and faulting.” Specifically, Dr. Pierson

The Geological Newsletter -22- May/June 2010

discussed aggradation of the Sandy River due to the the Old Maid Flat area. This and other volcanic deposition of sediment in its upper reach from sediment deposits became the source material for volcanic eruptions of Mt. Hood. Aggradation is a the aggradation that occurred downstream in volcanic hazard which occurs in rivers downstream subsequent years. from volcanic eruptions. When the Old Maid eruption took place, the Sandy Aggradation from a volcanic eruption is a process River riverbed was 3-4 meters lower than it is that occurs on a timescale of months, years, and today. It was lined by terraces that had formed as a decades after the eruption of a volcano and so is a result of the Timberline eruption more than a less obvious volcanic hazard than explosive blasts, millennium earlier. The terraces were covered with pyroclastic flows, and lahars (debris flows and trees and forest duff. The large Old Maid lahar, hyperconcentrated flows). Nevertheless, which occurred in late 1781 or early 1782 covered aggradation occurs in river plains tens of kilometers some of the terraces and killed many of the trees in from the volcanic source and so can affect the its path. Today the lahar layer is characteristically usability of the land in the affected river valley. denser than the sediment in the terraces above and covered by a layer of clay. Tree wells and snags The study of the aggradation in the Sandy River can be seen in this layer in Old Maid Flat today. As Valley by the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory time went on the sediment in the upper reach of the began in the early 1980’s with studies by Ken river was washed downstream and covered the Cameron and Pat Pringle, when funding became stream banks and previous terraces in the lower available shortly after the eruption of Mt St. Helens. “depositional reach” of the river. Pierson has continued this work, which involves studying sediment produced by at least two eruptive The Lewis and Clark expedition passed through the periods of Mt. Hood , the Timberline eruptive area in 1805-1806 when the aggradation process period (approximately AD 300-AD 600) and the was in full swing. They recorded that the Sandy Old Maid eruptive period, which started in 1780 River was choked with sediment and was nowhere with a dome building eruption that ended in 1793. more than 4 inches deep and much wider than it is The studies have involved determining the volume today. They referred to it as the “ Quicksand of sediment produced by the eruptions, and River.” A large tongue of debris stuck out into the determining when the sediments were washed Columbia River at the Sandy River Delta. This downstream, and their maximum downstream account and observations of recent volcanic impacts - i.e., height and width of the sediment- eruptions such as Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Pinatubo laden stream bed and the extent of the sediments in have illustrated the aggradation process to the delta at the mouth of the river. researchers. At its peak in months and years subsequent to a volcanic event (depending on The Old Maid and Timberline dome-building rainfall amount and intensity), streambeds can rise eruptions occurred high on the southwest flank of tens of meters above their previous levels, burying Mt. Hood and so produced a debris fan on that side forests, dwellings, or even towns located near their of the mountain. Erosion of that fan (plus direct banks. They overflow their old banks and take on transformation of pyroclastic flows mixing with the characteristics of a braided stream channel. The snow) produced lahars that traveled down the river. stream path loops back and forth across the channel Lahars flowed down the Sandy , Zigzag, and White depositing and re-depositing the sediment. rivers during the eruptions; a few reached the Columbia River. The classic example of a lahar By the late 19th century the Sandy River had cut which Pierson mentioned was the mudflow that back down through the sediment, leaving terraces occurred on the North Fork of the Toutle River after on its banks as the remnant of the eruption and the eruption of Mt. St. Helens. A large lahar from aggradation process. The researchers have found the Old Maid eruption traveled far down the Sandy the timelines for this process largely by tree ring River, leaving a deposit in its upper reach, including dating techniques, or dendrochronology. They were The Geological Newsletter -23- May/June 2010

able to pinpoint the eruptive years through a http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/Hood/Eruptive combination of dendrochronology and chemical History/framework.html analysis of the tree rings by Paul Sheppard of the University of Arizona. They were able to date the USGS CVO Website – “Volcano Hazards in the terrace formation by dating the oldest trees growing Mount Hood Region, Oregon,” includes volcanic on them. The highest terraces had the oldest tree hazard map of Mt. Hood in *.pdf format: dates of 1793. Lower terraces were dated 1835 and http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/Hood/Hazards/ 1858. The riverbed reached its present elevation OFR97-89/framework.html before 1911. Geological Society of the Oregon Country website, Many of the samples analyzed by Pierson in the “The Buried Forests of Mt. Hood” field trip review, terrace study were taken at Oxbow Park and July 11, 1998, with leader Ken Cameron shows Dabney Park along the Sandy River. Pierson pictures of tree snags and tree wells in Old Maid recommended that those interested in seeing Flat: uncovered snags and cross sections of the terrace http://www.gsoc.org/fieldtrip_old/july98.html should visit the shores of the Sandy River very soon Ken Cameron’s upcoming GSOC field trip after flood events. The lecture’s publicity poster scheduled for September 2010 will also visit some photo was taken after the big flood in 2006 in of the sediment deposits from the Old Maid Oxbow Park. Pierson also showed the GSOC Eruption. audience photos he had taken of the lahar layers with the sediment above. The clayey layer above Cameron, Kenneth A., and Pringle, Patrick T., the lahar was clearly visible. The sediment cross "Prehistoric Buried Forests of Mount Hood", sections also show the characteristic signs of a Oregon Geology, Volume 53, Number 2, March braided stream channel, including horizontal 1991, pp. 34-43, available from the DOGAMI layering, lenses of gravel, and cross bedding where website at dune features occur in the terraces. Pierson also www.oregongeology.com/pubs/og/OGv53n02.pdf. recommended looking in the middle of the Sandy River during periods of low flow (i.e., late summer) Carol Hasenberg, “Buried and Submerged Forests for snags from the Timberline eruption just out from of the Pacific Northwest, synopsis of the GSOC Group Camp #2 in Oxbow Park. May 13, 2005, Friday night meeting with guest speaker Pat Pringle, geologist, Washington Dept of When showing the audience a slide of the Mt. Hood Natural Resources,” The Geological Newsletter, Volcanic Hazard Map, Pierson noted that Volume 71, Number 6, June 2005. This article aggradation hazards have not been shown for the discusses dendrochronology as explained by Pat Sandy River. Although aggradation is not a hazard Pringle. that occurs so quickly that you have to “run for it,” Pierson noted that it would impact the usability of Wikipedia Website – “Aggradation”, part of the land along the river. A member of the audience WikiProject Geology: asked Pierson whether the Bull Run water pipes http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aggradation crossing the Sandy could be damaged by aggradation and Pierson replied that they could. The Laboratory of Tree Ring Research, University The long term solution contemplated to minimize of Arizona, Tucson the hazard would be to bury the pipes under the http://www.ltrr.arizona.edu/dendrochronology.html river. “The Columbia River: A Photographic Journey” – References and Additional Reading Sandy River, Oregon website : http://www.columbiariverimages.com/Regions/Plac USGS CVO Website – “Mount Hood, Oregon, es/sandy_river.html Eruptive History”: The Geological Newsletter -24- May/June 2010

Geological Society Of The Oregon Country Bull Run Watershed – Geology, Hydrology, and Engineering – June 26, 2010

Departure/return point: parking lot section A-8 of Fred Meyer “Hollywood West” store, 3030 NE Weidler St. Fred Meyer allows all-day parking for people taking this trip. Tri-Met has Saturday service on lines #73 and #77 along Broadway, #9 six blocks away on 24th Ave, and many others at Hollywood Transit Center, about ½ mile away. Times: Check-in Saturday 7:45-8:30 am, leave 8:30 am, return about 4:00 pm. Fee: $15, paid in advance (see below) includes trip handouts and bus transportation. GSOC Membership: may be purchased simultaneously, see www.GSOC.org for rates. Transportation: Mini-coach supplied by Water Bureau, limited to 26 passengers, no standees, no private autos. Leaders: Briggy Thomas Portland Water Bureau Natural Resources Educator/Field Biologist, Beverly Vogt GSOC secretary (geology MS thesis in watershed), Clay Kelleher GSOC administrative leader. Itinerary: Introductions, field trip guide, and lecture en route. The bus will enter the watershed from the east gate (Lolo Pass) and proceed westward, stops to be determined at points of interest for geology, hydrology, and watershed management. All stops at or near roadside. Breaks: periodic rest stops, and bus has a rest room. Lunch break: In watershed, bring your own sack lunches and beverages. Ice chests provided. Weather: Watch forecasts and dress appropriately. Even fair afternoons may begin in the Cascades with a morning chill. If rain is predicted in Portland, expect even heavier in the watershed. That’s why it’s there! Registration: Mail completed form below with payment to GSOC, Bull Run Field Trip, PO Box 907, Portland OR 97207. Include name and address, and telephone(s) and/or e-mail addresses in case we need to contact you. Make checks payable to GSOC. Space limited, first come first served! Full payment required to hold reservation. A waiting list will be built in the order received, fully refunded if we can’t fit you in. Information: Clay Kelleher, e-mail [email protected], or home evenings and weekends phone 503-775-6263. Cancellations: Trip will occur regardless of weather. You may contact Clay to cancel your reservation as late as Friday June 25 at 6:00 pm and get full refund. People on waiting list will be notified in order.

All participants must be GSOC members or their guests. Minor participants under 18 years of age are required to have permission in writing from a parent or legal guardian; and minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult GSOC member designated by their parent or legal guardian. Letter of permission must be attached to this registration form. Participants must fill out and sign a liability/medical waiver at the meeting point before proceeding on the trip. Minor participants will need the signature of a parent or legal guardian to participate. ______

REGISTRATION FORM FOR BULL RUN FIELD TRIP 2010 June 26, 2010 NOTE: Fill out one registration form for each participant. Participant name______minor? ______If participant is not a GSOC member, name GSOC sponsor______If participant is a minor, name designated GSOC accompanier ______Address of participant ______City ______State _____ Zip______- ______Phone (_____)______-______Email address ______Fee: $15. Send this form and payment to: GSOC, Bull Run Field Trip, PO Box 907, Portland, OR 97207-0907, must arrive by Thursday June 24, 2010.

The Geological Newsletter -25- May/June 2010

Geological Society of the Oregon Country Activities:

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE OREGON COUNTRY

The Geological Newsletter -26- May/June 2010

The Geological Newsletter “News of the Geological Society of the Oregon Country”

Volume 76, Number 4 July/August 2010

CALENDAR Join GSOC members at Pizzicato Pizza, 1708 SW 6th Ave., at 6:00 p.m. before the lecture for an informal dinner and conversation. July/August Activities Free parking is available at Portland State University Friday evening talk, July 9, 2010, at 7:30 p.m., in Room Friday nights after 5 p.m. in Parking Structure 2 on S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. (between Broadway Ave. directly across from Cramer Hall and on Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State University: level one of Parking Structure 1, bounded by Broadway Speaker Joe Levy, Polar Regions postdoctoral researcher and 6th Aves. and Harrison and Hall Sts. at Portland State University Department of Geology, will present “Walking to Mars: What Antarctic Permafrost President’s Field Trip Suggests About Martian Geology, Climate, and July 16-20, 2010 Fri-Tues - GSOC President Larry Habitability”. Purchase will lead the President's Field Trip in Eastern Oregon. This will be primarily a camping trip, as motels The talk is focused on how climate conditions on Earth are over an hour's drive away. We plan to camp at and Mars produce characteristic "equilibrium Delintment Lake U.S. Forest Service Campground in landforms"--features of the permafrost landscape that Ochoco National Forest. can be used to infer temperature and moisture conditions http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/malheur/recreation/camp/delint over time. The talk deals with a number of permafrost ment.shtml landforms from the coldest desert on Earth (and just a typically cold desert on Mars!). We will visit the oldest rocks in Oregon near the town of Suplee, and also have an opportunity to dig for ammonite fossils at a private ranch. The trip registration The Geological Newsletter -27- July/August 2010

form was included with the June issue of The Geological several other GSOC fieldtrips. We will see the oldest Calendar, and is also available on the GSOC website rock in Oregon (Devonian monolith, age of 400 mya), http://www.gsoc.org/Preztrip%202010.pdf. collect ammonites from near our campground and other collecting sites, and learn about some of Oregon’s most Detailed information about the President’s Field Trip: complicated and interesting geology. Trip participation policies: People wanting to • Day 1, Friday, July 16, travel from Portland and set participate in this trip need to send in their registrations up camp at Delintment Lake, where around 2 p.m., by July 4. All participants must preregister and must we can start collecting Bajocian-age (between 169 to be GSOC members or their guests. People who are 176 mya) ammonite fossils. If you arrive after 2 not preregistered will not be allowed to take part in p.m., look on campground bulletin board for this trip. Participants must also fill out and sign a information on where you can find us. liability waiver upon arrival at Delintment Lake • Day 2, Saturday, July 17, Dr. Ellen Bishop will Campground. Minors must be accompanied by a present the geology and geologic history of the area. responsible adult GSOC member parent, designated Days 1, 2, and 3 will be in Ochoco National Forest person, or legal guardian. Minor participants who are and surroundings. with someone other than their parents need the written • Day 3, Sunday, July 18, we will collect fossils with permission of the parent or legal guardian. Larry Purchase and North American Research Group (NARG) fossil collectors. We will see the site where Fee and camping/lodging: Fee of $40 includes trip the Jurassic crocodile-like reptile fossil called reading packet and guest speakers. Fee for a minor Thalattosuchia (150 to 200 mya) and listed by the accompanied by GSOC parent or guardian is $10. All National Geographic as the second “Top” fossil find other costs are responsibility of participants. The U.S. of the Year 2007 was found. Forest Service camping fee of $10/night/campsite • Day 4, Monday, July 19, Richard Bartels and ($5/night for Golden Age Passports) at Delintment Lake Beverly Vogt will lead a trip on F.S. Road 6370 in Campground will be the responsibility of the Malheur National Forest illustrating a geologic cross participants. Fee for additional cars at a campsite is section through the Izee terrane. $3/car. Water from a pump is available at the • Day 5, Tuesday, July 20, travel home, with optional campground. No showers are available. Meal stops at Thomas Condon Paleontological Center, arrangements and costs will be the responsibility of the John Day Fossil Beds, and other local points of participants. Transportation will be by car or carpool, interest. with participants making their own arrangements (call Note: This trip is the 75th anniversary of GSOC’s first Larry, Bev, or Bart [see phone numbers below] if you President’s Field Trip, which was to Delintment Lake need help arranging carpooling). Participants wishing to and Robertson’s and Weberg’s ranches to look at lodge indoors will need to make their own motel Bajocian (169 to 176 mya) ammonites and the geology arrangements in Burns or the John Day area. of the Suplee and Izee areas.

Route to Delintment Lake Campground: Take State For this trip you need better, more detailed maps Highway 380 from Prineville through Post to Paulina. than just highway maps. We suggest you get the two From Paulina, take Paulina-Suplee Road (Highway 112) relevant Forest Service maps: (1) Ochoco National to the site of Suplee. From there, take Highway 318 Forest and Crooked River National Grassland map; and (south), which becomes Highway 69 at the Crook/Grant (2) Malheur National Forest map. county line. Continue on Highway 69 to the Forest Service boundary, where it becomes F.S. Road 41. Stay Gasoline: At Delintment Lake, the closest gasoline is at on F.S. Road 41 at any junction and follow signs to Burns (45 miles away) or John Day (60 miles away). Be Delintment Lake. At the campground sign, turn left into sure you fill up at Prineville and maybe top it off at the campground. Paulina if gas is available there.

Itinerary: Join GSOC President Larry Purchase, with Bring the following equipment for camping and for field trip leaders Dr. Ellen Bishop, well known Oregon fossil collecting: geologist and author of many books on geology including In Search of Ancient Oregon and Hiking • Appropriate clothing and footwear—weather may be Oregon’s Geology, and GSOC members Beverly Vogt hot, cold, wet, muddy and/or windy. and Richard Bartels, retired geologists who have led • Camping gear. The Geological Newsletter -28- July/August 2010

• Water, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and mosquito from NARG, we ask that you bring side dishes, salads, repellant. or desserts, based on the first letter of your last name as • Fossil collecting equipment: Safety glasses, gloves, follows: rock hammer, chisels, thin chisels for splitting layers, putty knife (5 inches), painter’s tool, edger • A through L bring a side dish or salad. blade, (worst case a screw driver), picks, sledge • M through Z bring a dessert. hammer, pry bars, small soft brush, large potato brush (or large soft-bristled paint brush), small This year’s Fossil Fest theme is “Paleobotany, Fossil shovel, hand lens, marking or duct tape, marking Plants of the Ancient Northwest.” Bring your children pen, aluminum foil (to wrap delicate fossils), storage and grandchildren, as there will be free games and a trays, news paper, crazy glue and Vinac glue fossil hunt. Paleobotanist Dr. Bill Rember, U of Idaho, (NARG will have the glue you need). You probably has been invited to speak on Clarkia flora. There will don’t need all of this but mainly the essentials to also be fossil displays, and the Rice Museum and its gift extract fossils from rock and carry them safely shop will be open. If you bring fossils, experts will be home. Contact Larry Purchase (see above) with any available to identify and explain them for you. If you questions about fossil collecting equipment. have any questions, contact GSOC President Larry Purchase (360-254-5635, [email protected] ) or Questions? Contact leader GSOC President Larry Beverly Vogt (503-292-6939, [email protected] ). Purchase (360-254-5635, [email protected]) or Beverly Vogt/Richard Bartels (503-292-6939, Philippi Canyon Field Trip [email protected], [email protected]). Field Trip, August 21st, 2010: “In the Path of Catastrophic Floods; Bars, Scablands, and NOTE: You must be a GSOC member or guest of a Cataracts.” Led by GSOC Director Dave Olcott, this member to attend GSOC field trips. You may join GSOC full day trip leaving from Lewis and Clark State Park at any time, for $25/individual, $35/family. will focus on catastrophic flood features, both ‘recent’ and “ancient”. Specifically, the trip will examine sites GSOC Annual Picnic from The Dalles, through 15 Mile Creek Valley and Saturday, August 14, 2010 eastward to Phillipi Canyon. Several sites that J Harlan This year’s GSOC Annual Picnic will be held in Bretz documented in his 1928 publication “Bars of conjunction with the Fifth Annual Northwest Fossil Fest, Channeled Scabland” will be visited. See the trip sponsored jointly by the North America Research Group registration form on page 33 of this newsletter for (NARG) and the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and details. Minerals, located at 26385 Groveland Drive, Hillsboro, NOTE: You must be a GSOC member or guest of a OR 97124, just north of US Highway 26. Take exit 61, member to attend GSOC field trips. You may join GSOC turn right off the exit, and take the first road to the left at any time, for $25/individual, $35/family. (west), which is Groveland Drive. Admission to the Rice Museum will be free, compliments of NARG, from 10 Future Activities a.m. to 4 p.m.

Field Trip, September 18, 2010 The Fossil Fest starts at 10 a.m., but the GSOC picnic GSOC member and popular field trip leader Ken lunch, which will be on the grounds of the Rice Cameron will lead a one day hike to Ramona Falls on Museum, will be served at noon. The GSOC picnic is Mt. Hood, with geological interpretation along the way. open to GSOC members and their guests only. The field trip involves hiking the 7-mile-long loop trail

that goes up Old Maid's flat along the Sandy River near As no picnic tables are available at the museum, the town of Zigzag. Along the way Ken will point out members are urged to bring portable tables and chairs. lahar and pyroclastic flow deposits, tree wells, and GSOC will supply paper plates, napkins, paper cups, andesite flows. utensils, and serving tables. There will be no personal grilling this year, but NARG is selling hamburgers, hot Participants will meet and register at the Hoodland Plaza dogs, soda, and water for a nominal price. You may at Welches on Highway 26 on the way to Mt Hood. The bring your own beverages but no alcoholic drinks meeting place (on your right, heading east) has a because they are not permitted on Museum property. Although the hot dogs or hamburgers may be purchased The Geological Newsletter -29- July/August 2010

Thriftway grocery store and a 76 gas station. Car pooling is a world devoid of the things we need to live and will be arranged there for the short drive to the trailhead. thrive: air, gravity, hot showers, fresh produce, privacy, beer. Space exploration is in some ways an Trailhead parking permits are required. The trail is rocky exploration of what it means to be human. and gently uphill for the first half. Wear shoes suitable • “Great Balls of Fire: Meteorites,” Tuesday, August for hiking and carry food and water for the day. 17 at the Mission Theater. Dick Pugh, field scientist at the Cascadia Meteorite Laboratory at Portland NOTE: You must be a GSOC member or guest of a State University will present. member to attend GSOC field trips. You may join GSOC • “Dangerous Liaisons: Sexual Selection and Sexual at any time, for $25/individual, $35/family. Conflict,” Tuesday, September 21 at the Mission Theater. Reproduction is an essential part of all life, Check the GSOC website (www.gsoc.org) for updates to yet the existence of males and females leads to a the calendar, including information on the August and real-life battle of the sexes that shapes the biology of September GSOC field trips. most organisms. Speaker Patrick Phillips, PhD, is a professor of biology and director of the Center for UPCOMING ACTIVITIES FROM OTHER Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Oregon. He is an expert on the genetics of ORGANIZATIONS complex traits, such as aging, behavior, development, and reproduction. Mt. St. Helens Institute Field Seminars • “Cataclysms on the Columbia: The Great Missoula Since 2000, their field seminars have helped educate Floods,” Monday, October 11 at the Bagdad Theater hundreds of people about the wild wonders of Mount St. (one week later than usual). One of the greatest sets Helens. They’ve taken people exploring on the Pumice of geological events to ever have occurred in North Plain, led them to the volcano’s summit, showed them America was the Missoula Floods. Occurring as the stars, and shared with them the history of the many as 40 times during the last ice age, the floods eruption and how it changed the land. Their seminars, were caused by waters released from ancient Lake taught by highly experienced, passionate instructors, are Missoula that scoured the Columbia River basin, open to all ages. Youths under 14 must be accompanied carved out the Columbia River Gorge, and swept by an adult. For the current schedule see the website: across at least 16,000 square miles of the Pacific mshinstitute.org/index.php/programs/field_seminars Northwest. This Science Pub will focus on the incredible story of discovery and development of the OMSI Science Pub Portland idea of the floods by J Harlen Bretz and will discuss There are now TWO Science Pubs in Portland -- one at the effect of the floods on the landscape of the the Bagdad Theater in Southeast, and one at Mission Willamette Valley and the area around us. Speaker Theater in Northwest. Learn about cutting-edge topics in Scott Burns, PhD, is a professor of geology and past science and technology from leading researchers and Chair of the Department of Geology at Portland scientists, all while enjoying food and drinks. State University where he has been for nearly 20 Experience an informal atmosphere where you can years. Scott specializes in environmental and interact with experts and where there are no silly engineering geology, geomorphology, soils, and questions. No scientific background is required; just Quaternary geology. bring your curiosity, sense of humor, and appetite for food, drinks, and knowledge! http://www.omsi.edu/sciencepubportland

• “Seeing Things in a New Light: Infrared Imaging,” Tuesday, July 20, at the Mission Theater. Join us to see the world in a “new light.” John Lester Miller (a.k.a. Dr. Strangephoton) will give an energetic presentation on the history, phenomenology, and applications of infrared imaging. • “Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void,” Thursday, August 12 at the Bagdad Theater (note the different day of the week!). Space

The Geological Newsletter -30- July/August 2010

Chile’s Recent Earthquake has Secondly, the time of day was fortuitous. The earthquake occurred at night, so there were no Lessons that We Can Learn children in the 4,000 damaged schools. Families Synopsis of the June 11, 2010, lecture by Yumei were together during the quake. Also, the tide was Wang, P.E., Geohazards Team Leader, Oregon low during the tsunami, which reduced its height Department of Geology and Mineral Industries somewhat. Thirdly, the earthquake occurred in (DOGAMI), ASCE TCLEE Investigation Team, summer, so the weather had been dry and relatively Oregon Earthquake Commission (OSSPAC), and few landslides were triggered. Allison Pyrch, G.E., P.E., Senior Engineer, Shannon and Wilson, Inc., Geotechnical and Environmental Despite these strokes of luck, damages did occur. Consultants Over 300,000 homes were damaged. Nearly five hundred people lost their lives, although these by Carol Hasenberg mostly occurred as a result of the tsunami. In some areas there was as little as 10 minutes of warning, Last month’s Friday night lecture featured two even though people knew what to do. speakers that are on the TCLEE (call it TEEK-lee) earthquake damage reconnaissance team sponsored Because many vital lifelines must either cross water by the American Society of Civil Engineers or lie adjacent to it in regions of poor soil, there (ASCE). The team travelled to Chile this year to were damages to the systems that the TCLEE team view and report on the damage to ports, investigated. Because a subduction zone earthquake transportation systems, electrical power systems, creates subsidence or uplift in different land masses, and other lifelines as a result of the February 27, ports can be left high and dry or flooded. The 2010 magnitude 8.8 earthquake there. presentation included a slide of a port whose water had drained away. Other ports had damaged Chile, a country with a healthy economy and seawalls and soil cracking and mass movement due geography somewhat similar to that of western to liquefaction, a common failure of wet, grainy, Oregon, was hit by a magnitude 8.8 earthquake loosely-packed alluvial or coastal soils. The which occurred in the subduction zone adjacent to TCLEE team visited a coastal town, Dichato, which its coastline on February 27. After the main shock was virtually destroyed by a 12 meter tsunami. of the earthquake, approximately 130 magnitude 6.0 or greater aftershocks occurred. A magnitude 6.9 Bridges were collapsed all over the country, but crustal earthquake followed the main shock by two there again Chile was lucky because the main weeks and was believed to be a reaction to the main transportation arteries could remain open. The shock. A devastating tsunami followed the main country’s main freeway was built in two stages so shock, with heights from 4 to 12 meters in Chile. all river crossings had two distinct bridges. Usually one or the other of these were able to be used soon Despite the destructive power of this earthquake, after the quake. the country fared relatively well. There was extensive damage, but several factors contributed to Electrical power systems did well in general. Most the moderation of the destruction and the ability of power was running within 24 hours after the quake. the country to recover quickly. First, Chile has Fuel was more of a problem. Two major refineries experienced 76 magnitude 7.0 and larger had to be shut down, and fuel is now being earthquakes since 1900, including the magnitude imported by ship. In spite of all the difficulties 9.5 Valdivia earthquake in 1960, the most powerful they’ve had due to the earthquake, the Chilean quake ever recorded. As a consequence, they have economy is still functioning and the country is had earthquake provisions in their building codes rebounding from its seismic event. for a long time. The point of the talk was to contrast the damage in Chile to what is expected during a Cascadia The Geological Newsletter -31- July/August 2010

Subduction Zone earthquake in Oregon. We expect with a massive loss of life and a devastated a magnitude 8.5 to 9.0 quake with a tsunami. We economy, or take steps now to improve our lot. have rivers and coastlines with poor soils. Our infrastructure is weaker than that in Chile. We References and Additional Reading haven’t had dozens of major earthquakes to eradicate weak structures from the Oregon building (En Español) Servici'o sismologico Universidad de inventory. We expect thousands of people to die in Chile. Listado de Terremotos Históricos (Chile) our big earthquake, not hundreds. http://ssn.dgf.uchile.cl/home/terrem.html

One vulnerable area discussed by the speakers was List of earthquakes in Chile from Wikipedia has bridges. Our bridge systems are deteriorating under links to the earthquake pages and many references the gravity loads we are subjecting them to, and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_earthquakes_in most haven’t been designed to current seismic _Chile standards. We have done some piecemeal upgrades to some of the bridges (the Marquam superstructure In pursuing a more earthquake-prepared society for example) but our transportation networks have here in Oregon, you may want to ask your not been upgraded to the point where they will be governmental agencies and political candidates the operational after such a quake. We have 900 following questions: deficient bridges and at the current rate of • How can we prepare our emergency facilities, rehabilitation it will take more than 200 years to fix such as emergency control centers, fire stations, them. The I-5 corridor and the coast highway will and hospitals, to be operational after the not be up and running after our earthquake. Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake? • How can we improve our school buildings to Another problem area is fuel. Our fuel depot is protect our children during the Cascadia located across from Swan Island in northwest Subduction Zone earthquake? Portland. The tanks are on poor soils which can • How can we prepare our transportation, liquefy during an earthquake. There will be tanks electrical, and other vital lifeline systems to destroyed and hazardous, flammable fuel spilled. protect our public health and facilitate economic recovery after the Cascadia Subduction Zone The examples presented by the TCLEE team earthquake? painted a bleak picture for the aftermath of our earthquake in Oregon. We will either have to deal

The Geological Newsletter -32- July/August 2010

Geological Society Of The Oregon Country Philippi Canyon – Bars, Scablands, And Cataracts – August 21, 2010

Itinerary: GSOC Director Dave Olcott will focus on catastrophic flood features, both ‘recent’ and “ancient”. Specifically, the trip will examine sites from The Dalles, through 15 Mile Creek Valley and eastward to Phillipi Canyon. Several sites that J Harlan Bretz documented in his 1928 publication “Bars of Channeled Scabland” will be visited. Access on private land will provide special viewing at several sites. The trip will be culminated by a 3 mile (round trip) hike (easy but rocky in places) that will provide superb views of flood features in the Philippi Canyon Divide Crossing and the John Day River Canyon. Since we will be traveling through some significant historical sites, we will be joined by a local historian who will provide some connections with the local geology. Check-In: Check-in Saturday at Lewis and Clark State Park (Exit 18, east side of Sandy River off of I – 84) at 7:30 am; leaving by 8:00 am. Fee: $20, plus GSOC membership fee if you are not already a member or guest of a member. GSOC Membership: may be purchased simultaneously, see form at end of newsletter or www.gsoc.org for rates. Transportation: Transportation will be by car caravan/car pool with participants making their own arrangements. Participants are encouraged to arrange carpools in advance of the trip, as pullout space will be limited. (Dave will assist in coordinating this endeavor). Food: Participants are to bring plenty of water, snacks and a bag lunch. Weather: Dress appropriately for wet, windy and/or hot weather, and hiking. Bring a walking stick if you use one, a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. Hiking boots are recommended. Registration: Mail completed form below with payment to GSOC, Philippi Canyon Field Trip, PO Box 907, Portland OR 97207. Include name and address, and telephone number(s) and/or e-mail addresses in case we need to contact you. Make checks payable to GSOC. Participation will be limited to the first 25 GSOC members and their guests who have paid for the trip! Full payment is required to hold reservation. Additional Information: Dave Olcott [email protected] or (503) 695 – 5219.

REGISTRATION FORM FOR PHILIPPI CANYON FIELD TRIP 2010 August 21, 2010 NOTE: Fill out one registration form for each participant. Participant name______minor? Yes or No If participant is not a GSOC member, name GSOC sponsor______If participant is a minor, name designated GSOC accompanier ______Address of participant ______City ______State _____ Zip______- ______Phone (_____)______-______Cell Phone (_____)______-______Email address ______

Fee: $20. Send this form and payment to: GSOC, Philippi Canyon Field Trip, PO Box 907, Portland, OR 97207-0907, must arrive by August 14, 2010.

The Geological Newsletter -33- July/August 2010

Geological Society of the Oregon Country Activities:

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE OREGON COUNTRY

The Geological Newsletter -34- July/August 2010

The Geological Newsletter “News of the Geological Society of the Oregon Country”

Volume 76, Number 5 September/October 2010

CALENDAR are available to get the information. In this lecture, I will try to unravel some of the alphabet soup (LA-ICP-MS*, XRD*, XRF*, XRM*, FTIR*, EPMA*, ESEM*) of September/October analytical techniques often used in the geological Activities sciences with a description of what goes on in the instrument, examples of the kind of data the instrument Wednesday evening talk, September 29, 2010, at 7:30 gives, and some of the inherent limitations of the p.m., in Room 69, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway techniques.” Ave. (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland • * LA-ICP-MS = laser ablation inductively coupled State University: Speaker Dr. Ken Severin, Director of plasma mass spectrometry, XRD = X-ray the Advanced Instrumentation Laboratory at the diffraction, XRF = X-ray fluorescence, XRM = X- University of Alaska in Fairbanks (www.uaf.edu/ail), ray microscopy, FTIR = Fourier transform infrared will present “A Tiny View Of The Biggest State.” Dr. spectrometry, EPMA = Electron probe micro Severin will present some amazing photos taken in the analysis, ESEM = Environmental scanning electron lab with electron microscopes plus other cool findings microscopy from his research laboratory. Please refer to the website for possible updates on the location of this lecture. Ken Severin started out studying modern foraminifera and became interested in growth of these intricate What do you do when someone brings you a sample and microorganisms. That led to a career involving the says "Analyze this"? micro-elemental analysis of fish otoliths, and oversight Dr. Severin comments, “We want to get more of a multi-instrument lab at the University of Alaska information from materials, but frequently don't know Fairbanks where everything from gold nuggets to exactly what information we want, or the techniques that The Geological Newsletter -35- September/October 2010

Egyptian teeth to volcanic materials to snow are east) has a Thriftway grocery store and a 76 gas station. examined with a variety of techniques. Car pooling will be arranged there for the short drive to the trailhead. The car caravan will leave the Hoodland Join GSOC members at Pizzicato Pizza, 1708 SW 6th parking lot for the trailhead at 9:00 sharp. Ave., at 6:00 p.m. before the lecture for an informal dinner and conversation. There will be a $5 fee per head for this trip. Trailhead parking permits are required for the cars in the caravan. Friday evening talk, October 8, 2010, at 7:30 p.m., in The trail is rocky and gently uphill for the first half. Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. Wear shoes suitable for hiking and carry food and water (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State for the day. University: Speaker Don J. Pettit, Senior Emergency Response Planner, Emergency Response Program, NOTE: You must be a GSOC member or guest of a Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, will member to attend GSOC field trips. You may join GSOC present “the Oregon Incident Response Information at any time, for $25/individual, $35/family. System.” Future Activities Do you know what hazardous materials are used, stored, or transported through Oregon? --The Oregon Check the GSOC website (www.gsoc.org) for updates to Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has the calendar, including information on the upcoming created a tool aimed at providing key geographic meetings and September GSOC field trip. information needed to guide response efforts to emergency personnel – the Oregon Incident Response Information System (OR-IRIS). Affectionately UPCOMING ACTIVITIES FROM OTHER nicknamed the Oregon Map of Everything, OR-IRIS ORGANIZATIONS uses GIS data useful to understanding the natural, physical and jurisdictional setting of a hazardous release Portland State University Geology Department so that a safe, appropriate and efficient response can be Geology Fall Colloquium 2010, Cramer Hall S17, 3:30- conducted. OR-IRIS consists of self-contained pre- 4:30 p.m.. All are invited to attend! For information packaged GIS data in a format that allows for contact: Martin Streck, 503/725-3379,[email protected], exploration and analysis by those without advanced GIS or refer to the department website: (computer mapping) skills. http://geology.pdx.edu/

Free parking is available at Portland State University As of this publication, the lecture schedules have not Friday nights after 5 p.m. and Wednesday nights after been announced but do check the department website 7 p.m. in Parking Structure 2 on Broadway Ave. directly near the end of September for the upcoming lectures. across from Cramer Hall and on level one of Parking Do check the times and locations also as they may have th Structure 1, bounded by Broadway and 6 Aves. and changed. Harrison and Hall Sts. Oregon State University Department of Geosciences Ramona Falls Field Trip 2010 Fall Seminar Series, Thursdays, 4:00 pm, September 18, 2010 Gilfillan Auditorium, unless otherwise noted. Refer to GSOC member and popular field trip leader Ken department website for more information: Cameron will lead a one day hike to Ramona Falls on http://www.geo.oregonstate.edu/Seminars Mt. Hood, with geological interpretation along the way. The field trip involves hiking the 7-mile-long loop trail As of this publication, the lecture schedules have not that goes up Old Maid's flat along the Sandy River near been announced but do check the department website the town of Zigzag. Along the way Ken will point out near the end of September for the upcoming lectures. lahar and pyroclastic flow deposits, tree wells, and Do check the times and locations also as they may have andesite flows. changed.

Participants will meet at 8:30 a.m. and register at the University of Oregon Department of Geological Hoodland Plaza at Welches on Highway 26 on the way Sciences, Fall 2010 Weekly Seminar Series, to Mt Hood. The meeting place (on your right, heading Wednesdays, 4:00 to 5:20 pm in 110 Willamette Hall. The Geological Newsletter -36- September/October 2010

Tea and cookies are served in Cascade 200 beginning at years. Scott specializes in environmental and 3:30 p.m.. Refer to department website for more engineering geology, geomorphology, soils, and information: Quaternary geology. http://www.uoregon.edu/~dogsci/news/about

As of this publication, the lecture schedules have not 2010 PRESIDENT’S FIELD TRIP RECAP been announced but do check the department website by Carol Hasenberg, Larry Purchase, and Beverly near the end of September for the upcoming lectures. Vogt Do check the times and locations also as they may have changed. This year’s GSOC President’s Field Trip took place in the rolling hills and Ponderosa Pine forests of the OMSI Science Pub Portland southeastern section of the Ochoco National forest. There are now TWO Science Pubs in Portland -- one at The group camped in the beautiful forest the Bagdad Theater in Southeast, and one at Mission surrounding Delintment Lake, where the stars were Theater in Northwest. Learn about cutting-edge topics in beautiful and the lake water cool. The days were a science and technology from leading researchers and scientists, all while enjoying food and drinks. bit hot but GSOC’ers didn’t mind because their eyes Experience an informal atmosphere where you can were shining with the prospect of finding a beautiful interact with experts and where there are no silly fossil to link them with the past history of the area. questions. No scientific background is required; just As President Larry Purchase put it, “this trip is bring your curiosity, sense of humor, and appetite for about the fossils as well as the underlying geology food, drinks, and knowledge! from which they came. We, however, mainly came http://www.omsi.edu/sciencepubportland to find fossils”.

• “Dangerous Liaisons: Sexual Selection and Sexual This area of ancient island arc terranes crashed into Conflict,” Tuesday, September 21 at the Mission the westernmost edge of the continent since the Theater. Reproduction is an essential part of all life, Jurassic age. What makes it even more confusing is yet the existence of males and females leads to a real-life battle of the sexes that shapes the biology of that two island arcs collided before striking the most organisms. Speaker Patrick Phillips, PhD, is a continent. The rocks at the trip stops were from the professor of biology and director of the Center for Grindstone and Izee terranes. The oldest rocks Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University exposed in Oregon, visited by GSOC on Saturday, of Oregon. He is an expert on the genetics of July 17, are from a Middle Devonian (400 mya) complex traits, such as aging, behavior, section of coral reef which became included in a development, and reproduction. subduction zone that became the Songbird • “Cataclysms on the Columbia: The Great Missoula Formation of the Grindstone Terrane. This Floods,” Monday, October 11 at the Bagdad Theater limestone monolith has fossils that include corals, (one week later than usual). One of the greatest sets sea jellies, and algae (Grypophyllum, Helioliter, of geological events to ever have occurred in North Cnidaria, and Stromatoporoids). America was the Missoula Floods. Occurring as many as 40 times during the last ice age, the floods were caused by waters released from ancient Lake In addition to this truly ancient rock, stops were also Missoula that scoured the Columbia River basin, made at two locations within the Izee Terrane, in carved out the Columbia River Gorge, and swept rocks of Jurassic age. On Saturday GSOC also across at least 16,000 square miles of the Pacific visited the Four-Corners Site at the junction of US Northwest. This Science Pub will focus on the Forest Service roads #41 & 43, which has incredible story of discovery and development of the Bajochian fossil ammonites that are 169 to 176 idea of the floods by J Harlen Bretz and will discuss million years old. This was the site that is the effect of the floods on the landscape of the “guaranteed” to yield fossil ammonites, although Willamette Valley and the area around us. Speaker the fossils are fragile and must be handled carefully. Scott Burns, PhD, is a professor of geology and past

Chair of the Department of Geology at Portland State University where he has been for nearly 20 The Geological Newsletter -37- September/October 2010

On Sunday, July 18, the group visited another Izee terrane, a continuous sequence of Lower Jurassic site from the Snowshoe Formation of the Triassic through Upper Jurassic sedimentary rocks, Izee Terrane. This site, located on the same private including a major early Jurassic unconformity. The ranch as the Devonian monolith, yielded the importance of these Izee rocks is that they record Thalattosuchian crocodile that was recently the history of the movements of various “exotic” excavated by the North American Research Group terranes of the Blue Mountains Province (Wallowa, (NARG). The site also has numerous fossils of Olds Ferry, and Baker terranes) as they were ammonites and other denizens of shallow Asian assembled into their present configuration. coastal waters, which took a 100 million year ride and ended up on the shores of Oregon. LeMaskin and Dorsey’s model (2007) for the assembly of the Blue Mountain Province was In terms of finding fossils the group did well. The presented. Their supporting field evidence visible Devonian monolith had at its base numerous small along Road 6370 included sediment source area and rocks which had weathered off the parent rock and environment of deposition for each unit, east- contained the ancient fossils. The Four-Corners site directed thrust faulting from the basement (the yielded many small ammonites. The crocodile site Baker Terrane), and the resultant effect of this unveiled many ammonites, including sections of thrust faulting (submarine landsliding). The day some big ones, and also bivalves (clams). The group ended with GSOCer’s collecting marine fossils of was disappointed that slated speaker Dr. Ellen the Suplee Formation located directly above the Bishop was not able to make the trip due to a angular unconformity. serious illness in her family. However, Eastern Oregon University geologist, Dr. Jay Van Tassell, gave an excellent lecture and helped the group ID GSOC PICNIC RECAP fossils. by Richard Bartels

One of our newest group members had an amazing Bev Vogt and I left at 2 pm and from my count we camera that could take really close up pictures of had 41 members attend the GSOC picnic held this the fossils. Keep a lookout on our website year at the Rice Museum. Janet Rasmussen took a (www.gsoc.org) for some of these photos. photo of the GSOC ex-presidents that attended. They included Rosemary Kenney (1989), Evelyn On Monday, July 19, Richard Bartels and Beverly Pratt (1992), Clay Kelleher (1995), Richard Bartels Vogt led a one-day excursion along Malheur (1996), Beverly Vogt (1998), and Carol Hasenberg National Forest Service Road 6370 highlighting the (1999). The others were from another century.

The Geological Newsletter -38- September/October 2010

Geological Society of the Oregon Country Activities:

ANNUAL EVENTS: President’s Field Trip—Summer or Fall; Banquet—March; Annual Business Meeting— February. FIELD TRIPS: About 4 per year. Fees: see field trip announcements on the calendar next page. GSOC LIBRARY: Rm. 69, Cramer Hall, Portland State University. Open 7:00 p.m. prior to meetings. PROGRAMS: Second Friday evening most months, 7:30 p.m., Rm. S17, Cramer Hall, PSU, SW Broadway at SW Mill St., Portland, Oregon. MEMBERSHIP: Per year from January 1: Individual--$25, Family--$35, Junior (under 18)/Student--$15. Membership applications are available on the website www.gsoc.org. PUBLICATIONS: THE GEOLOGICAL NEWSLETTER (ISSN 0270 5451), published monthly and mailed to each member. Subscriptions available to libraries and organizations only at $20.00 per year. Single Copies are available at $2.00 each. Order from: Geological Society of the Oregon Country, P.O. Box 907, Portland, Oregon 97207 TRIP LOGS: Write to the same address for names and price list.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE OREGON COUNTRY

The Geological Newsletter -39- September/October 2010

The Geological Newsletter “News of the Geological Society of the Oregon Country”

Volume 76, Number 6 November/December 2010

CALENDAR producing debris flows, drainages with certain characteristics were the most susceptible.

November/December Join GSOC members at Pizzicato Pizza, 1708 SW 6th Activities Ave., at 6:00 p.m. before the lecture for an informal dinner and conversation. Friday evening talk, November 12, 2010, at 7:30 p.m., in Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. GSOC Seminar, Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at 8 (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State p.m., Room 69, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. University: Speaker Rachel Pirot, Geologist, Shannon & (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State Wilson, Inc., and recent M.S. recipient at Portland State University “PowerPoint Basics” - A short introduction to University Department of Geology, will present “Source PowerPoint and/or OpenOffice.org to help in create slide Area Characteristics of Debris Flows on Mt. Hood.” shows or presentations of their geology information and resources. Included will be how to insert pictures, text, In November 2006, a massive storm triggered debris and presentation styles. All ages welcome. flows on all sides of Mount Hood, Oregon. In her master’s thesis survey of these drainages, Ms. Pirot Free parking is available at Portland State University characterized the source areas physically and Friday nights after 5 p.m. and Wednesday nights after 7 morphologically to assess factors controlling debris flow p.m. in Parking Structure 2 on Broadway Ave. directly across from Cramer Hall and on level one of Parking initiation. Of the eleven drainages surveyed, seven th experienced debris flows. Although findings indicate Structure 1, bounded by Broadway and 6 Aves. and that all major drainages on Mount Hood are capable of Harrison and Hall Sts.

The Geological Newsletter -40- November/December 2010

GSOC Annual Christmas Party UPCOMING ACTIVITIES FROM OTHER Friday evening talk, December 10, 2010, at 6:30 p.m., ORGANIZATIONS will once again be the GSOC Annual Christmas Party and field trip slideshow. Attendance will be limited to Portland State University Dept. of Geology & School GSOC members and their guests. Speakers for this of the Environment, Fall Colloquium 2010, Cramer year’s gala event will include: Hall 271, 3:30-4:30 p.m.. All are invited to attend! For information contact: Scott Burns, 503/725-3389, • President Larry Purchase – “The 2010 President’s [email protected], or refer to the department website: Field Trip to Delintment Lake, July 16-20” http://geology.pdx.edu/

• Director Dave Olcott – “In the Path of Catastrophic Floods; Bars, Scablands, and Cataracts, August 21st, For Fall 2010 the theme for the seminars is: “Applied 2010” Environmental Geology” • Oct. 27, 2010, “Wine Soils of the Willamette • Secretary Beverly Vogt – “Bull Run Watershed, Valley,” Andy Gallagher, Red Hills Soil Mappings, June 26, 2010” LLC, Corvallis • Member and outstanding GSOC field trip leader Ken • Nov. 3, 2010, “Over the River and Through the Cameron – “Ramona Falls Field Trip, September 18, Woods: Balancing New Infrastructure & 2010” Environmental Protection,” Kent Snyder, Normandeau Associates, Vancouver The party will be held at the Simon Benson House on • Nov. 10, 2010 “Water Planning in Phoenix: the Portland State University campus. Donations to help Managing Risk in the Face of Uncertainty,” Patricia cover the venue rental are being accepted by GSOC Gober, Dept. of Geography, Arizona State Treasurer Richard Bartels. Food and other contributions University, (Past President of AAG) to the event are being coordinated by GSOC Director Anne O’Neill. If you are planning to attend, the basic • Nov. 17, 2010 “A Highway no Longer Runs scheme for food and volunteer contributions is the Through it: Restoring Streams for ODOT,” Anne following: MacDonald, Geoengineers, Tigard

• Nov. 24, 2010 “Basic Geology is Still Important in • Last name A-J: Savory, tangy, or salty snacks/hors Cleaning Environmental Sites – Two Case Histories d’oeuvres in the Portland Area,” Mavis Kent, Plateau

• Last name K-O: Beverages or setup items – call Geoscience LLC, Vancouver (Recently retired from Anne O’Neill for itemized list Oregon DEQ)

• Last name P-Z: Sweets • Dec. 1, 2010 “Environmental Cleanup of a Major Truck Stop, Portland, Oregon,” Robert Miller, Robert Miller Consulting, West Linn, Oregon If you’re bringing food, bring enough for 10 servings as a rule of thumb. If you’re helping to set up, come at 6:00 p.m. The party will officially start at 6:30, and the slide Oregon State University Department of Geosciences shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. There will be food, 2010 Fall Seminar Series, Thursdays from 4:00-5:00 beverages, and live music at the party. pm in 108 Wilkinson Hall, unless otherwise noted. Refer to department website for more information: If you would like to come but are not yet a member of http://www.geo.oregonstate.edu/ GSOC, you may join now and receive membership benefits throughout 2011. • 10/28/2010 - David John, USGS, Menlo Park, California, “Prolonged Eocene Magmatism and Assembly of the Caetano Caldera, Cortez Area, Future Activities Nevada: Inferences from SHRIMP U-Pb Dating”

Check the GSOC website (www.gsoc.org) for updates to • 11/4/2010 - Liz Johnson, James Madison University, the calendar, including information on the upcoming Virginia, “The Effect of Cation Substitution of meetings and the GSOC 76th Annual Banquet in March. Hydrogen Solubility in Rutile”

The Geological Newsletter -41- November/December 2010

• 11/11/2010 - The George Moore Lecture - Gilfillan • November 24 - No Seminar- Thanksgiving Week Auditorium, Steve Squyres, Cornell University, • December 1 - Eric Dunham (Stanford Univ), “Science Results from the Mars Exploration Rover “Earthquake Rupture Dynamics: Weakening Project” Mechanisms, Nonplanarity, and Stress Levels on • 11/18/2010 - Adam Kent, Department of Faults” Geosciences, Oregon State University, “De-

convoluting the Mess that Picrites May Appear to USGS Fall 2010 Seminar Series Schedule - Oregon Be” Water Science Center • Monday, 11/22/2010, Noon-1:00 in 1003 Kelley Brown Bag Seminars Engineering Center - Kirk Nordstrom, USGS, Menlo (http://or.water.usgs.gov/brownbag/) are held on Park, CA, “Yellowstone's Contaminated Waters- Tuesdays from noon to 1 pm. unless noted otherwise. Transport of As, F, H2S, and Hg from Thermal The seminars are informal and are open to the public. Waters to Rivers and the Air” Bring your lunch. The USGS Oregon Water Science Center office is located in Portland at 2130 SW 5th Ave. • 12/2/2010 - Jim Peters, United Western Exploration Directions to the USGS office are posted at LLC, Denver, Colorado, “Modern Petroleum http://or.water.usgs.gov/location.html. Exploration: Targeting, Data Needs and Application

of 3-D Seismic Software” • Tuesday, October 26, “Groundwater Resources of the Yakima River Basin,” Matt Ely, Hydrologist, In addition to the Fall Seminar Series, OSU will also USGS Washington Water Science Center Tacoma, have the 2010 Thomas Condon Lecture: WA November 10, 2010 7:00-9:30 p.m. at LaSells Stewart • Tuesday, November 2, “Measuring Stream Center. Speaker Dr. Steve Squyres, Goldwin Smith Metabolism with a Tracer: Resazurin as a "Smart" Professor of Astronomy at Cornell University and Tracer for Metabolic Activity,” Roy Haggerty, principal investigator of the Mars Exploration Rover Professor, Department of Geosciences, Oregon State Project, will present “Roving Mars: Spirit, Opportunity University, Corvallis, OR and the Exploration of the Red Planet.” There will be refreshments at 7:00 p.m., with the lecture starting at • Tuesday, November 9, “Occurrence, Fate, and 7:30. Effects of Current-Use Pesticides in the Aquatic Environment,” Kathy Kuivila, Research University of Oregon Department of Geological Hydrologist, USGS California Water Science Sciences, Fall 2010 Weekly Seminar Series, Center, Sacramento, CA Wednesdays, 4:00 to 5:20 pm in 110 Willamette Hall. • Tuesday, November 16, “Basin-Wide Distributed Tea and cookies are served in Cascade 200 beginning at Modeling of Hydrologic Responses to Irrigation, 3:30 p.m. Refer to department website for more Management in the Wood River Basin, Klamath information: County, OR,” Joshua Owens, Master of Science http://www.uoregon.edu/~dogsci/news/about student, Water Resources Engineering, Oregon State

University, Corvallis, OR • October 27 - Ray Wells (USGS), “Origin and emplacement of Siletzia, a Paleogene accreted • Week of November 22 - no seminar scheduled oceanic plateau in Oregon, Washington, British • Tuesday, November 30, “Use of Continuous Columbia, and Alaska” Monitors and Autosamplers to Predict Unmeasured • November 3 - Liz Johnson (James Madison Univ), Water-Quality Constituents in Tributaries of the “What can OH in rutile tell us about oxidation Tualatin River,” Chauncey Anderson, Hydrologist, conditions in the crust and mantle?” USGS Oregon Water Science Center, Portland, OR

• November 10 - Jesse Lawrence (Stanford Univ), • Tuesday, December 7, “The Wallula CRBG Carbon “Seismic tomography beneath the Western US: Sequestration Pilot,” Charlotte Sullivan, Senior Interpreting red and blue as geophysical processes” Research Scientist, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA • November 17 - Pascal Audet (UC Berkeley), “The seismic signature of water in the forearc of • Tuesday, December 14, “The Role of Zooplankton Cascadia” Grazing on Noxious Cyanobacteria Blooms in, The Geological Newsletter -42- November/December 2010

Vancouver Lake, WA,” Gretchen Rollwagen- Treasurer's report was given by Bart and approved. Bart Bollens, Clinical Associate Professor, School of also gave the financial report of the 2010 field trips. Earth & Environmental Science, Washington State University, Vancouver, WA Rik told the board that the Friday night speaker for November will be Rachel Pirot. The December

Christmas party will again feature brief presentations by OMSI Science Pub Portland this year’s field trip leaders: Larry, Bev and Bart, Dave, There are now TWO Science Pubs in Portland -- one at and Ken Cameron. Annual Banquet speakers are still the Bagdad Theater in Southeast, and one at Mission being investigated. Jim Jackson will be speaking at the Theater in Northwest. Learn about cutting-edge topics in PSU Weekend Geology Seminar on Thursday, 10/21/10 science and technology from leading researchers and at 5:30 in S17. scientists, all while enjoying food and drinks.

Experience an informal atmosphere where you can Larry’s motion to donate Dr. Orr’s book on Oregon interact with experts and where there are no silly Fossils to last month’s speaker Ken Severn was questions. No scientific background is required; just approved. Larry has already purchased the book for bring your curiosity, sense of humor, and appetite for $24.95. food, drinks, and knowledge! http://www.omsi.edu/sciencepubportland Carol suggested that a Powerpoint training might be

helpful to future presenters. Tara volunteered to teach • “What Technology Wants,” Monday, November 1 at this as a Wednesday night seminar. Bev and Bart the Bagdad Theater, with speaker Kevin Kelly, a proposed that they give a rock identification class. This founding editor of Wired who provides a refreshing was enthusiastically approved. view of technology as a living force in the world

• “I Dig Bones: Adventures in Forensic Christmas Party report was given by Anne. The Benson Anthropology,” Tuesday, November 16 at the House has again been reserved and the party will be Mission Theater, with speaker Dr. Veronica “Nici” open to membership only. Anne circulated a sign up Vance, state forensic anthropologist at the Oregon sheet for food, drink, and other items (A-J tangy/salty, State Police Portland Metro Forensic Lab K-O beverage set-up, P-Z sweets). Members will be needed to assist with set up at 5:30 p.m. • There will be no Science Pub meetings scheduled for December Nominating committee report was given by Larry and Rik. Positions for vice president and 3-year director will GSOC Membership List need to be filled. Rik is compiling a list of potential nominees and will contact them before bringing the GSOC members wishing to obtain a membership list call nominations back before the nominating committee. or email Secretary Beverly Vogt, and she will mail you one. Report of Website and Internet committee was presented by Tara, Carol, Rik, and Janet. The committee has been exploring whether an electronic discussion board is BOARD MEETING NOTES needed to provide a platform for a more open discussion October 9, 2010 than can be afforded by the website; however the committee has not reached a consensus on what the The meeting was called to order by President Larry platform should be. After discussion was opened to the Purchase at the home of Rosemary Kenney. Board and floor, the issue was referred back to committee. The GSOC members present included Larry Purchase, Rik committee’s Revised Website Policy Table was Smoody, Beverly Vogt, Richard ‘Bart’ Bartels, Dave amended to require that any political information on the Olcott, Janet Rasmussen, Paul Edison-Lahm, Jan Kem, website come before the board rather than just the Carol Hasenberg, Tara Schoffstall, Anne O’Neill, webmaster. With this amendment, the website policy Rosemary Kenney, Doug Rasmussen, and Dawn Juliano. was approved. The meeting agenda and minutes of the August 14, 2010 meeting were approved. March Annual Banquet planning was discussed. Bart will make arrangements to book the Monarch hotel again. Janet will do the programs and place cards. Larry The Geological Newsletter -43- November/December 2010

took down a list of volunteers. Carol suggested having instrument, the electron microprobe (EPMA or an ammonite glue party for the place cards. EMPA), which is used to determine the chemical composition of small solid samples in situ. This Larry and Carol gave an update on Carol's finding of a instrument works somewhat like the light reptile fossil on the President’s Field Trip. A party may microscope most high school biology students are return to survey and secure the site in mid-October. familiar with. The beam of light passing through

Larry announced the upcoming annual Newport Fossil the sample in the light microscope is replaced by a Fest with a tentative date of Feb. 12-13. concentrated beam of electrons focused down onto a small site on the sample. The instrument Old and New Business: primarily records electrons and x-rays that are reflected or emitted upwards around the sample site. • Paul is interested in organizing a downtown Portland See Figure 1 (page 46) for a diagram of the beam geology tour. and its products. • Bev will distribute the membership list via email. • Jan and Tara brought the spiffy new GSOC mugs This instrument is the primary tool used in the which are now for sale for $10. analysis of fish otoliths, which is one of the most • Rosemary reminded field trip leaders that two copies important uses of the AIL. Studying otoliths, which of field trip guides are needed for the archives. are the fish inner ear bones that do not resorb like The next meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m., December most bones, is of enormous importance to Alaska’s 11th, 2010, at Rosemary’s house. fishing industry, because many conclusions can be drawn about the age of the fish, their growth, and Paul Edison-Lahm, Director (3 year) their environment during different life stages. Severin illustrated this by showing the GSOC audience an enlarged cross section of an otolith with WHAT IT IS! growth bands analogous to tree rings. In one study Synopsis of the September 29, 2010, lecture by Dr. of the habits of Alaskan whitefish, Severin analyzed Ken Severin, Director of the Advanced samples of the cross sections of whitefish otoliths Instrumentation Laboratory (AIL) at the University for strontium composition. Strontium levels have of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) been shown to be high in otolithic bone grown in a by Carol S. Hasenberg salty oceanic environment and are low in bone grown in fresh water habitats such as river estuaries. Dr. Ken Severin kicked off the fall series of GSOC From his strontium mapping Severin was able to lectures with his presentation about the Advanced demonstrate that the Alaskan whitefish have the Instrumentation Laboratory this past September unusual lifestyle of going from fresh to saline 29th. He explained what the laboratory equipment environments several times during their lifetimes. is, how it works, and what applications are made of it to the benefit of the state of Alaska. Dr. Severin’s Another fish that has been studied using EPMA original specialty was studying foraminifera, but his analysis is the Orange roughy. In this case the interests shifted towards a broader spectrum of electron microprobe was used to determine the ages study and eventually led to the position he holds of the large specimens of this fish which were being today. caught and marketed. This is important as the recovery rate of fish stocks is highly dependent The Advanced Instrumentation Laboratory holds upon their rate of growth. Otolithic age analysis several instruments that examine the shape or showed that the age of marketable roughy was 100- structure of tiny samples, or perform analyses to 150 years! Unsurprisingly, stocks of this fish have discover their constituent elements. They’re all crashed due to overfishing by deep-sea trawlers. known by acronyms, so Severin’s lecture commenced with a discussion of the “alphabet The electron microprobe studies have been put to soup” of names. He began with his favorite use in developing an inexpensive marking scheme The Geological Newsletter -44- November/December 2010

for fish from hatcheries in Alaska. Marking is an The inductively coupled mass spectrometer (ICP- important part of determining proportions of wild MS) analyzes samples for their elemental signatures and hatchery fish. The marking techniques which like the electron microprobe, but there are have been used are attaching little wires in the noses significant differences in the way they work, the of the juvenile fish (for millions of fish!) and sample types and the results they achieve. The ICP- thermally marking the juvenile fish by growing MS is primarily designed to analyze liquids, but can them in heated tanks of water. Since thousands of also analyze vapors produced from solids with a gallons of potentially environmentally destructive laser attachment. This laser vaporizes a trench in fuel must be used to heat the tanks, the famous the object to be analyzed that is much bigger than Copper River hatchery has opted to mark their fish that made by the electron microprobe. The sample by manipulating the tank’s salinity. They know that is heated to a very high temperature which dries and hatchery fish can be identified by the pattern of then atomizes and ionizes its matter. Individual strontium bands on their otoliths. ions can be counted as they pass through the analyzer. Therefore it is highly sensitive and can The electron microprobe is not the only instrument detect material in parts per billion or even parts per used in the study of fish otoliths. The x-ray trillion. diffractometer (XRD) has been used to analyze polymorphic forms of calcium carbonate of which Another of the instruments in the lab is the the otoliths are composed. It was noticed that Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), which scans certain otoliths had relatively smoothly banded the secondary electron emissions from the electron “normal” areas, and other areas that were wavy and beam to produce an image of the physical shape of a bumpy in character. Something had caused the specimen. The softer specimens that would deform bone to grow in this fashion. Both portions had a in a vacuum must be dried and coated with gold similar chemistry so the XRD was used to prior to scanning. Severin showed the GSOC determine the crystal forms of each portion. This audience a number of SEM images, which included analysis showed that the normal bone areas were grains of food, insect parts, fossil teeth. He also composed of aragonite, a form of calcium showed the audience several images taken of carbonate, and the unusual areas were composed of atmospheric ice crystals in a study that vaterite, a form of calcium carbonate which is not demonstrates how “sun dog” effects occur in commonly found in rocks. Subsequent studies have Alaskan skies in the winter, and a picture of the sun shown that the vaterite otolithic areas are common with 2 rings and other wispy reflections which had in hatchery fish and fish living in disturbed quite an elaborate geometry. Such effects environments. commonly occur in the cold Alaskan skies. The ice samples had to be prepared for viewing by The other big user of the AIL is the USGS Alaska immersion in liquid nitrogen. Volcano Observatory. The electron microprobe is useful to these scientists in determining the mineral Dr. Severin also named several other pieces of composition of samples from the eruption of Mt. equipment used less frequently in his laboratory and Redoubt and other Alaskan volcanoes. The discussed some of them briefly. In addition to the information obtained from the raw data is what paid research work done by the laboratory, he elements exist in what amounts at any given sample teaches classes on using the equipment to UAF site. This data is mapped for a number of students. He prefers that researchers wanting AIL constituent elements of the sample, and the data design and conduct their own experiments, proportions of the various elements infer the since they have a deeper understanding of their mineral composition of each of the crystal grains. particular topic of study. All in all this window to Up to 10 elements can be analyzed at once on this the tiny world can have a big benefit on the biggest instrument. state.

REFERENCES AND ADDITIONAL READING The Geological Newsletter -45- November/December 2010

Calcium carbonate - Advanced Instrumentation Laboratory at the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcium_carbonate University of Alaska Fairbanks discusses the instruments and has some really cool images from USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory: projects: www.uaf.edu/ail http://www.avo.alaska.edu/

Integrating Research and Education Project - This Several scientific papers available online also were project is being developed as part of the Digital about topics discussed in this article: Library for Earth System Education (DLESE) Community Services Center, with funding from the • W. Jansen and M. Slaughter, “Elemental National Science Foundation. Participating mapping of minerals by electron microprobe,” institutions include Montana State University and American Mineralogist, Volume 67, pages 521- Carleton College: 533, 1982. Geochemical Instrumentation and Analysis • Giuseppe Falini, Simona Fermani, Silvia Vanzo, page has a good discussion of the several Marin Miletic, and Giulia Zaffino, “Influence on pieces of equipment discussed in this article: the Formation of Aragonite or Vaterite by http://serc.carleton.edu/research_education/g Otolith Macromolecules,” European Journal of eochemsheets/index.html Inorganic Chemistry, 2005, 162-167. • B. M. Jessop1, J. C. Shiao, Y. Iizuka, W. N. Wikipedia pages that were helpful in writing this Tzeng, “Prevalence and intensity of occurrence article: of vaterite inclusions in aragonite otoliths of Orange roughy - American eels Anguilla rostrata,” Aquatic http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_roughy Biology, Vol. 2: 171–178, 2008.

Beam of Electrons X-rays Backscatter Secondary electrons – define shape

Figure 1. Heat Affected sample Diagram of an size – 1 µm Electron Beam and Its Effects Electrons that go through the sample on a Sample

The Geological Newsletter -46- November/December 2010

Geological Society of the Oregon Country Activities:

ANNUAL EVENTS: President’s Field Trip—Summer or Fall; Banquet—March; Annual Business Meeting— February. FIELD TRIPS: About 4 per year. Fees: see field trip announcements on the calendar next page. GSOC LIBRARY: Rm. 69, Cramer Hall, Portland State University. Open 7:00 p.m. prior to meetings. PROGRAMS: Second Friday evening most months, 7:30 p.m., Rm. S17, Cramer Hall, PSU, SW Broadway at SW Mill St., Portland, Oregon. MEMBERSHIP: Per year from January 1: Individual--$25, Family--$35, Junior (under 18)/Student--$15. Membership applications are available on the website www.gsoc.org. PUBLICATIONS: THE GEOLOGICAL NEWSLETTER (ISSN 0270 5451), published monthly and mailed to each member. Subscriptions available to libraries and organizations only at $20.00 per year. Single Copies are available at $2.00 each. Order from: Geological Society of the Oregon Country, P.O. Box 907, Portland, Oregon 97207 TRIP LOGS: Write to the same address for names and price list.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE OREGON COUNTRY

The Geological Newsletter -47- November/December 2010

The Geological Newsletter “News of the Geological Society of the Oregon Country”

Volume 77, Number 1 January/February 2011

CALENDAR Join GSOC members at Pizzicato Pizza, 1708 SW 6th Ave., at 6:00 p.m. before the lecture for an informal dinner and conversation. January/February Activities Ammonite place card assembly party for the upcoming GSOC Annual Banquet is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday evening talk, January 14, 2011, at 7:30 p.m., in January 15. Bev Vogt will email location and directions Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. to members of the GSOC Board of Directors. Please (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State contact her (preferably by email) if you are interested in University: Speaker Joseph Cohen, amateur geologist attending. and intellectual-property lawyer at Stoel Rives LLP, Friday evening talk, February 18, 2011, at 7:30 p.m., in in Portland, Oregon, will present “Searles Lake, Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. California – A Mineralogical Gem”. (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State

University: Speaker Daina Hardisty, Geology Instructor, Searles Lake is a dry lake in southeastern California. It Mt. Hood Community College, will present a lecture on contains some unusual collectible minerals, and is an groundwater. Note that the date has been changed from important source of evaporite minerals for industrial use. the usual second Friday of the month due to a conflict This talk will cover (a) the geologic and human history with the Fossil Fest in Newport. Please check the of Searles Lake, (b) the Searles Lake minerals, and (c) a website and the February calendar on updates to the short Searles Lake field trip in October for the Searles date, topic, and other information about this talk. Lake Gem & Mineral Society "Gem-O-Rama".

The Geological Newsletter -1- January/February 2011

Free parking is available at Portland State University As of this publication, the lecture schedules have not Friday nights after 5 p.m. and Wednesday nights after 7 been announced but do check the department website p.m. in Parking Structure 2 on Broadway Ave. directly near the beginning of January for the upcoming lectures. across from Cramer Hall and on level one of Parking Do check the times and locations also as they may have Structure 1, bounded by Broadway and 6th Aves. and changed. Harrison and Hall Sts. University of Oregon Department of Geological Future Activities Sciences, Winter 2011 Weekly Seminar Series, Wednesdays, 4:00 to 5:20 pm in 110 Willamette Hall.

Tea and cookies are served in Cascade 200 beginning at The Seventy-sixth Annual GSOC Banquet is coming up 3:30 p.m.. Refer to department website for more on Sunday, March 13, 2011, at the Monarch Hotel in information: Clackamas, Oregon. Speaker Jay Van Tassel of Eastern http://www.uoregon.edu/~dogsci/news/about Oregon University will present "Bulldozer Paleontology:

New Ice Age Fossils from the Grande Ronde Valley, NE As of this publication, the lecture schedules have not Oregon." The registration flyer for the event will be sent been announced but do check the department website with the February edition of the The Geological near the beginning of January for the upcoming lectures. Calendar. Do check the times and locations also as they may have

changed. Check the GSOC website (www.gsoc.org) for updates to the calendar, including information on the upcoming USGS Winter 2011 Seminar Series Schedule - meetings and the GSOC 76th Annual Banquet in March. Oregon Water Science Center

Brown Bag Seminars UPCOMING ACTIVITIES FROM OTHER (http://or.water.usgs.gov/brownbag/) are held on ORGANIZATIONS Tuesdays from noon to 1 pm. unless noted otherwise. The seminars are informal and are open to the public. Fossil Fest, tentatively scheduled for February 12, Bring your lunch. The USGS Oregon Water Science 2001, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport, Center office is located in Portland at 2130 SW 5th Ave. Oregon. Speakers will discuss Oregon’s geology and Directions to the USGS office are posted at Oregon fossils. Several GSOC members are attending http://or.water.usgs.gov/location.html. this because it is so interesting. Check the GSOC website or February calendar for more information. • January 11, “Our Vanishing Glaciers: 100 Years of Glacier Retreat in the Three Sisters Area, Central Portland State University Geology Department Oregon Cascade Range”, Jim O'Connor, Research Geology Winter Colloquium 2011, Cramer Hall S17, Hydrologist, USGS Oregon Water Science Center

3:30-4:30 p.m.. All are invited to attend! For • January 18, “Climate Change Impacts on Snow, information contact: Scott Burns, 503/725-3389, Glaciers and Water Resources in the Pacific [email protected], or refer to the department website: Northwest”, Anne Nolin, Associate Professor, Dept. http://geology.pdx.edu/ of Geosiences, Oregon State University

As of this publication, the lecture schedules have not • January 25, “Donner and Blitzen River: Streamflow been announced but do check the department website and Physical Habitat”, Tim Hardin, Instream Flow near the beginning of January for the upcoming lectures. Specialist, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Do check the times and locations also as they may have • February 1, “Estimates of Coastal Freshwater changed. Runoff: How to Get Them and What To Do With Them”, Dave Hill, Associate Professor, School of Oregon State University Department of Geosciences Civil and Construction Engineering, Oregon State 2011 Winter Seminar Series, Thursdays, 4:00 pm, University Gilfillan Auditorium, unless otherwise noted. Refer to department website for more information: • February 8, “Do We Really Understand How http://www.geo.oregonstate.edu/Seminars Evaporation Works? The Effect of Soil Salinity”, Maria Dragila, Associate Professor, Dept. of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University

The Geological Newsletter -2- January/February 2011

• February 15, “Computer-Based Model Calibration We are thrilled to have him back to present on yet R&D at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and another brain-related topic! Development Center”, Brian Skahill, Research Hydraulic Engineer, Watershed Systems Group, • “Cataclysms on the Columbia: The Great Missoula Hydrologic Systems Branch, US Army Corps of Floods”, Tuesday, January 18, 2011, at the Mission Engineers Research and Development Center Theater. Scott Burns, PhD, is a professor of geology and past chair of the Department of Geology at • February 22, “Reconnaissance Investigation of Portland State University where he has been for Emerging Contaminants in Wastewater-Treatment- nearly 20 years. Scott specializes in environmental Plant Effluent and Stormwater Runoff in the and engineering geology, geomorphology, soils, and Columbia River Basin”, Jennifer Morace, Quaternary geology. This is a repeat of the Science Hydrologist, USGS Oregon Water Science Center Pub held at the Bagdad Theater on October 11, • Friday, March 4, Noon to 1 pm, “The Pursuit of 2010. Uncertainty in Hydrologic Climate Change Impact Assessment: Improved Characterization, • “Promiscuous DNA: The Invasion, Spread, and Quantification and Communication”, Hamid Impact of Mobile Genes”, Tuesday, February 15, Moradkhani, Assistant Professor, Department of 2011, at the Mission Theater. Sarah Schaack, PhD, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Portland State is a post-doctoral fellow in the biology department at University Lewis & Clark College.

• March 8, “Geologic, Hydrogeochemical, and Water- Level Evidence for Hydrologic GSOC Membership List Compartmentalization in the Columbia River Basalt Aquifer System in the Columbia Basin GWMA”, GSOC members wishing to obtain a membership list call Kevin Lindsey, Senior Hydrogeologist, GSI Water or email Secretary Beverly Vogt, and she will mail you Solutions, Inc., Kennewick, Washington one.

• March 15, “Using Turbidity Monitoring and LiDAR-Derived Imagery to Investigate Sources of Nominating Committee Suspended Sediment in the Little North Santiam River Basin, Oregon, Winter 2009-2010”, Steve Results Sobieszczyk, Student Hydrologist, USGS Oregon Water Science Center The following slate of officers has been selected by this year’s nominating committee:

President ...... Rik Smoody OMSI Science Pub Portland There are now TWO Science Pubs in Portland -- one at Vice President...... Jane Walpole the Bagdad Theater in Southeast, and one at Mission Secretary ...... Paul Edison-Lahm Theater in Northwest. Learn about cutting-edge topics in Treasurer ...... Richard Bartels science and technology from leading researchers and Director, 3 years...... Julia Lanning scientists, all while enjoying food and drinks. Director, 2 years...... Dawn Juliano Experience an informal atmosphere where you can Director, 1 year...... Anne O’Neill interact with experts and where there are no silly questions. No scientific background is required; just Nominations will be closed for this year’s slate of bring your curiosity, sense of humor, and appetite for officers after the January meeting of the society. food, drinks, and knowledge! The slate of officers will be voted on and approved http://www.omsi.edu/sciencepubportland at the February monthly meeting.

• “How to Repair a Damaged Brain: From Lumps of Sugar to Spheres of Stem Cells”, Monday, January The Nominating Committee members were Rik 3, 2011, at the Bagdad Theater (note earlier date!). Smoody, Paul Edison-Lahm, Dawn Juliano, and Larry Larry Sherman, PhD, is a senior scientist at the Purchase. Our thanks to the selected members and OHSU Brain Institute. Dr. Sherman presented at members of the Nominating Committee! two Science Pubs in 2009 on Music to Your Brain, and in 2010 as part of Brain Chemistry for Lovers. The Geological Newsletter -3- January/February 2011

instead put some of our updated brochures on the WELCOME NEW MEMBERS FOR 2011! NARG table, if possible. Whoa -- we’ve gotten a lot of new members this past year! You guys are awesome! The report of the Nominating Committee was approved. The proposed slate of officers for next Elizabeth Brown Gary Cheel year are President, Rik Smoody; Vice President, Martin Eversaul Richard Heinzkill Jane Walpole; Secretary, Paul Edison-Lahm; David Keyes Al LePage Treasurer, Richard Bartels; Director (1st year), Julia Sandra Lilligren Rafael Maymi Lanning; Director (2nd year), Dawn Juliano; Debbie Maymi Virginia Ohler Director (3rd year), Anne O’Neill. Doug Ohler Nancy Overpeck Liz Paulus Terry Tolan The Christmas Party held at the Simon Benson Jane Walpole House on Dec. 10 was discussed. Thanks to Anne O’Neill and all of the Board and other attending GSOC members, the party was a great success, with BOARD MEETING NOTES at least 45 people attending. The music was December 11, 2010 wonderful, people were having such a good time

they had to be told the party was over, and the The meeting was called to order by President Larry cleanup was thorough and efficient. It was decided Purchase at the home of Rosemary Kenney. Board that food arrangements next year need to be and GSOC members present included Larry different, with fewer sweets and more cheeses, Purchase, Rik Smoody, Beverly Vogt, Richard meat, salads, sandwiches, etc. We will use nametags Bartels, Janet Rasmussen, Anne O’Neill, Rosemary next year, and Janet volunteered to make reusable Kenney, Doug Rasmussen, Julia Lanning, and nametags that can be hung around our necks. Antonella Mancini.

Antonella discussed sales items. It was decided that Richard Bartels gave the Treasurer’s report. The items should be produced and purchased locally if Treasurer’s report was approved. possible. Board members are asked to submit ideas

to Antonella about designs and what kinds of items Rik Smoody discussed upcoming Friday night would be good to sell by the end of the year, and speakers. Joe Cohen will talk about Searles Lake, she will work with other members to have some CA, at the January meeting; and Daina Hardisty’s things for sale at the banquet in March. topic at the February meeting will be groundwater.

Larry Purchase discussed possible speakers for the Field trips were discussed. We want to evaluate the March 13th Annual Banquet., with Jay Van Tassel effectiveness of our field trip program, so next year, as his first possibility. Rik Smoody said the theme the field trip chair is asked to submit a report to the of the President’s Field Trip will be Aggradation, board after the field season and an end-of-year field focusing on the area in Washington between the trip summary for the January newsletter, telling Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainier. number of people participating, money taken in and

money spent, participants’ comments on the trips, Because the Fossil Fest will be held again this year how many were turned away because there were too the day after the February Friday evening GSOC many attending, etc. Potential trips for next two meeting, it was decided by majority vote that Rik years include Fossil Fest (Feb.), Portland Building will see if the speaker can come on a different Stone (Clay and Paul, April), possible flower trip to Friday and if so will have the February Friday night Ramona Falls (Ken Cameron in May), President’s meeting moved to that date (he also needs to verify Field Trip to Washington State with Rik (sometime that the meeting room will be available on the in summer), possible trip with Ken Cameron to different date). The Board also decided that this augite crystals in the Tillamook Highlands (late year we will not have a table at the Fossil Fest and summer), coastal tide pools and geomorphology The Geological Newsletter -4- January/February 2011

with Janet (this year or next year), Wallowa Lake (pre-Cambrian), geologic information, p. 70-71, with Janet (2012), Walla Walla Pleistocene geology 76-84; with Dave (2012 possibly). NARG field trips will • Coquina, a rock composed of sea shells, used in be listed in GSOC Newsletter when possible. the early America construction of the (fort) Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine, Florida, Miscellaneous: An ammonite place card assembly derived from the Anastasia Formation, 100,000 party is scheduled for 10 a.m. Jan. 15. Bev will years old, geologic information, p. 102-105; email location and directions. The rock • Salem limestone, Bloomington, Indiana, 330 identification class has yet to be worked out. Details Ma, during the Mississippian Period, geologic will be announced ASAP. It will be followed by a information, p. 115-120; field trip with Larry to quarry to see what we have • Petrified wood, age unknown, from an area learned. about 25 miles south of Lamar, Colorado, used in the construction of a Lamar gas station, The next meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m., February geologic information, p. 141-143; 19, at Larry’s house. If there are any changes to the • Carrara marble, Michelangelo’s favorite rock time or place, Bev will notify by email. She will for sculpturing, 200 Ma, earliest Jurassic, also send out directions to meeting place with geologic information, p. 162-163, 167-169, 171- agenda by email. 173; • Slate, metamorphosed deep-water mud, eastern Respectfully submitted, USA, 540 to 420 Ma, early Paleozoic, Cambrian Beverly Vogt, Secretary to Silurian, geologic information, p. 183-186; and • Italian travertine, a sedimentary rock rich in NEW BOOK CORNER calcite and related mineral aragonite, deposited adjacent to hot springs, geologic information, p. Stores in Stone, by David B. Williams, 2009, 202-204. Walker Publishing Co., Inc., New York, 260 p., hardcover. In each chapter Williams describes the stone, how it Review by Dr. Paul Hammond: was formed, where it was first noted as a building stone, how it is quarried—in considerable detail the This is a great book. Very well written and most Morton gneiss, Salem limestone, and Carrara interesting. I strongly recommend it to anyone with marble—or obtained, the history of the quarrying an interest in geology and building stones. The operation, and where the stone is most prominently author describes individual stones by chapter: displayed, in an interesting, amusing way • The brownstone (sandstone) of New York City integrating the information, leading from one topic and New England, called the Portland to the next. At the end the book has a good glossary Formation, about 220 to 195 Ma, late Jurassic- of chiefly geologic terms, p. 227-231, and a lengthy earliest Jurassic, geologic information, p. 8-9; list of notes by chapter, p. 233-250; and an index, p. • The dark-colored, alkali-rich Quincy granite, 251-260. about 450 Ma, late Ordovician, of the Boston area, geologic information, p. 38-40; Comments from two reviewers: • The granite boulders in conglomerate derived “This is the best sort of book, one that makes you from the Salinia terrane, 80 Ma to 3 billion see the familiar in a strange new light. Now that years old, near Carmel, California, which David Williams has warmed our stone façades with Robinson Jeffers used in his construction of Tor beautifully told stories, never again will I pass a House and Hawk Tower, geologic information, brownstone without looking for telltale flaws or p. 62-65; walk the Granite City without thinking of the • Morton gneiss, of Morton, Minnesota, 3.5 natural wonders that produced it stony poetry.”—by billion years old, of Archean and Hadean age Jennifer Ackerman. The Geological Newsletter -5- January/February 2011

“By assigning human stories and values to stone in platform. So far the group has assembled 150 the fascinating book, David B. Williams links the mapped sets of data, starting the general mapping living and nonliving. In the process, our homes and data for Oregon that has been available for some buildings come alive.”—Robert M. Thorson. time on the state’s Geospatial Data Clearinghouse.

This mapping project is a monumental task, as well Mapping for Disasters as being time-sensitive. Map data has been Synopsis of the October 8, 2010 GSOC Friday night produced in a variety of dates, quality, and scales, lecture by Don Pettit, Senior Emergency Response and Pettit’s group has the task of determining the Planner, Emergency Response Program, Oregon most accurate data sets and correcting and updating Department of Environmental Quality those they can. The group has outlined the qualities by Carol S. Hasenberg that the emergency map product must have: It should be Don Pettit works in a group of seven Oregon • Dynamic, so maps can be modified to show Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) different content at different scales and obtain a employees that respond to state of Oregon disasters, readable product and he discussed his work and his group’s mapping • It must be able to support queries, in other projects with GSOC this past October. The group’s words isolate or highlight data points which primary responsibility in disaster response is to have certain attributes or spatial relations determine what to do with the debris and hazardous • It must be portable so it can be used on a laptop material which is generated by the event. Their computer at a disaster site group partners with many other state agencies, such • It must be simple enough for anyone on the as Oregon Public Health, Oregon Fire Marshal team to be able to use (OSFM), Oregon Department of Transportation • It must be able to stand alone, without internet (ODOT), Oregon State Police (OSP) and Oregon access Emergency Management (OEM) and each group is • And it must be difficult for a user to “mess responsible for specific tasks in a state disaster. with” or “screw up” Key datasets to the product include maps of water You might be surprised to learn that Don’s supplies, locations of hazardous materials, and DEQ background is in geology and wonder why an permitted sites for hazardous materials. The DEQ agency like DEQ would hire a geologist to lead a has been hiring Oregon university geography team of emergency responders. Pettit thinks that he students to produce some of the needed mapping. is perfect for the job, because his training and Datasets produced this way include a river mile experience are wide ranging, as a geologist he is dataset for Oregon rivers and converting used to cobbling together what limited relevant data navigational charts to GIS format. is available to make a decision on, and most importantly, in an environmental disaster having Pettit showed the GSOC audience some examples knowledge of the physical setting is very important of the maps he has in the datasets. It was a real eye to assessing the risk and determining the best course opener to see a map of the incidents of leaking of action. home oil tanks in the Portland area. There are also maps for the pipelines carrying hazardous liquids in This last point explains why Pettit’s group has the area. Moving to the coast, Pettit showed embarked on a mapping quest for Oregon navigational information on Tillamook Bay and a emergency managers. In conjunction with their dataset in progress showing potential oil boom sites Oregon disaster response partners, the DEQ has for oil spill incidents. One of the most interesting been assembling layers of mapped data in order to and important datasets was a map of the Portland have the best information about a site as quickly as well fields showing well locations and contours of possible. This project is known as IRIS, and the travel times for surface spills to the wells. Another maps are assembled on a GIS computer mapping important set of layers shows the jurisdictional The Geological Newsletter -6- January/February 2011

boundaries of various state, federal, and private map of the hazardous material spills in the last ten agencies with contact information so disaster years showed a strong correlation to the locations of responders can quickly assemble a team of affected major highways throughout the state. Looking at parties during an event. the incident statistics it is no surprise that over 60% are petroleum spills on the highways. Pettit demonstrated the power of having this data by pointing out how easy it is to see on a spatial format Although Pettit’s group is small, he thinks they where problems are most likely to occur and gaps in have done a good job in getting needed information the coverage exist. For example, he showed how assembled and will continue to add to their data one responder jurisdictional boundary, which sets. Being well informed will help our state reached from the Oregon coast to the Bend area, efficiently cope with upcoming events. was too big to expect reasonable response time. A

THE GEOLOGICAL NEWSLETTER INDEX Volume 76, 2010 compiled by Carol Hasenberg

January/February ...... no.1...... pages 1-10 July/August...... 4...... 27-34 March/April ...... 2...... 11-18 September/October ...... 5...... 35-39 May/June ...... 3...... 19-26 November/December.... 6...... 40-47

ARTICLES and REPORTS·············································································································································· Page Aggradation from Mt. Hood Volcanic Eruptions in the Sandy River: Synopsis of the April 9, 2010, lecture by Dr. Thomas Pierson, Supervisory Hydrologist, USGS CVO Laboratory, Vancouver, Washington , by Carol Hasenberg ········ 22 Chile's Recent Earthquake has Lessons that We Can Learn: Synopsis of the June 11, 2010, lecture by Yumei Wang, P.E., Geohazards Team Leader, Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI), ASCE TCLEE Investigation Team, Oregon Earthquake Commission (OSSPAC), and Allison Pyrch, G.E., P.E., Senior Engineer, Shannon and Wilson, Inc., Geotechnical and Environmental Consultants, by Carol Hasenberg···························· 31 Costa Rica’s Tectonic Setting: Synopsis of the January 8, 2010, lecture by Dr. Martin Streck, Department of Geology, Portland State University, by Carol Hasenberg ········································································································· 4 Geological Mapping And Structure In Southeastern Washington: Synopsis of the February 12, 2010, lecture by Dr. Paul Hammond, Department of Geology, Portland State University, by Carol Hasenberg············································· 14 The Wallula Gap 17Ma to Now: Synopsis of the March 21, 2010, annual banquet address by Dr. Robert J. Carson, professor of Geology and Environmental Studies, Whitman College, Walla Walla, Washington, by Carol Hasenberg ································································································································································ 16 Types of Volcanic Eruptions, by Carol Hasenberg················································································································· 6 What It Is! Synopsis of the September 29, 2010, lecture by Dr. Ken Severin, Director of the Advanced Instrumentation Laboratory (AIL) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), by Carol Hasenberg ··········································· 44

FIELD TRIPS 2010 President's Field Trip Recap, by Carol Hasenberg, Larry Purchase, And Beverly Vogt············································· 37

SOCIETY BUSINESS Board Meeting Notes: January 9, 2010, by Beverly Vogt ······································································································ 3 Board Meeting Notes: March 20, 2010, by Beverly Vogt ···································································································· 12 Board Meeting Notes: October 9, 2010, by Beverly Vogt···································································································· 43 GSOC in the 21ST Century, by Tara Schoffstall············································································································ 14, 21 GSOC Meetings Start at 7:30 Now!, ···································································································································· 20 GSOC Picnic Recap, by Richard Bartels ······························································································································ 38 New Look to the GSOC Website·········································································································································· 22 Question to the GSOC Membership ??································································································································· 12

The Geological Newsletter -7- January/February 2011

Welcome New Members for 2010!······································································································································· 14

MEMORIALS In Memoriam: Irv Ewen, 1964 GSOC president, dies ········································································································· 14 In Memoriam: Longtime member and Past President Esther Kennedy dies, by Rosemary Kenney ···································· 22

Geological Society of the Oregon Country Activities:

ANNUAL EVENTS: President’s Field Trip—Summer or Fall; Banquet—March; Annual Business Meeting— February. FIELD TRIPS: About 4 per year. Fees: see field trip announcements on the calendar next page. GSOC LIBRARY: Rm. 69, Cramer Hall, Portland State University. Open 7:00 p.m. prior to meetings. PROGRAMS: Second Friday evening most months, 7:30 p.m., Rm. S17, Cramer Hall, PSU, SW Broadway at SW Mill St., Portland, Oregon. MEMBERSHIP: Per year from January 1: Individual--$25, Family--$35, Junior (under 18)/Student--$15. Membership applications are available on the website www.gsoc.org. PUBLICATIONS: THE GEOLOGICAL NEWSLETTER (ISSN 0270 5451), published monthly and mailed to each member. Subscriptions available to libraries and organizations only at $20.00 per year. Single Copies are available at $2.00 each. Order from: Geological Society of the Oregon Country, P.O. Box 907, Portland, Oregon 97207 TRIP LOGS: Write to the same address for names and price list.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE OREGON COUNTRY

The Geological Newsletter -8- January/February 2011

The Geological Newsletter “News of the Geological Society of the Oregon Country”

Volume 77, Number 2 March/April 2011

The Geological Society of the Oregon Country Past Presidents: P.O. Box 907, Portland, OR 97207-0907 Larry Purchase – 360/254-5635 www.gsoc.org [email protected] 2010 - 2011 Administration: Carol Hasenberg – 503/522-4249 President: [email protected] Rik Smoody - 360/546-2019 Newsletter Editor and Calendar: [email protected] Carol Hasenberg – 503/522-4249 Vice-President: [email protected] Jane Walpole – 503/590-7501 Website: [email protected] Janet Rasmussen − 541/753-0774 Secretary [email protected] Paul Edison-Lahm – 971/404-6064 Business Manager: [email protected] Jan Kem − 503/246-2275 Treasurer [email protected] Richard Bartels − 503/292-6939 Assistant Business Manager: [email protected] Anne O‘Neill - 503/477-7827 Directors: [email protected] Anne O‘Neill (1 year) - 503/477-7827 Field Trip Committee Chair [email protected] Dave Olcott– 503/695-5219 Dawn Juliano (2 years) - 503/367-7708 [email protected] [email protected] Julia Lanning (3 years) – 503/201-8022 VISITORS WELCOME AT ALL MEETINGS [email protected]

CALENDAR Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State University. Speaker Courtney Cloyd, retired, former Senior March/April Activities Geologist for Geologic Hazards and Geologic Resources, US Forest Service, will present ―The Paleontological Resources Preservation ‗Act‘ and The Seventy-sixth GSOC Annual Banquet will be held Amateur Fossil Collecting‖. on Sunday, March 13, 2011, at the Monarch Hotel in Clackamas, Oregon. Speaker Jay Van Tassel of Eastern The talk will include an overview of how the Oregon University will present "Bulldozer Paleontology: Paleontological Resources Preservation subtitle (in the New Ice Age Fossils from the Grande Ronde Valley, NE 2009 Omnibus Public Land Management Act) will guide Oregon." The registration flyer for the event can be management of fossils on Federal lands, and what it found in the February edition of the The Geological means for amateur paleontologists and collectors. Cloyd Calendar or on the website (www.gsoc.org). Deadline is a native Oregonian and graduate of the University of for receipt of registration forms is Monday, March 7, Oregon. He‘s a registered professional geologist in 2011. Oregon and Washington, and recently retired after thirty- five years as a geologist with the US Forest Service. There will be no Friday night meeting in March due to the Annual Banquet. Join GSOC members at Pizzicato Pizza, 1708 SW 6th Ave., at 6:00 p.m. before the lecture for an informal Friday evening talk, April 8, 2011, at 7:30 p.m., in Room dinner and conversation. S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. (between The Geological Newsletter -9- March/April 2011

Free parking is available at Portland State University both Senior Hydrogeologists at GSI Water Solutions, Friday nights after 5 p.m. and Wednesday nights after 7 Inc., and experts on Columbia River Basalt. p.m. in Parking Structure 2 on Broadway Ave. directly across from Cramer Hall and on level one of Parking Anticipated fee for the trip will be $65 and will include Structure 1, bounded by Broadway and 6th Aves. and the trip packet, van transportation on days 2 and 3 only, Harrison and Hall Sts. and speaker honoraria. All other expenses and arrangements will be the responsibility of the Future Activities participants. There will be both camping and hotel options in the area for the participants, and early

reservations for campsites is advised. Since the van spots Friday evening talk, May 13, 2011, at 7:30 p.m., in will be limited, interested parties are also advised to get Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. on the participant list soon. A registration form for the (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State trip will be available in the April edition of The GSOC University. Speaker Charlie Hammond, Senior Associate Calendar and on the website. If you have questions or at Cornforth Consultants, Inc., with 23 years of wish to reserve a participant spot at this time email Dave engineering geology experience, will present ―Giant at [email protected] or call (503) 695 - 5219. Paleo-Landslides of the Tyee Formation near Eddyville,

Oregon Coast Range: Complex Geologic History from NOTE: You must be a GSOC member or guest of a LIDAR and Radiocarbon‖. member to attend GSOC field trips. You may join GSOC

at any time, for $25. Giant paleo-landslides have been uncovered at the US

Highway 20 construction project between Corvallis and Check the GSOC website (www.gsoc.org) for updates to Newport, Oregon, in the turbidite beds of the Tyee the calendar, including information on the upcoming Formation. Geotechnical models for landslide meetings and the GSOC 76th Annual Banquet in March. evaluations have been developed based on the LIDAR, subsurface explorations, construction outcrops, and radiocarbon testing. The process of predicting the UPCOMING ACTIVITIES FROM OTHER landslide boundaries (head scarps, toes, lateral and basal ORGANIZATIONS shear zones) for the stability analysis models has revealed details of their geologic history. The oldest Portland State University Geology Department slides are not readily visible; that is, most of their Geology Winter Colloquium 2011, Cramer Hall S17, geomorphology has been removed or masked by 3:30-4:30 p.m.. All are invited to attend! For surficial processes. They appear to have been giant information contact: Scott Burns, 503/725-3389, translational-block slides that are controlled by bedding, [email protected], or refer to the department website: high-angle fault zones and paleo-topography. Erosion http://geology.pdx.edu/ has divided some of the giants into multiple landslides, and the landforms also reflect multiple episodes of This Winter Term PSU is only offering seminars for the sliding. School for the Environment and for Geospatial Technology. Please refer to the geology department Field Trip to Columbia Basin and Eastern Washington website for links to these seminars. May 20-22, 2011- GSOC member and Field Trip Chair Dave Olcott is arranging a three day trip based in As of this publication, the lecture schedules have not Kennewick, Washington to study Columbia River been announced for the Spring seminars. Do check the Basalts, Ice Age Flood features, and their impact on this department website near the beginning of April for the area. Day 1 of the trip will include a car caravan upcoming lectures. Do check the times and locations featuring stops along the Columbia River and in the also as they may have changed. Walla Walla Valley. Kevin Lindsey, Senior Hydrogeologist at GSI Water Solutions, Inc., with the Oregon State University Department of Geosciences assistance from members of the Walla Walla Watershed 2011 Winter Seminar Series, Thursdays, 4:00 pm, Alliance, will address surface and groundwater issues in Gilfillan Auditorium, unless otherwise noted. Refer to the above valley. Note that Lindsey will also give a department website for more information: lecture in the USGS Winter Seminar Series in Portland http://www.geo.oregonstate.edu/node/524 on March 8 – see page 13. Days 2 and 3 will be van- based tours guided by Terry Tolan and Steve Reidel, Seminar topic for Winter 2011 is ―Blast from the Past!‖ The Geological Newsletter -12- March/April 2011

Aquifer System in the Columbia Basin GWMA‖,  March 3 – Sharon Kelly, HDR Engineering, Kevin Lindsey, Senior Hydrogeologist, GSI Water ―Adventures in Transportation Planning in Portland‖ Solutions, Inc., Kennewick, Washington  March 15, ―Preferential Flow and Contaminant As of this publication, the lecture schedules have not Transport to Public Water Supply Wells: Lessons been announced for the Spring seminars. Do check the from NAWQA TANC‖, Rick Johnson, Professor, department website near the beginning of April for the Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR upcoming lectures. Do check the times and locations also as they may have changed. OMSI Science Pub Portland There are now TWO Science Pubs in Portland -- one at University of Oregon Department of Geological the Bagdad Theater in Southeast, and one at Mission Sciences, Winter 2011 Weekly Seminar Series, Theater in Northwest. Learn about cutting-edge topics in Wednesdays, 4:00 to 5:20 pm in 110 Willamette Hall. science and technology from leading researchers and Tea and cookies are served in Cascade 200 beginning at scientists, all while enjoying food and drinks. 3:30 p.m.. Refer to department website for more Experience an informal atmosphere where you can information: interact with experts and where there are no silly http://www.uoregon.edu/~dogsci/news/about questions. No scientific background is required; just bring your curiosity, sense of humor, and appetite for  March 2 - Chris Bell (University of Texas), food, drinks, and knowledge! ―Assumption of a strict modern analog clouds our understanding of the paleoecology of the  Monday, March 7, 2011 - 7:00pm, ―Expedition Pleistocene‖ Titanic 2010: Return to the Deep‖, Portland -  March 9 - John Platt (University of Southern Bagdad Theater, P.H. Nargeolet, director of California), ―Alboran domain collapse and the Underwater Research for RMS Titanic, Inc., is Ronda peridotite‖ widely acknowledged as the leading authority on the Titanic wreck site. As of this publication, the lecture schedules have not  Tuesday, March 15, 2011 - 7:00pm, ―Friends or been announced for the Spring seminars. Do check the Foes? Facing the Facts about American Crows‖, department website near the beginning of April for the Portland - Mission Theater, Dr. David P. Craig, upcoming lectures. Do check the times and locations associate professor and chair of the Department of also as they may have changed. Biology at Willamette University.  Monday, April 4, 2011 - 7:00pm, ―Why Everyone USGS Winter 2011 Seminar Series Schedule - (Else) Is a Hypocrite‖, Portland - Bagdad Theater, Oregon Water Science Center Robert Kurzban, PhD, author of the book Why Brown Bag Seminars Everyone (Else) Is a Hypocrite, and associate (http://or.water.usgs.gov/brownbag/) are held on professor in the Psychology Department at the Tuesdays from noon to 1 pm. unless noted otherwise. University of Pennsylvania. He founded PLEEP, the The seminars are informal and are open to the public. Penn Laboratory for Experimental Evolutionary Bring your lunch. The USGS Oregon Water Science Psychology, in 2003. Center office is located in Portland at 2130 SW 5th Ave. Directions to the USGS office are posted at Check the OMSI Science Pub website for updates to the http://or.water.usgs.gov/location.html. lectures. http://www.omsi.edu/sciencepubportland

 Friday, March 4, Noon to 1 pm, ―The Pursuit of Uncertainty in Hydrologic Climate Change Impact GSOC Dues are Past Due

Assessment: Improved Characterization, If you haven‘t sent in your GSOC dues please do so Quantification and Communication‖, Hamid right away! Dues were due on January 1, 2011. If you Moradkhani, Assistant Professor, Department of joined the society after September 1, you don‘t have to Civil & Environmental Engineering, Portland State renew your membership dues until next year. See page University 18 for membership dues schedule.  March 8, ―Geologic, Hydrogeochemical, and Water-

Level Evidence for Hydrologic Compartmentalization in the Columbia River Basalt The Geological Newsletter -13- March/April 2011

GSOC members wishing to obtain a membership list call collection of old place cards as a display, and Bev and or email Secretary Beverly Vogt, and she will mail you Bart will make arrangements to pick them up from the one. GSOC storeroom at PSU for Rosemary. Jan Kem will handle the sales table of books, field trip guides, maps, New Slate of Officers etc, and donations are requested (no rocks please). Larry will prepare a display of posters for the Friday night talks. The following slate of officers has been approved by the society at its annual February meeting: Tara and Antonella will research a new local place to order mugs and T-shirts, and Janet and Carol will act President ...... Rik Smoody as consultants on design and plans for the new order. Vice President ...... Jane Walpole They are requested to report their findings and Secretary ...... Paul Edison-Lahm suggestions at the next meeting. Treasurer ...... Richard Bartels Dave presented his plans, estimated costs, lodging Director, 3 years ...... Julia Lanning possibilities, and insurance issues for his May 20-22 Director, 2 years ...... Dawn Juliano field trip to eastern Washington to look at classic Director, 1 year...... Anne O’Neill Columbia River Basalt and Missoula Flood localities, including rental of two vans for days 2 and 3. Welcome new officers! Information for the registration form has to be in to Carol by March 20 for the newsletter, with itinerary details to her ASAP. Dave estimated costs at $60/person, BOARD MEETING NOTES but after going over the figures suggested cost be raised February 19, 2011 to $65/person. Registration form should include cell phone numbers for all field trips, and leaders should The meeting was called to order by President Larry prepare a list of participants‘ cell phone numbers for all Purchase at the home of Wenonah and Larry Purchase. participants. Janet is working on her June 17-19 field trip Board and GSOC members present included Larry to the coast, and she is requested to have her details for Purchase, Rik Smoody, Beverly Vogt, Richard ‗Bart‘ the registration form to Carol by April 20, with other Bartels, Dave Olcott, Janet Rasmussen, Carol information to Carol ASAP. Rik will have his Hasenberg, Tara Schoffstall, Rosemary Kenney, Doug President‘s Trip in August and is asked to get his Rasmussen, Dawn Juliano, Jane Walpole, Julia Lanning, information to Carol by June 20. Paul Edison-Lahm‘s Antonella Mancini, and Wenonah Purchase. The minutes Portland building stone trip could be held in the fall—or of the December 11, 2010, meeting were approved. in July if he prefers. Clay has offered to work with Paul if needed. Information about that trip has to be given to Treasurer's report was given by Bart and was Carol so she can get it into the newsletter at the approved. appropriate time.

Report on future Friday night lectures was given by Bart will have his class on rock and mineral Jane Walpole. Charlie Hammond will speak in May, and identification in May, probably on a Saturday, at the Jane is hoping to get Courtney Cloyd from the Forest Vogt/Bartels‘ house and will announce information Service to speak in April on fossil collecting regulations when available. Bart is preparing written material and on Federal lands. Janet reported on the Fossil Fest at will have lots of specimens to study. The class will Newport. It was very successful, with approx. 12 GSOC probably take most of the day, so we can figure out members attending. lunch arrangements at the house. Because of space limitations, this first class will be open to Board Plans for the March Annual Banquet were discussed. members only but may be offered again to other GSOC Thirty people have already sent in their money. Janet members. will prepare a draft of the program and circulate it among Board members for corrections and suggestions. Next meeting will be at 10 a.m., April 9th, at Rosemary Bart will send Janet all the new names he receives. Extra Kenney‘s house. ammonites can be used for table decorations or something else if suggested. Rosemary will bring the Beverly F. Vogt, GSOC Secretary The Geological Newsletter -14- March/April 2011

Editor’s Note: We’d love to thank Beverly Vogt for all Basin was the low point for a large lake that included her hard work as secretary and quite a few other Indian Wells Basin and itself, and so it collected a large important contributions to the society. Three cheers Bev! amount of salts and minerals. Alternating layers of salt and mud built up on the bottom of the lake during periods of quiet and overflow. Today the basin is NEW BOOK CORNER surface dry but the briny layers under the surface are by Dr. Paul Hammond mined for a plethora of minerals.

Brian Switer, writing in the Wall Street Journal, issue Searles Lake basin is a treasure trove of evaporite Saturday-Sunday, January 22-23, 2011, section D, page minerals, including trona, borax, halite, hanksite, 9, in an article entitled ―Rock Of Ages,‖ reviews a most sulfohalite, potash, searlesite, calcite, and many more. intriguing book, The Planet in a Pebble, Oxford, 256 Salt-loving extremophilic bacteria live in the brine and pages, $27.95, by Jan Zalasiewicz, a Welsh geologist. add a beautiful pink color to the halite crystals that form Author Zalasiewicz describes an ordinary polished in the brine. Any water that accumulates in the basin is stone, supposedly picked from the Welsh coast, and very toxic and has a high pH. The concentration of salt describes it in considerable detail—its origin, its mineral is so intense that it will kill birds that unwittingly land in content and composition, and history. The reviewer, it. Trona pinnacles which are tens of feet high created Brian Switer, concludes with the paragraph, ―Although by precipitation in the lakes history stick up in twisted the records contained within the pebble are often shapes that give the landscape an alien quality. incomplete and are not always preserved in high fidelity, they still allow us to feel the rhythms of planetary European settlers in the region recognized the economic change. In some ways the pebble is like one of the new potential of the area. In the 1870‘s the Searles Brothers computer chips, tightly packed with more information discovered that mining borax here was more profitable than one could ever surmise from gazing on its smooth than mining gold in California. They developed a 20- surface.‖ mule train system which would carry the borax to the port of San Pedro. Since this time the Searles Lake area Switer, a research associate at the New Jersey State has been owned and worked by various mining Museum is also credited with a fine book, Written in operations. Today the parent company which owns the Stone: Evolution, the Fossil Record, and Our Place in mine is an Indian Corporation. Their borax brand is Nature. called Three Elephant but the origin of the name is American, not Indian. The name is a play on the idea of a 20-mule train - three elephants must be so much more Searles Lake Story robust than the mules. The mining done today is liquid Synopsis of the January 14, 2011 GSOC Friday night extraction – brine rich in minerals is pumped up from the lecture by Joseph Cohen, GSOC member and lower layers and used in the manufacture of products intellectual-property lawyer at Stoel Rives LLP, in such as detergents, glass and Pyrex. Portland, Oregon by Carol Hasenberg Like many other extraction industries, the economic conditions produced by the borax mining has followed a To kick off the new year, GSOC traveled south to the boom and bust cycle. In its heyday in the 1950‘s, the California Basin and Range country listening to the talk nearby town of Trona was populated by some 6000 by GSOC member Joseph Cohen. The topic of the people with high employment. Royalties from the mines lecture is an important producer of industrial minerals made this one of the richest school districts in California. and geological curiosities, Searles Lake. Located The high school had 1500 students. Today the southwest of Death Valley and south of Mt. Whitney and population of the town is 1500 with 100 high school Owens Valley, Searles Lake is part of a series of basins students. which stair-step their way down from the Sierra Nevada mountains to the low point in Death Valley. From Geology buffs have a unique opportunity to get up close highest to lowest the basins are Owens, Indian Wells, and personal with the Searles Lake treasures. Every year Searles, Panamint, and Death Valley. During the recent in early October, the lake is opened to rock hounds with series of Ice Ages beginning about 100,000 years ago, field trips conducted through the Searles Lake Gem & snowmelt produced a series of lakes in these basins that Mineral Society. This so-named Gem-O-Rama attracts occasionally spilt over into the next lower basin. Searles many people every year and there are several different The Geological Newsletter -15- March/April 2011

flavors of field trips for the mineral buffs. Joseph Cohen introduced his co-researcher Mike Full as the real Ice has attended the Gem-O-Rama and showed GSOC Age Mammal specialist and said that ―he‘s the one who photos from the events and the minerals he collected. should be giving this talk.‖

Trips offered include the Mud, Blow Hole, and Pink He then began to discuss his recent involvement in the Halite (aka Brine Pit ) trips. As their names imply, excavation of Ice Age ground sloth skeletons in Kings participants are likely to get caked by mud and salt. For Valley, Oregon (Benton County). The setting for the the mud trip, backhoes get mud from the lake and spread fossilization of these remains is the Willamette Valley, it over the ground the day before the trip. Big crystals of which is tectonic, not fluvial, in origin. The Willamette hanksite are collected from the mud by the participants. Valley is a broad basin situated between the Coast Some groups working the mud set up huge troughs of Range and Cascade Range of mountains and is gradually brine to wash off the mud. The brine is a lot less caustic sinking. Someday it will fill with water like the Puget than plain water to the crystals. Sound. It has received a lot of sediment, especially since the Ice Age Floods from Lake Missoula in Montana In the Blow Hole trip, navy demolition experts from the filled the valley on numerous occasions with backwash nearby China Lake Naval Air Station are hired to plant from those massive floods. Small offshoot valleys like charges in the ground at 600 ft depths. These produce Kings Valley served as refuges for large mammals geysers of brine which shoot crystals all over the ground during this time. surrounding the blow holes. This trip is popular because it is a lot less muddy for the participants. The Pink Ground sloths were common animals in the Willamette Halite trip travels to areas where there are pits of brine in valley during the Ice Age and did not die out until which large clusters of pink halite crystals grow. One 11,000 years ago. They originated in South America has to get in the brine under the lip of the edge of the pit during the Oligocene and spread north 3 million years to collect the crystals. Oh yes, and the brine really stinks ago when a land bridge developed between the two because the bacteria which color the crystals produce a previously separated continents (i.e., North and South sulfurous odor. America). This land bridged caused a great many mammalian species to intermix between the two These minerals collected at the Gem-O-Rama are continents. Horses, elephants, dogs, cats, and deer corroded by the humidity in the air so that collectors spread south from North America, while edentates such need to store them carefully. Cohen sprays salad oil on as anteaters, sloths and armadillos spread north from most of his, except for the halite which is sensitive to South America. that. These he keeps in plastic tubs with a desiccant. Some folks also use mineral oil to preserve their crystals. Orr cited some examples of the North American mammals which included zebra-like or ass-like horses, the huge Ice Age bison, mammoths and mastodons, EDENTATES IN THE Smilodon saber-toothed cats, Canis dirus (Dire wolf), and short-faced bears. Many of these were huge and WILLAMETTE VALLEY dangerous predators unmatched by any we have today. Synopsis of the February 12, 2011, Fossil Fest lecture, The north-bound mammals from South America ―Digging up the Kings Valley Groundsloth,‖ by Dr. included the Glyptodon, a huge armadillo that resembled William Orr, Professor Emeritus and Curator of the the dinosaur Ankylosaurus in appearance but not Condon Collections, Museum of Natural and Cultural ancestry, the Giant Anteater, and large ground sloths. History, University of Oregon These edentates were all dangerous animals in terms of by Carol Hasenberg human size and strength, but were outmatched by the North American predators. Despite this disadvantage, It‘s always a treat to attend a lecture by William Orr they were able to spread and thrive until the end of the because he makes the audience laugh as well as giving Ice Age, and may have been pushed into extinction by them excellent and interesting information about his the spread of another super predator on the scene, i.e. topic. Dr. Orr began his 2011 Fossil Fest lecture by human beings. asking the audience how they found out about the lecture and Fossil Fest. Many folks raised their hands when he Getting back to the Kings Valley excavation, Orr asked them whether they found out about it on the described the excavation site as being an old stock pond internet, or by word of mouth, but then he said that he where the land-owner had discovered some bones and found out by ―reading it on the bathroom wall.‖ He then The Geological Newsletter -16- March/April 2011

had called in the paleontological experts to sort them In fact, Orr describes the edentates in general as a ―big out. The fossils were found in a matrix of black anoxic collection of losers‖ – primitive herbivores who have a mud and the site has to be continuously pumped to keep relatively small niche in modern day fauna. Their out the water. These conditions were pretty good at descendants include the armadillo, anteaters, tree sloths, keeping vandals off the site, Orr said. The excavation and a small Asian ground sloth relative called the team worked the site one spot at a time, removing pangolin. This animal is distinct in being the only scaled buckets of sediment and screening them in a water tank. mammal but unfortunately it has been found to be edible Using this method nothing larger than ¼‖ in size was by humans. The edentates have been eclipsed by more missed. After describing the gooey site conditions Orr efficient mammals in the competitive arena of nature. joked that his part of the excavation was to ―set excavation policy.‖ His wife Elizabeth and youngest REFERENCES AND ADDITIONAL READING daughter also kept the records for the excavation. Fossil Fest 2011 Event Details, OSU Calendar includes a Some examples of some of the items found in the description of the talk: excavation included teeth, skull parts, larger bones, http://calendar.oregonstate.edu/event/49143/ finger digits, claws, and dermal ossicles of at least 3 Harlan‘s ground sloths. The teeth of a ground sloth are University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural hipsodont like those of a horse, cow or deer, and are History Condon Collections site: characteristic of animals which feed on rough forage. http://pages.uoregon.edu/mnh/Pages/condon_collections. They are high-crowned and gradually wear down over html the life of the animal. Orr estimates that ground sloths had a life expectancy of about 10 or 12 years based on Wikipedia sites: the teeth. Ground sloth teeth are also characteristically The Xenarthra page on Wikipedia dumbbell-shaped in cross section. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edentates includes anteaters, sloths, and armadillos. The finger bones found faithfully maintained the The ground sloth page on Wikipedia includes info on mammalian digit formula of 2-3-3-3-3 digits per finger. Harlan‘s ground sloth: The claws on the front feet were huge and caused the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground_sloth. animal to turn in their front feet as they walked on all The Harlan‘s Ground Sloth page: fours. Rear foot bones included knobby heel bones http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paramylodon_harlani. which aided the animal in rearing up on its hind legs. Return to the Ice Age: The La Brea Exploration Guide: The dermal ossicles are a very fascinating characteristic http://www.tarpits.org/education/guide/index.html of ground sloths. Their skin was about 2 inches thick (they‘ve found preserved pieces of it) and had these little bones imbedded in it shaped like rough diamonds. IN MEMORIAM These little bones acted like ―the metal studs in a PSU Professor Gilbert Thomas Benson motorcycle hoodlum‘s jacket‖ to protect the animal. The following is an excerpt of an obituary published in Getting back to a more general discussion of ground The Oregonian on February 6, 2011: sloths, Orr referred to another western species, the Shasta ground sloth, which was lighter in build than the ―Tom Benson was born in Los Angeles and moved to Harlan‘s. Back east the largest ground sloth, Portland as a child. He was the … grandson of Portland Megatherium, was common, and President Thomas businessman and philanthropist Simon Benson. ... Tom Jefferson was known to have dug up some of their fondly remembered camping as a Boy Scout in Tryon remains on his property. In fact, he warned Lewis and Creek State Park, as well as one of his first jobs working Clark to look out for ground sloth and elephants on their on log rafts for a local tugboat company. After attending western explorations, as he did not understand that these Stanford University, Tom spent several years as a animals were extinct. These animals all went extinct geologist for Texaco. He then earned a doctorate from about 11-12 thousand years ago. The large herbivores Yale University and began teaching in 1962 at the preceded the large carnivores into extinction. University of Oregon. In 1968 he moved to Lake Oswego and spent the remainder of his career as a professor of geology at Portland State The Geological Newsletter -17- March/April 2011

University…Remembrances may be made to the Oregon For the full text of the obituary see the Oregonian Historical Society or Portland State University.‖ website:http://obits.oregonlive.com/obituaries/oregon/ob ituary.aspx?n=gilbert-thomas-benson&pid=148426885

Geological Society of the Oregon Country Activities:

ANNUAL EVENTS: President‘s Field Trip—Summer or Fall; Banquet—March; Annual Business Meeting— February. FIELD TRIPS: About 4 per year. Fees: see field trip announcements on the calendar next page. GSOC LIBRARY: Rm. 69, Cramer Hall, Portland State University. Open 7:00 p.m. prior to meetings. PROGRAMS: Second Friday evening most months, 7:30 p.m., Rm. S17, Cramer Hall, PSU, SW Broadway at SW Mill St., Portland, Oregon. MEMBERSHIP: Per year from January 1: Individual--$25, Family--$35, Junior (under 18)/Student--$15. Membership applications are available on the website www.gsoc.org. PUBLICATIONS: THE GEOLOGICAL NEWSLETTER (ISSN 0270 5451), published monthly and mailed to each member. Subscriptions available to libraries and organizations only at $20.00 per year. Single Copies are available at $2.00 each. Order from: Geological Society of the Oregon Country, P.O. Box 907, Portland, Oregon 97207 TRIP LOGS: Write to the same address for names and price list.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE OREGON COUNTRY

The Geological Newsletter -18- March/April 2011

The Geological Newsletter “News of the Geological Society of the Oregon Country”

Volume 77, Number 3 May/June 2011

CALENDAR (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State University. Speaker Dr. Scott Burns, Professor, Department of Geology, Portland State University, will May/June Activities present ―Geology of the National Parks‖.

Friday evening talk, May 13, 2011, at 7:30 p.m., in Join GSOC members at Pizzicato Pizza, 1708 SW 6th Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. Ave., at 6:00 p.m. before the lecture for an informal (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State dinner and conversation. University. Speaker Charlie Hammond, Senior Associate at Cornforth Consultants, Inc., with 23 years of Free parking is available at Portland State University engineering geology experience, will present ―The Eldon Friday nights after 5 p.m. and Wednesday nights after 7 Mills Dam Raise‖. p.m. in Parking Structure 2 on Broadway Ave. directly across from Cramer Hall and on level one of Parking Hammond will discuss the engineering geology Structure 1, bounded by Broadway and 6th Aves. and associated with the raised Eldon Mills Dam on the North Harrison and Hall Streets. Fork of the Trask River between Tillamook and Gaston, Oregon. He will include a discussion on the seismic Field Trip to Columbia Basin and Eastern Washington stability of the dam. May 20-22, 2011- GSOC member and Field Trip Chair Dave Olcott is arranging a three day trip based in Friday evening talk, June 10, 2011, at 7:30 p.m., in Kennewick, Washington to study Columbia River Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. Basalts, Ice Age Flood features, and their impact on this The Geological Newsletter -19- May/June 2011

area. Day 1 of the trip will include a car caravan Reserve the dates for upcoming GSOC summer field featuring stops along the Columbia River and in the trips! We have two field trips in the planning stages for Walla Walla Valley. Kevin Lindsey, Senior August 2011. On Saturday, August 6, 2011, GSOC Hydrogeologist at GSI Water Solutions, Inc., with the members Clay Kelleher and Paul Edison-Lahm are assistance from members of the Walla Walla Watershed planning a walking tour of the building stone found in Alliance, will address surface and groundwater issues in downtown Portland. The following weekend, August the above valley. Days 2 and 3 will be van-based tours 12-15, GSOC President Rik Smoody is planning the guided by Terry Tolan and Steve Reidel, both Senior GSOC President‘s Field Trip, with the theme of Hydrogeologists at GSI Water Solutions, Inc., and ―Examples of Aggradation Processes as a Result of experts on Columbia River Basalt. Eruptions of Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier‖. This will be a car-caravan and camping trip which will include The fee for the trip is $70 and will include the trip some stops in Mt. Rainier National Park. Stay tuned to packet, van transportation on days 2 and 3 only, and the GSOC website and the monthly GSOC calendar for speaker honoraria. All other expenses and arrangements news regarding these trips. will be the responsibility of the participants. There is both camping and hotel options in the area for the Check the GSOC website (www.gsoc.org) for updates to participants. Since the van spots will be limited, the calendar. interested parties are also advised to get on the participant list as soon as possible. A registration form UPCOMING ACTIVITIES FROM OTHER for the trip was included in the April edition of The ORGANIZATIONS GSOC Calendar and is also available on the GSOC website. The deadline for the registration form is May USGS Oregon Water Science Center, Spring 2011 13, 2011. If you have questions or wish to reserve a Seminar Series presents ―Climate Impacts on participant spot at this time email Dave at Freshwaters: Interdisciplinary Perspectives‖ [email protected] or call (503) 695 - 5219.

Participating members should also check with Dave The Spring 2011 Seminar Series is a collaboration about the possibility of hiring caterers for their bag between USGS, Portland State University (PSU), and lunches. Oregon State University (OSU), building on the long-

standing Spring Hydrology Seminar Series at OSU. NOTE: You must be a GSOC member or guest of a USGS and PSU are excited to bring this series of member to attend GSOC field trips. You may join GSOC internationally known speakers to Portland! See the at any time, for $25. USGS-OWSC website for more information:

http://or.water.usgs.gov/brownbag/ Field Trip to the Oregon Coast near Newport, Oregon,

June 17-19, 2011 - GSOC member and Past President The Spring Climate Seminars will be held on Thursdays, Janet Rasmussen is leading a three-day trip to study generally from noon to 1 pm on the PSU campus -- Oregon coastal geology and tidepools near Newport, Cramer Hall, room 271, although one or two may be Oregon. Trip fee of $25 includes field trip guide, held at the USGS Oregon Water Science Center office. meeting hall rental, insurance and speaker honoraria. All A few extra seminars are being scheduled on Tuesdays other costs and arrangements are the responsibility of the at the USGS office, and will be posted here as part of the participants, including transportation, lodging, and Oregon Water Science Center (ORWSC) seminar series. meals. See the flyer attached to this newsletter for the Directions to the USGS office are available at registration form and itinerary. http://or.water.usgs.gov/location.html.

Future Activities  Thursday, May 5, Noon to 1 pm, 271 Cramer Hall, PSU Climate Series, ―Glacier Change and the Future There is no Friday evening lecture planned for July of Alpine Water Resources,‖ Andrew Fountain, 2011. Instead, GSOC is tentatively planning the GSOC Professor of Geography and Geology, Portland State Annual Picnic for July 17, 2011. Details will be University, Portland, OR announced in the June calendar and the July/August  Thursday, May 12, Noon to 1 pm, 271 Cramer Hall, issue of The Geological Newsletter. PSU Climate Series, ―Water Economics and Climate Change: The California Experience,‖ David Sunding, Professor, Department of Agricultural & The Geological Newsletter -20- May/June 2011

Resource Economics, University of California-- of the Maracaibo microplate, northern South Berkeley, Berkeley, CA America‖  Tuesday, May 17, Noon to 1 pm, USGS ORWSC  May 19, Ellen Morris Bishop, Columbia Gorge Series ―The Hebgen Lake Earthquake of August 17, Community College, ―Building a stairway in the 1959:, An Eyewitness Account,‖ Jack Epstein, Ivory Tower: Engaging the public with science‖ Geologist Emeritus, U.S. Geological Survey,  May 26, Jonathan Fink, Portland State University, Reston, VA Life after Geology: ―Simulating lave flows, cities  Thursday, May 19, Noon to 1 pm, 271 Cramer Hall, and academic organizations‖ PSU Climate Series, ―Water Management,  June 2, Steve Giovannoni, Microbiology, OSU, Knowledge and Adaptation:, Tensions, Legacies and Marty Fisk, COAS, OSU, ―Microbial life in the the Next Best Thing,‖ Maria Carmen Lemos, lithosphere‖ Associate Professor, School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan, Ann University of Oregon Department of Geological Arbor, MI Sciences, Winter 2011 Weekly Seminar Series,  Thursday, May 26, Noon to 1 pm, 271 Cramer Hall, Wednesdays, 4:00 to 5:20 pm in 110 Willamette Hall. PSU Climate Series, ―A Superensemble of Regional Tea and cookies are served in Cascade 200 beginning at Climate Model Futures,‖ Philip Mote, Director, 3:30 p.m.. Refer to department website for more Oregon Climate Change Research Institute and information: Oregon Climate Services, College of Ocean and http://www.uoregon.edu/~dogsci/news/about Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR  May 4 - Christine May (James Madison University),  Thursday, June 2, Noon to 1 pm, 271 Cramer Hall, ―At the Crossroads of Geomorphology and Ecology: PSU Climate Series, Dooge Memorial Lecture:, Insights into River Processes and Salmon Habitat‖ "How to Solve It", A Tribute to Jim Dooge, a  May 11 - Paul Heller (University of Wyoming), Pioneer in Water Systems Analysis, Philip O'Kane, ―Tectonic Significance of Cryptic Laramide Gravels Professor, College of Science, Engineering and Food in the Central Rockies, USA‖ Science, Department of Civil and Environmental  May 18 - Andrew Calvert (Volcano Science Center, Engineering, University College Cork, Ireland USGS Menlo Park), ―A Tale of Two Sisters:  Tuesday, June 14, Noon to 1 pm, USGS ORWSC Unraveling the 20,000 year eruptive episode that Series ―Tree-Ring Records of River Flow and built Middle and South Sister‖ Channel Dynamics, Jonathan M. Friedman,‖  May 25 - Ben Crosby (Idaho State University), Research Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey, ―Transient Landscape Adjustment‖ Boulder, CO  June 1 - Steve Day (San Diego State University), ―Recent Progress in physics-based prediction of Oregon State University Department of Geosciences earthquake shaking‖ 2011 Spring Seminar Series, Thursdays, 4:00 pm, in 108 Wilkinson Hall (unless noted below). Refer to As of this publication, the lecture schedules have not department website for more information: been announced for the Spring seminars. Do check the http://www.geo.oregonstate.edu/node/524 department website near the beginning of April for the upcoming lectures. Do check the times and locations  May 5, 2011, Hollis M. Dole Lecture in also as they may have changed. Environmental Geology, Gilfillan Auditorium, Paul Hoffman, Harvard University (emeritus) and University of Victoria, ―The Diluvian glacial controversy at the inception of climate dynamics and geodynamics‖  May 6, 12:00 noon, Burt 193, Paul Hoffman, Harvard University (emeritus) and University of Victoria, ―New records of strange oceans during and after Neoproterozoic Snowball Earth‖  May 12,, Carrie Whitehall, Central Washington University, ―The role of the Santa Marta- Bucaramanga fault system in the tectonic evolution The Geological Newsletter -21- May/June 2011

OMSI Science Pub Portland Treasurer’s report was presented by Bart. The There are now TWO Science Pubs in Portland -- one at treasurer‘s report was approved. the Bagdad Theater in Southeast, and one at Mission Report on future Friday night lectures was given Theater in Northwest. Learn about cutting-edge topics in by Jane Walpole. Jane still needs suggestions for science and technology from leading researchers and speakers for October and November. She has Charlie scientists, all while enjoying food and drinks. Hammond scheduled in May to talk about the Tyee Experience an informal atmosphere where you can Formation. Two speakers were suggested to talk about interact with experts and where there are no silly earthquakes and tsunamis. It was suggested that Scott questions. No scientific background is required; just Burns address his specialty — national parks — bring your curiosity, sense of humor, and appetite for especially Crater Lake and Mr. Rainer, which could tie- food, drinks, and knowledge! in to the President‘s Field Trip. Lecture publicity and poster placement was  ―The Mystique of Terrior: Geology, Soils, Climate discussed. Posters should highlight free parking, free and Wines in the Northern Willamette Valley,‖ admission, and that all are invited. Monday, May 2, 2011 - 7:00pm, Portland - Bagdad Annual Picnic is tentatively scheduled for Theater. Scott Burns, PhD, is a professor of geology Sunday, July 17th with two possible venues being and past Chair of the Department of Geology at checked. Portland State University, where he has been teaching for nearly 20 years. Scott specializes in Field Trips environmental and engineering geology, Neogene Floods trip, May 20-22: Dave geomorphology, soils, and Quaternary geology. discussed the itinerary of his upcoming field trip and  ―Seeing Things in a New Light: Infrared Imaging,‖ asked for input on trip logistics. He suggested Monday, June 6, 2011 - 7:00pm , Portland - Bagdad maximizing the ability for participants to observe and Theater. Join us to see the world in a ―new light.‖ listen in relaxed frame of mind by dividing the two John Lester Miller (a.k.a. Dr. Strangephoton) will speakers between the two vans and using a GSI person give an energetic presentation on the history, as the driver. Also for the sake of efficiency, he phenomenology, and applications of infrared suggested ordering catered sandwiches in advance. Carol imaging. John Lester Miller has 30 years of reminded us that the cost of trips should include both experience in the design and development of liability insurance and a contingency amount to account infrared systems for astronomy, commercial for no-shows. A request was made to have at least ten applications, military, and intelligence. He has extra field trips guides produced in addition to the two worked at Mt. Wilson and Palomar Observatories, which Rosemary archives. Rockwell, NASA‘s Infrared Telescope Facility (on Central Oregon Coast trip, June 17th-19th. Jane Mauna Kea), Martin Marietta, and the Research will email Janet to get info on how planning for this trip Triangle Institute and has been with FLIR Systems is progressing. (headquartered in Wilsonville) for over 14 years. Downtown PDX field trip: Aug 6 at 10:00 a.m. was chosen as the date and time for Clay and Paul‘s Check the OMSI Science Pub website for updates to the downtown geology field trip. Paul is interested is lectures. http://www.omsi.edu/sciencepubportland distributing cheap hand lenses to participants, and the use of a dome magnifier was also suggested. Trip leaders will need to use the microphone/speaker set-up in order to be heard. Bev offered to provide liability waivers. BOARD MEETING NOTES Pre-registration and a nominal fee will be required to cap April 9, 2011 attendance and defray the cost of the hand lenses. The trip registration form will be published in the The meeting was called to order by President July/August edition of The Geological Newsletter. Rik Smoody at the home of Rosemary Kenney. Board President’s field trip is scheduled for August th th and GSOC members present also included Rosemary, 12 through 14 . Rik is looking for aggradation sites in Jane Walpole, Paul-Edison Lahm, Richard Bartels, Bev the Mt. Rainer area and will be contacting the park Vogt, Dawn Juliano, Julia Lanning, Larry Purchase, service around Mt. Rainer which has been difficult to Carol Hasenberg, and Dave Olcott. The minutes of the contact during the off-season. February 18, 2011 annual meeting and the minutes of the Website/Internet committee: Rik is putting February 19, 2011 board meeting were approved. together a plan to move information to a new platform The Geological Newsletter -22- May/June 2011

that will accommodate a wiki. Bev will be contributing Elkhorn Mountains. The climate was also a bit an inventory of all GSOC materials. cooler and wetter than it is today New business: A thank you card was received from Ken Severin, who appreciated our gift of Dr. Orr‘s These specimens of gigantic Ice Age mammals Oregon Fossils. have surfaced a number of times in the recent past Sales item: The GSOC mugs are being re- to Van Tassell‘s knowledge. There have been two designed and re-ordered. Antonella and Tara are researching this, with Janet and Carol also consulting. finds on the Eastern Oregon University campus Janet‘s birthday was celebrated at Dawn‘s itself, in 1939 and 1979, and other finds around the suggestion by calling Janet‘s voice mail and having all alluvial fan area. Van Tassell told the crowd that members present sing ―Happy Birthday!‖ after one of the fossil finds, a Columbian (not Wooly!) mammoth tooth, was sent to a laboratory Next board meeting will be at Carol Hasenberg‘s house for carbon dating, the lab ground up the entire tooth on June 11 at 10:00 a.m. to do the test!

Meeting adjourned. Back to our story of the bones. Van Tassell received a visit from a student in January 2010 who Respectfully submitted, showed him a mammoth bone, and said, ―I can‘t tell Paul Edison-Lahm,, GSOC Secretary you where I found this.‖ Their conversation was interrupted by a phone call, and the student told Van Paleo-Noir: Bone-Hunting Adventures of Tassell that they had found more bones and he couldn‘t give Van Tassell the sample. Intrigued but a Geology Professor on an Oregon shut out of the discovery, Van Tassell heard Potato Farm snippets of the story from a friend of a friend, who Synopsis of the March12, 2011 GSOC 76th Annual showed him some pictures of two mammoth tusks Banquet lecture by Dr. Jay Van Tassell, Professor and some vertebrae that were found on the site. of Geology, College of Arts and Sciences, Eastern Oregon University, LaGrande, Oregon Van Tassell decided to look for the site of the by Carol Hasenberg discovery. His plan was to drive out in the Grand Ronde Valley and look for bulldozers. That It isn‘t pretty. It isn‘t the ideal venue for scientific morning the telephone rang and his neighbor asked research. But what does a geology professor do him, ―Do you want to go on an adventure?‖ This when he gets a call to see some Ice Age fossils that was from Jay's neighbor, who is the father of a have been unearthed by a bulldozer? He‘s talking contractor who was working on the site. Van about bones. Big bones. Mammoth bones. The Tassell grabbed his camera and went for a ride to scene of an Ice Age mystery. the site, which was a potato farm in which some site leveling was underway. The farmer wanted to ‗get Dr. Jay Van Tassell began his lecture to the GSOC rid of those things‘ and was willing to give them to banquet crowd by describing the town of La the university, but they had to come out that day. Grande, Oregon, and the fossilized remains of Ice With no time to do a proper excavation, atypical Age animals that have been found there in the past, methods had to be employed to protect and including bones and teeth of Columbian Mammoths transport the fragile tusks using materials the (a larger and less hairy cousin of the Wooly contractor had on hand. The contractor wrapped the Mammoth) and the skull of a Harlan's Ground tusks in plastic, coated them with wallboard plaster, Sloth. The town is sited on an old eroded and added reinforcing bars and fiberglass cloth for Pleistocene alluvial fan in the spectacular Grande strength. Unfortunately due to the air temperature Ronde Valley in northeastern Oregon. During the being 33°F., the fiberglass did not set up. The tusks most recent Ice Age this part of the country was not were then brought in to the university on the back of under continental ice sheets. Instead there were a pickup, and when the fiberglass and plaster were local small ice caps in the nearby Wallowa and removed, one of the tusks was pulverized except for The Geological Newsletter -23- May/June 2011

the tip, and about half of the other survived. Van NEW RULES: Putting the Federal Tassell joked that he now has a lot of samples for radiocarbon dating. Paleontological Resources Preservation Act

A number of other bones were also recovered from into Action the site by the contractor. Some vertebrae were Synopsis of the April 8, 2011, lecture by Courtney found but were clearly too small to be that of a Cloyd, recently retired, formerly Senior Geologist mammoth. They were identified as being from a for Geologic Hazards and Geologic Resources, U.S. Short-Faced Bear, and the bear‘s tail bones and Forest Service right femur were also found. The bone that the by Carol Hasenberg student had brought to Jay's lab turned out to be the right rear tibia of a mammoth – this one stood about Courtney Cloyd spoke to GSOC last month about 9-1/2 or 10 feet high at the shoulder. It was the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act, classified as a juvenile from the size and from x- which became law in 2009 and governs the rays of bones which were made by a veterinarian in collection of fossils on Federal lands. It is the La Grande. It may be from the same animal as the culmination of more than 20 years of effort and tusks, which came from a male mammoth about 17- advocated by professional paleontologists for the 20 years of age based on the girth of the tusk. preservation of the fossil record for public benefit. Another bone proved to be the radius/ulna of a very The law calls for the management of federal large male Giant Ice Age Bison. The contractor paleontological resources to be done ―using also dug adjacent to where the tusks were found scientific principals and expertise‖, and the plans to and, instead of a mammoth skull, found the skeleton inventory, monitor and use the resources must of a ground squirrel. These tiny bones are those of ―emphasize interagency coordination and a Columbian Ground Squirrel, which is not found in collaborative efforts‖. As the former manager of the the valley in modern times, as it prefers wetter and Geology and Paleontology program for the Forest colder areas around the margins of the valley and on Service, Cloyd was active in the development of the slopes above the valley floor. regulations for this law and spoke to our group about its key points, exceptions and limitations. The forensic evidence from the site revealed that these Ice Age mammals may have died in a flood Basically, the law gives a definition for and were washed into the area approximately paleontological resources, and states that these 12,700 years ago. This makes it one of the resources may not be collected on Federal lands youngest Ice Age mammoth sites found in the without a permit. A paleontological resource can be Pacific Northwest. This is close to the time that the a fossilized remain, trace, or imprint of an earliest human artifacts have been found in Oregon. organism, except for such materials that have It is possible that the mammoths survived later in specifically defined archaeological or cultural the Grande Ronde Valley than in other parts of significance which are covered by ARPA (the Oregon because early humans took routes that led Archaeological Resources Protection Act). The law them around the Blue Mountains as they migrated states particular criteria for the issuance of a down from the north. This site will likely play a collection permit and requirements for its execution. part in helping to decipher this mystery and what And it outlines civil and criminal penalties for this is telling us about the cause of Ice Age violations of the law, which had been lacking in extinctions. some earlier laws relating to fossils. The law further states that all fossil finds collected under permit on federal lands are to remain the property of the U.S. government. This is to ensure that fossils collected from Federal lands will be available for scientific research and public education through the museums or other approved repositories storing them. The Geological Newsletter -24- May/June 2011

and information from local non-profit interest An important exception to the law is for casual groups, and hope to develop mutually beneficial collecting, which some of us GSOC‘ers have done. working relationships with them. Casual collecting is only allowed on land administered by the Bureau of Land Management, The law does not prohibit anyone from writing Bureau of Reclamation, or the Forest Service. It is about fossil finds. However, Cloyd pointed out that not allowed on National Park Service lands, where disclosing the location of important finds may the collecting or damaging of any geological feature increase their exposure to the risk of vandalism or is strictly prohibited. Casual collecting is limited to theft, so this must be done with discretion and common invertebrate and plant paleontological caution. In addition to the ARPA exception for resources, so vertebrate fossils are not covered by archaeological materials, the law does not apply to this exception. Under the exception, collection must Indian lands, nor does it cover materials governed be for non-commercial personal use, collected in by the general mining law, mineral and geothermal reasonable amounts, and result in negligible leasing law or mineral materials disposal law. The disturbance of the Earth‘s surface. These concepts law also does not address private or state lands. are meant to be further defined in regulations that will be developed by the Secretary of the land being One big problem with the management system for administered (Secretary of the Interior for BLM paleontological resources is the availability of land and Secretary of Agriculture for the Forest adequate facilities for their curation. Many Service). museums cannot accept more fossils because they are full. This will be one of the challenges to Cloyd mentioned that the specific regulations administering this important law. governing casual collection and other fine points of the act are in the process of being developed by the REFERENCES AND ADDITIONAL READING Department of Agriculture for the Forest Service; the current unofficial target date for publishing draft A copy of the Paleontological Resources regulations is March 31, 2012. They will cover the Preservation Act can be obtained from the BLM definitions of some of the concepts, permitting website (www.blm.gov) by googling the following procedures, curation of finds, and criminal and civil keywords: ―paleontological resources preservation penalties. subtitle D‖ or by clicking this really long link: http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/medialib/blm/wo/Pl Non-profit local organizations such as GSOC and anning_and_Renewable_Resources/coop_agencies/ NARG (North American Research Group) can play paleontology_library/paleon_legis.Par.45651.File.d a part of the management of paleontological at/PL-111-011-prpa.pdf resources. They are allowed to do the casual collecting as long as it is for the member‘s personal The Omnibus Public Land Management Act of use. They also may apply for a permit to excavate a 2009 contains the Paleontological Resources find following the criteria and requirements of the Preservation Act and is overviewed on the law. Also, if members spot a vertebrate or rare Wikipedia website: invertebrate or plant fossil, they can report its http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omnibus_Public_Land existence to the administrating entity. The rule of _Management_Act_of_2009 thumb ―if it‘s a bone leave it alone‖ applies here. The Forest Service and BLM welcome questions

The Geological Newsletter -25- May/June 2011

Geological Society of the Oregon Country Activities:

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE OREGON COUNTRY

The Geological Newsletter -26- May/June 2011

The Geological Newsletter “News of the Geological Society of the Oregon Country”

Volume 77, Number 4 July/August 2011

The Geological Society of the Oregon Country Past Presidents: P.O. Box 907, Portland, OR 97207-0907 Larry Purchase – 360/254-5635 www.gsoc.org [email protected] 2011 - 2012 Administration: Carol Hasenberg – 503/522-4249 President: [email protected] Rik Smoody - 360/546-2019 Newsletter Editor and Calendar: [email protected] Carol Hasenberg – 503/522-4249 Vice-President: [email protected] Jane Walpole – 503/590-7501 Website: [email protected] Janet Rasmussen − 541/753-0774 Secretary [email protected] Paul Edison-Lahm – 971/404-6064 Business Manager: [email protected] Jan Kem − 503/246-2275 Treasurer [email protected] Richard Bartels − 503/292-6939 Assistant Business Manager: [email protected] Anne O‘Neill - 503/477-7827 Directors: [email protected] Anne O‘Neill (1 year) - 503/477-7827 Field Trip Committee Chair [email protected] Dave Olcott– 503/695-5219 Dawn Juliano (2 years) - 503/367-7708 [email protected] [email protected] Julia Lanning (3 years) – 503/201-8022 VISITORS WELCOME AT ALL MEETINGS [email protected]

CALENDAR picnic at 11:00 a.m. Plan an hour‘s driving time from Portland.

July/August Activities For information about the picnic site see the Larch Mountain picnic area page on the Forest Service There will not be Friday night talks in July or August for website. You will need a $5 day-use permit or a FS 2011. Have a nice summer and attend one of our field recreation pass to park there. Day-use permits may not trips! be available on site according to our information. For more information on Forest Service recreation passes GSOC Annual Picnic (and alternatives) see the FS Region 6 Recreation Passes & Permits page. To purchase a day-use permit or FS The GSOC Annual Picnic will be held on Sunday, July recreation pass online or through a Forest Service outlet 17, 2011. This year‘s picnic will be a total potluck event see Discover Your Northwest Store and Store Locations. at the picnic area atop Larch Mountain in the Columbia They are also available from some commercial River Gorge. Bring your own food and beverages and establishments such as REI and Big Five. They are not we will provide the plates and plastic utensils. It also available at the Nature of the Northwest store anymore. wouldn‘t hurt to bring your own chairs and perhaps a In the event that Larch Mountain remains closed due to card table if you have one, as the available picnic tables prolonged snowpack we will announce an alternate are scattered. The picnic will begin at 12:00 noon and location on the GSOC website. However, at this point there will be a brief GSOC board meeting before the the Forest Service believes that the road will be open before our picnic date. Check to the GSOC website the The Geological Newsletter -27- July/August 2011

day before the picnic for final confirmation of the entrance to the park, not even as far as Ashford. It's in a location, or call another member who has done so. forest. RV or tent. All spots are within easy walk of each other. There are picnic tables and fire rings. The directions to Larch Mountain on the website are really lousy, so here are some better directions courtesy Other campgrounds, B&Bs and motels are available in Dave Olcott: the area. Without staying in any of them, Rik made note Traveling east on I-84 from the Portland area, take Exit of several, and later found that Google maps knows of 22 (Corbett). Travel 1.6 miles up Corbett Hill Road to each one. The Cougar Creek and Ohanapecosh the intersection with the Historic Columbia River campgrounds within the Park have smaller spaces and Highway - turn left onto the old highway. Travel more restrictions. Trip Advisor site has pages on Mt. approximately 2 miles to Larch Mt. Road (go straight). Rainier attractions and lodging. Call Rik or Carol If you go left at this point you will end up at the Vista Hasenberg (503/522-4249) if you have questions about House. Proceed 14 miles up Larch Mt. Road to the upper other camping or lodging. parking lot. Some Dining ideas: For more geology info on Larch Mountain refer to the  Wild Berry Restaurant, just outside the park on the USGS and Wikipedia sites. This should be an Leg A (Star Route 706). Sherpa-operated, tasty, $8- outstanding site for a picnic. 13  Paradise Inn: beautiful setting. Meals upwards of Ancient Walls: A Geological Walking Tour of $20 Downtown Portland Several plausible restaurants are in Ashford.  Train car restaurant in Elbe, 8mi W of Ashford. Come see billion-year-old building stones and the fossils Venison and other uncommon burgers for $13. hidden under our feet. Join us Saturday, August 6th at  Smaller burger joint across the road from the train 9:00 a.m. at Pioneer Place Mall in the food court in front cars. ~$6 of Paradise Bakery (700 SW 5th Avenue — parking at  Enumclaw has a full selection of fast food and others 4th and Yamhill — accessible by bus and MAX) for a for Sunday on the way out two-and-a-half-hour outdoor walking tour of downtown Portland‘s geological mysteries and oddities. Bring good walking shoes, water, sunscreen and clothing for a cool, NOTE: You must be a GSOC member or guest of a but possibly rapidly warming summer morning. Snacks member to attend this GSOC field trip. You may join are also advisable, although the trip will end at a lunch GSOC at any time, for $25. stop. Bring your own loupe if you have one. The trip is open to the public. Children under 12 must be supervised Future Activities by their parents. Cost is $5.00. Please RSVP to Clay Kelleher [email protected] by July 29. Friday evening talk, September 9, 2011, at 7:30 p.m., in 2011 GSOC President’s Field Trip: Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. “Aggradation near Mt. Rainier” (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State University. Speaker Douglas W. Larson, limnologist and

writer living in Portland, will present ―Saving Lake August 11-14, GSOC President Rik Smoody is planning Abert‖. the GSOC President‘s Field Trip, with the theme of aggradation processes near Mt. Rainier. Aggradation is For more information about Larson‘s life and work on the process by which streams deposit material. This will Lake Abert and other lake ecology studies, see be a car-caravan and camping trip which will include Oregonlive.com article from February 2011, some stops in Mt. Rainier National Park. Craterlakeinstitute.com, Craterlakeinstitute.com and

Americanscientist.org articles. Also see the December The trip registration form and itinerary are located at the 2007 issue of The Geological Newsletter for ―Doug back of this newsletter. Rik has also put together some Larson Gives GSOC a Tour Of Lake Origins,‖ an article info on camping, lodging, and dining FYI: about a previous lecture to GSOC by Mr. Larson. Camping & Lodging: Smoody's have reserved site #8 for

August 11, 12, & 13 at Big Creek Campground, a USFS campground only a couple of miles from the Nisqually The Geological Newsletter -28- July/August 2011

Join GSOC members at Pizzicato Pizza, 1708 SW 6th Every cell in your body has the same set of genes, but Ave., at 6:00 p.m. before the lecture for an informal those genes do not work in every cell in the same way. dinner and conversation. For example, your tongue cells don‘t grow hair and the cells in your eye don‘t digest food. Your cells are Free parking is available at Portland State University programmed to modify genes based on their function in Friday nights after 5 p.m. in Parking Structure 2 on the body, and some of those modifications occur in Broadway Ave. directly across from Cramer Hall and on response to the environment: genes that cause the level one of Parking Structure 1, bounded by Broadway production of pigment in your skin are activated when and 6th Aves. and Harrison and Hall Streets. your skin is exposed to sunlight, and genes that caused your fingers and toes to develop before you were born Check the GSOC website (www.gsoc.org) for updates to are inactivated for the rest of your life. the calendar. It has been thought that only mutations in the DNA UPCOMING ACTIVITIES FROM OTHER could be passed on to the next generation and that traits acquired during a parent‘s life are not passed to their ORGANIZATIONS offspring, e.g. weight lifters don‘t produce babies with

big muscles. However, recent research suggests that OMSI Science Pub Portland some genetic changes that happen over a lifetime are There are TWO Science Pubs in Portland -- one at the heritable. That is, while it may be true that ―you are what Bagdad Theater in Southeast, and one at Mission you eat,‖ it may also be true that ―you are what your Theater in Northwest. Learn about cutting-edge topics in mother ate.‖ science and technology from leading researchers and scientists, all while enjoying food and drinks. Epigenetics is the study of genetic changes that are based Experience an informal atmosphere where you can on mechanisms other than changes in the underlying interact with experts and where there are no silly DNA and it is changing the way scientists look at questions. No scientific background is required; just disease risk and treatment. At this Science Pub, come bring your curiosity, sense of humor, and appetite for find out about new discoveries in genetics and how they food, drinks, and knowledge! might affect you or your kids.

The Big Bang and Beyond: A Beginner's Guide to the Lisa Sardinia,PhD, JD, is associate professor of Universe biology at Pacific University and associate director of Monday, July 11, 2011 - 7:00pm the Pacific Institute for Ethics and Social Policy. Portland - Bagdad Theater

What does the Universe look like and what is our place Check the OMSI Science Pub website for updates to the in it? How is it evolving and what did it look like in the lectures. http://www.omsi.edu/sciencepubportland distant past? What will it be like in the future? Join Willamette University physics chair and cosmologist Dr. Rick Watkins in an exploration of the Universe and its evolution. BOARD MEETING NOTES

Demon Fish: Travels Through the Hidden World of June 11, 2011 Sharks Tuesday, July 26, 2011 - 7:00pm The meeting was called to order by President Rik Portland - Mission Theater Smoody at the home of Carol Hasenberg. Board and One week later than usual! GSOC members present also included Jane with author Juliet Eilperin, the national environmental Walpole, Paul-Edison Lahm, Richard ‗Bart‘ Bartels, reporter for The Washington Post. Bev Vogt, Julia Lanning, Larry Purchase, Carol Hasenberg, Dave Olcott, and Jan Kem. The minutes Epigenetics: The Merger of Nature and Nurture of the April 9, 2011 board meeting and the minutes Tuesday, August 16, 2011 - 7:00pm of the May 14, 2011 special board meeting were Portland - Mission Theater Can your genes learn by experience? approved with the following corrections: the annual picnic will be held in July instead of a regular

The Geological Newsletter -29- July/August 2011

meeting; and the Downtown PDX field trip will speakers and tour speakers will automatically be start at 9:00 am. granted a one year membership, so Bart will need to Treasurer’s report: Treasurer‘s Report was be provided with the speakers‘ addresses so he can approved. collect this information. Jan also requests that any names of prospective members be sent to him, so Events that he can send them a free copy of the newsletter. Friday night lectures: Jane has arranged to have (This also assists in reaching the 200 piece bulk Doug Larson speak on ―Saving Lake Abert‖ in mail requirement.) September. Scott Burns will speak in November. Website/Internet committee: Rik continues to look Other speakers with dates yet to be arranged include for a wiki server that will have an appropriate Charlene Montierth from Clark College, Richard privacy policy so that some information, such as Waite from CVO, and Rob McCaffery from PSU. A officer‘s duties and a list of GSOC property, can be larger room may be needed for Drs. Waite and viewed by board members only. Rik has the Burns. Bev suggested bringing the ―chatterbox‖ password for members who want to post items of microphone to address the problem of people in the geological interest on the ―GeoSociety Oregon‖ back having trouble hearing. Facebook account. This would also allow any Publicity and poster distribution: Board discussed inappropriate Facebook comments to be monitored more efficient and effective means of publicizing and deleted. Friday night lectures. Sales items/mugs: GSOC will be getting some new mugs ordered soon with the GSOC logo on them. Field Trips Next board meeting will be held at the annual Neogene Floods trip recap: Seven field guides from picnic, Sunday July 17th at 11:00 a.m. the trip remain. Dave‘s proposal to price them at $35 each was approved (with that price to be Meeting adjourned. discounted later at the next annual meeting). Dave will also establish a price for his own guide later. Respectfully submitted, Central Oregon Coast Trip. Bart reports that this Paul Edison-Lahm,, GSOC Secretary field trip is full! Downtown PDX field trip: Field trip price will be $5 RAISING A DAM FOR BARNEY per person. RESERVOIR AND WASHINGTON President’s Field Trip. Rik will do a dry run this weekend and check out campsite availability and COUNTY’S WATER SUPPLY get info to Carol for newsletter. Carol will assist in Synopsis of the May 13, 2011, lecture by Charlie looking for group campsites. Speakers may include Hammond, geologist, Cornforth Consultants Pat Pringle and a geologist from University of by Carol S. Hasenberg Washington. Annual Picnic will be held July 17th at noon. Picnic Charlie Hammond, son of long-time GSOC member is potluck, BYOB & BYOM. Julia and Ann will and PSU professor emeritus, Paul Hammond, is a work to coordinate plates/utensils, etc. Our next respected geologist in his own right, and has been board meeting will be held before the picnic at employed by Cornforth Consultants, a local 11:00 a.m. geotechnical engineering firm, since the late 1980‘s. He spoke to GSOC this past May about an Old and New Business interesting local project he was involved with in the Newsletter distribution and membership issues. mid to late 1990‘s – the raising of the Eldon Mills Jan‘s suggestion to drop members who haven‘t paid Dam. This earthen dam impounds water in Barney their dues since 2009 from the mailing list was Reservoir, which is one of the principal sources of approved... Jan will forward the list of the twenty- water for Washington County‘s Joint Water two members who haven‘t paid for 2011 to Rik who Commission, which supplies water to the cities of will send them nice reminder emails... Friday night Forest Grove, Hillsboro, and Beaverton. The Geological Newsletter -30- July/August 2011

the reservoir 50 feet. The new dam also has a weir- The original earthen dam for Barney Reservoir was type spillway built over the summers of 1969 and 1970 and impounded 4000 acre-feet of water in the high point The earthquake design called for the new dam to of the Coast Range on the North Fork of the Trask withstand accelerations of 0.3g. Laboratory cyclic River. It is located several miles west of Hagg Lake testing (shake testing) showed that the saprolitic and is a bit off the beaten track, as one must travel layer beneath the dam could theoretically liquefy at many miles on gravel roads to get there. The this intensity, so under the new construction the original dam was 72 feet high, had an earth-fill core layer was removed and replaced with rock fill. The with a sand chimney drain to control seepage earthquake modeling performed for the new dam through the structure – a sloped sand layer in the showed that it is stable under the design load when middle of the dam directed water down to the base the reservoir is full. One consequence exists due to and out the bottom. The spillway for this old dam the old dam and its underlying saprolite, when the was a ―glory hole,‖ or long pipe which had a reservoir is drawn down there is potential instability downstream outlet from the dam (kind of like a in the area of the old dam on the upstream side of bathtub drain). the new dam. But since the reservoir is lowered this would not result in an uncontrolled release of water. The water commission hired Cornforth Consultants to design a dam capable of impounding 20,000 Definition acre-feet of water. Because of the dam‘s remote ―saprolite – A soft, earthy, typically clay-rich, location, material for the new structure had to come thoroughly decomposed rock, formed in place by from the surrounding area, and Hammond was chemical weathering of igneous, sedimentary, and involved in the categorization of the local geologic metamorphic rocks. It often forms a layer or cover layers and the determination of their suitability for as much as 100 m in thickness, esp. in humid and use in the dam construction, and also the problems tropical or subtropical climates; the color is that local geology will pose in the design of the commonly some shade of red or brown, but it may dam. Cornforth also worked with the respected firm be white or gray. Saprolite is characterized by Geomatrix, who did the seismic hazard study for the preservation of structures that were present in the dam site. unweathered rock.‖ – Glossary of Geology, Fifth Edition, American Geological Institute. The local geology contained sedimentary and volcanic layers from the Eocene, which included the References and Additional Reading: Yamhill Formation (marine sediments), Siletz River Volcanics, and Tertiary intrusive dikes and sills. Cornforth Consultants website: There were also some Quaternary colluvium and http://www.cornforthconsultants.com/projects- saprolite. The most promising material for use in earth-dams-barney.htm the construction of the dam was the intrusive rock which could be used to fill the new part of the dam. Joint Water Commission Home page: The most problematic material was the saprolitic http://www.jwcwater.org/Index.asp?pgid=1 sandy silt lying typically between 4 to 30 feet directly under the dam. City of Beaverton‘s Drinking Water Supply page: http://www.beavertonoregon.gov/departments/ecd/u The design for the new dam called for its tilities/drinkingwatersupply.aspx construction on the downstream side of the old dam with borrow materials taken from upstream and downstream of the dam area. The new construction was designed to be rock fill with a new chimney drain. The new dam raised the normal water level in

The Geological Newsletter -31- July/August 2011

monitor motion on the North American Plate in Cascadia Subduction Zone is order to study the subduction zone. North of the border, Roy Hyndman and Kelin Wang of the Giving Us the “Slow Slip” Geological Survey of Canada were conducting studies of the overriding plate in order to determine Synopsis of the June 10, 2011, lecture by Evelyn the extent of the ―locked zone,‖ which would be the Roeloffs, Research Geophysicist for the USGS area of the plate boundary to rupture in a Earthquake Science Center in Vancouver, megathrust event. Their colleague Herb Dragert Washington installed a network of continuous GPS stations to by Carol S. Hasenberg monitor crustal deformation.

Things have come a long way since the 1980‘s with An interesting phenomenon was observed when earthquake research in the Northwest. Back then, Dragert carefully analyzed his GPS data. The plate tectonics was a relatively new geologic overriding North American plate, which was discipline, and scientists mostly relied on the steadily being pushed east with the converging Juan historical record to determine the seismicity of a de Fuca/Explorer/Gorda Plate system, would region. Oregon was thought to be a region of little periodically reverse motion and move to the west seismic hazard. over a period of several days. These slip events, on the order of a few millimeters, occurred about every Earthquake scientist Evelyn Roeloffs began her 14 months. Not only that, but low frequency lecture to a packed Cramer Hall S17 last month tremors were found to coincide with these slip with a quote from former State Geologist, founder events. Dragert was convinced that these slip events of PSU Geology Department and GSOC Past were really important in the study of subduction President John Eliot Allen in 1983, who had stated plate movement, and continued to do studies of that ―We in the Northwest may have to live with them. The events have now been studied for about volcanic eruptions but we hope that the (U.S. one and a half decades, primarily in the Pacific Geological) Survey's vulnerability map is correct northwest and Japan where instrumentation arrays and that we will not also have to look forward to are more robust. large earthquakes as well.‖ The slow slips observed in the CSZ were found to As we all know now, the hopes of Dr. Allen were occur in a region east of what was believed to be the not realized. Some excellent work done by a locked zone, and at depths of between 30 and 40 km number of researchers, most notably by Brian of depth, the bottom of which coincides with the Atwater, showed that Oregon, Washington, British Moho boundary for the North American continent. Columbia, and the northern part of California are The slow slip periods, referred to as ETS or periodically affected by megathrust earthquakes ―Episodic Tremor and Slip‖ by Dragert, are so along the Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ). The named because tremors always accompany the slip. terror caused by these enormous earthquakes has ETS events do not usually occur on the entire CSZ been brought home to us in the last decade by at the same time. There are three distinct regions, modern media coverage of three such quakes that denoted from north to south as the Wrangellia, struck Indonesia in 2004, Chile in 2010, and Japan Siletzia, and Klamath Zones. Average times in 2011. between ETS events are 14 months in Wrangellia, 22 months in Siletzia, and 8 months in Klamath. These events have caused more research efforts to be made in the Pacific northwest, and new types of The events in the northern region have been well- instrumentation has facilitated this research. A studied by Dragert and other researchers. In the US number of scientists including OSU‘s Chris the PBO, or Plate Boundary Observatory funded by Goldfinger and CWU's Tim Melbourne began to the National Science Foundation, provides use Global Positioning System (GPS) data to instruments installed and operated by the non-profit The Geological Newsletter -32- July/August 2011

group UNAVCO to study Cascadia, including the Detailed information about these slip events first borehole strainmeters in Oregon, Washington, continue to give researchers food for thought about and on Vancouver Island. The strainmeters are the physical mechanisms that characterize about 10 feet long and are cemented into the subduction zone movement, and perhaps someday, bottoms of boreholes 500-800 feet deep to isolate of providing means of predicting or warning them from surface ―noise‖. The tremor and borehole populations of megathrust events. Roeloffs's strainmeter data imply that Wrangellia slip events research at USGS is focused on improving methods tend to start south and propagate north (Puget sound for interpreting borehole strainmeter data. to Vancouver island), but sometimes start in the middle and propagate north and south. Different Definition analyes of daily GPS positions show slow slips Moho – Short for Mohorovicic discontinuity. The going into the locked zone or staying east of the Moho boundary is defined by the depth at which locked zone. Tremors are centered in regions seismic P-waves abruptly change velocity from immediately adjacent to regions of slip, so that there about 7 km/s above the zone to about 8 km/s below seems to be a relationship between the tremors and the zone. It represents either a compositional change propagation of the slip. or a phase change in the rock structure due to the heat and pressure conditions at this depth. The These slip events have also been observed in depth of the Moho is about 5-10 km below the subduction zones in Japan and other areas. They oceanic crust and about 40-70 km below the are particularly prevalent where younger crust continental crust. – adapted from the Glossary of subducts beneath a continent, and there is variation Geology, Fifth Edition, American Geological of the timing and tremors accompanying the Institute. slippage. The physical processes which govern the slippage and tremors vary by rates of convergence, References and Additional Reading: metamorphic processes of the crustal composition, Joan Gomberg and the Cascadia 2007 and Beyond amounts and types of fluids from these processes, Working Group, ―Slow-slip phenomena in Cascadia plate boundary geometry and other parameters. from 2007 and beyond: A review,‖ GSA Bulletin; Studying the phenomena is also difficult because July/August 2010; v. 122; no. 7/8; p. 963–978; doi: very sensitive (and generally expensive) arrays of 10.1130/B30287.1; 10 figures, Published online instrumentation are required. GPS sensors can just March 29, 2010; doi:10.1130/B30287.1. This article barely register the movements, but more sensitive summarizes the state of knowledge on slow slip borehole strainmeters are expensive and their data is phenomena. harder to interpret So far the instrumentation has also been limited to land-based sensors but some The Plate Boundary Observatory page on the oceanic sensors are planned. UNAVCO website is loaded with information about this important research endeavor. There is also the Of course the most important question about slow new PBO website. All PBO data are freely available slip events is, how are they related to megathrust and their use by students and the public is earthquakes? It is clear that slip events, which over encouraged. the course of their movement, generate slippage equivalent to that of a M6+ earthquake, are a Herb Dragert‘s Page for the Geological Survey of mechanism by which a lot of the strain in the plate Canada has a list of his important papers about ETS boundary zone is released. However, they also are and related studies. believed to load the locked zone with additional strain. Earthquake scientists are working on lab and Quote from John Eliot Allen can be found on Beth computer models of the subduction processes by Casper, ―Danger lurks below in Oregon (Cascadia which they can simulate plate convergence and Subduction Zone)‖ Statesman Journal, September generate data that agrees with observed phenomena. 15, 2005 and is published on the freerepublic.com website. The Geological Newsletter -33- July/August 2011

Geological Society of the Oregon Country Activities:

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE OREGON COUNTRY

The Geological Newsletter -34- July/August 2011

The Geological Newsletter “News of the Geological Society of the Oregon Country”

Volume 77, Number 5 September/October 2011

The Geological Society of the Oregon Country Past Presidents: P.O. Box 907, Portland, OR 97207-0907 Larry Purchase – 360/254-5635 www.gsoc.org [email protected] 2011 - 2012 Administration: Carol Hasenberg – 503/522-4249 President: [email protected] Rik Smoody - 360/546-2019 Newsletter Editor and Calendar: [email protected] Carol Hasenberg – 503/522-4249 Vice-President: [email protected] Jane Walpole – 503/590-7501 Website: [email protected] Janet Rasmussen − 541/753-0774 Secretary [email protected] Paul Edison-Lahm – 971/404-6064 Business Manager: [email protected] Jan Kem − 503/246-2275 Treasurer [email protected] Richard Bartels − 503/292-6939 Assistant Business Manager: [email protected] Anne O’Neill - 503/477-7827 Directors: [email protected] Anne O’Neill (1 year) - 503/477-7827 Field Trip Committee Chair [email protected] Dave Olcott– 503/695-5219 Dawn Juliano (2 years) - 503/367-7708 [email protected] [email protected] Julia Lanning (3 years) – 503/201-8022 VISITORS WELCOME AT ALL MEETINGS [email protected]

CALENDAR Join GSOC members at Pizzicato Pizza, 1708 SW 6th Ave., at 6:00 p.m. before the lecture for an informal September/October dinner and conversation. Activities Free parking is available at Portland State University Friday evening talk, September 9, 2011, at 7:30 p.m., in Friday nights after 5 p.m. in Parking Structure 2 on Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. Broadway Ave. directly across from Cramer Hall and on level one of Parking Structure 1, bounded by Broadway (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State th University. Speaker Douglas W. Larson, limnologist and and 6 Aves. and Harrison and Hall Streets. writer living in Portland, will present ―Saving Lake Abert‖. Friday evening talk, October 14, 2011, at 7:30 p.m., in Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. For more information about Larson’s life and work on (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State Lake Abert and other lake ecology studies, see University. Speaker Roger Denlinger, USGS Cascades Oregonlive.com article from February 2011, Volcano Observatory, will present "Catastrophic Craterlakeinstitute.com, Craterlakeinstitute.com and inundation and slow drainage: the story of the Missoula Americanscientist.org articles. Also see the December Floods". 2007 issue of The Geological Newsletter for ―Doug Larson Gives GSOC a Tour Of Lake Origins,‖ an article Denlinger will present his computer model of the about a previous lecture to GSOC by Mr. Larson. outburst floods from Pleistocene glacial Lake Missoula, The Geological Newsletter -35- September/October 2011

and compare the results to field observations of the along well. He will write a thank you letter to Doug actual results of the floods. For a recent article about the Magedanz of the Architectural Heritage Center for models, see Oregonlive.com. the gift of two pieces of Meier & Frank ―Georgian Room‖ marble and send a link to the ―Virtual Tour‖ Future Activities for the GSOC website. Rik announced that the President’s field trip planning is also moving apace. Friday evening talk, November 11, 2011, at 7:30 p.m., in Rik has booked Pat Pringle for Friday and Chris Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. Magril for the White River Saturday, but is still (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State looking for an expert for Sunday. Additional University. Speaker Scott Burns, Portland State campground information will be covered in the University professor of Geology, will present ―Our National Parks‖. newsletter.

Friday, December 9, 2011, will be the night of the 3rd Old and New Business Annual GSOC Christmas Party. The party will be held in Business manager report: Jan announced that the lieu of the December Friday night meeting and projector is now being kept at Bart’s house. Since attendance will be limited to GSOC members and their Jan is going on vacation, Assistant Business guests. The location will be at the Simon Benson House Manager Ann will do the newsletter for September on the Portland State University campus. The program and October. will include slide shows of this year’s field trips, food Mugs: Carol reports that the GSOC mugs should dishes-to-share as provided by the attending members, arrive next week. A consensus was not reaching on and music. Donations to help cover the venue rental are mug pricing and that question was tabled. being accepted by GSOC Treasurer Richard Bartels. Food and other contributions to the event will be Website/Internet committee: Rik has found the coordinated by GSOC Director Anne O’Neill. answer to the question: where do we keep our online data (job duties, newsletter copies, inventory Check the GSOC website (www.gsoc.org) for updates to list, membership list, etc.): Google docs. Motion the calendar. approved to port these documents to Google docs and report back to the board at the next meeting. Board Votes by Email: Paul asked how the BOARD MEETING NOTES Secretary should record the results of board July 17, 2011 decisions made by email. Motion for email voting protocol approved as follows: The meeting was called to order by President Rik 1. The board member who initially called the Smoody at the home of Dave Olcott who graciously board vote by email will record the decision, offered his home when today’s annual picnic was the vote tally and the presence of quorum in rained out. Board and GSOC members present also an email tagged in the subject line. The included Paul-Edison Lahm, Richard Bartels, Bev Secretary will then upload this email to Vogt, Julia Lanning, Dawn Juliano, Anne O’Neil, Google docs. Larry Purchase, Carol Hasenberg, Janet Rasmussen, 2. At the time of approval of the minutes at the and Jan Kem. The minutes of the June 11, 2011 next board meeting, the Secretary will board meeting were approved. present the email record of the vote for approval as to form only. Treasurer’s report: Bart reported the current Carol will send an email recording the recent vote account balances to the board. Report was on mug design to Paul as an example. approved. Holiday Party (Ann): Date of party was set for December 9th, 2011 at the Simon Benson house: Field Trips  6:30 p.m.-- Dinner/buffet Janet recapped her successful Central Oregon Coast  7:30 p.m.-- ―Year in Review‖ in back room trip. Paul announced that the planning for  8:30 p.m.-- Cookies/dessert. ―Downtown Portland Geology‖ walk is coming The Geological Newsletter -36- September/October 2011

Donations will be accepted for the room rental. Breshears Musicians are encouraged to volunteer for the by Carol Hasenberg Christmas chamber players. Dress code will be ―dressy.‖ Another great trip planned by our wonderful social Next Meeting date & time: Saturday, Sept 10th, organizer Janet Rasmussen. Janet’s gift is that she 10:00 a.m. at the Smoody residence. includes really fun people-oriented activities In her Meeting Adjourned. trips without neglecting the geology and natural Respectfully submitted, sciences. We owe several great trips to her Paul Edison-Lahm, Secretary organizational skills.

The trip began at Janet’s house in Corvallis on the SMUG MUGS beautiful afternoon of Friday, June 17. There was some geology there, because Janet had gotten GSOC is proudly selling its new logo mugs. The curious about a big rock in her backyard. Turns out mugs feature a GSOC logo on each side of the cup, that this rock is of the same intrusive ―massive plus the statement 'Supporting Geology in the granophyric ferrogabbro‖ material that constitutes Pacific Northwest since 1935' and the website nearby Mary’s Peak, the highest point in the Oregon address 'GSOC.org' opposite the handle. Pricing Coast Range. The rock is harder than the schedule is $7 each, two for $13 and four for $25. surrounding Eocene Siletz River Volcanics, and so Contact Richard Bartels or Carol Hasenberg for it weathers slower and sticks out. more information. Onward and upward. Literally, as the GSOC car caravan ascended into the Coast Range on US 20 traveling from Corvallis to Newport. The route took the participants through the Siletz River outcrops and into the arch of the Coast Range, which is dominated from the Upper Eocene/Oligocene aged marine sediments of the Tyee Formation. (Those of you who went on the 2003 GSOC field trip to the southern Oregon Coast will remember that we passed through the Tyee on our way down the Umpqua Valley.) At first the sediments dipped to the east as the group traveled, but then leveled off and began dipping to the west, following the arch produced by the compressive forces in the forearc region of the Cascadia Subduction Zone.

At one particularly good roadcut exposing layers of Tyee arkosic sandstone alternating with crumbly shales and clays the group stopped to observe. The NEWPORT AT MIDSUMMER’S current explanation for these layers is that the sandstone layers, which are 3-4 feet in thickness, WEEKEND are the result of turbidites (underwater landslides) Synopsis of the ―Tidepools, Tsunamis, and from sediments coming off the Klamath Mountains, Terraces‖ trip lead by GSOC Past President Janet perhaps set off by earthquakes, and the clayey Rasmussen, June 17-19, 2011 layers represent the slow deposition of fines Guest field trip guides included Alan and Wendy between the catastrophic events. The clayey layers Niem, George Priest, Karen Driscoll, and Patrick can produce some catastrophic events of their own The Geological Newsletter -37- September/October 2011

as landslides plague the highway construction and and with similar composition to these coastal maintenance efforts along US 20. headlands, but could not see how they could have made it overland to the ocean. So the geologists On the way into Newport the group peeled off US labeled these basalts as ―Cape Foulweather Basalt‖ 20 at Toledo to take the Yaquina River route into and thought that they arrived by travelling up the town. Along this scenic drive the GSOCers passed Cascadia thrust fault or similar pathway and were the pilings of the abandoned trestle for the old related to, but not the same origin as, the Columbia Yaquina Railroad, which took a lot straighter path River Basalts. This was supported by the fact that along the river than the road does today. Arriving basalt dikes were found that had fed the formations along the historic waterfront area in Newport, the and so it was thought that these extended to the group ascended to Highway 101 and travelled north melting zone below. to Beverly Beach State Park where Janet had organized a pot luck dinner in the Group Meeting Further studies of the Columbia River Basalt Group Hall. (CRB) were conducted by professor Marvin Beeson of Portland State University and several of his The dinner featured a grilled salmon caught by highly talented graduate students, including GSOC fisherman Dave Logsdon, who was a guest of the Past President Beverly Vogt. Beeson recognized group at the meal. It was quite a feast. The dinner that CRB traveled down the bed of the ancestral was preceded by a talk from biologist Karen Columbia River to the coast. He decided that a Driscoll describing tidepool flora and fauna that the ―one-vent model‖ was more likely and that the CRB group would be seeing the following morning in the upon reaching the ocean flowed into the soft muds Otter Crest marine garden’s tidepools. GSOC on the ocean floor and then spewed forth as dikes members took in a beautiful walk on Beverly Beach and sills by hydraulic pressure from a pool below with the long midsummer light of the evening. the mud. The ―Cape Foulweather Basalt‖ has been chemically identified as being part of the Ginkgo Next morning the group woke up to a steady flow of the Frenchman Springs Columbia River drizzle. Donning rain gear and warm clothing, many Basalt. of the members got up early to visit the tidepools with Karen Driscoll. This was one of the lowest The Niems have been further studying the basalt tides of the year and so the group got to see a lot of headlands and have fleshed in details of Beeson’s good stuff. idea. The Ginkgo basalt that comprises Yaquina Head is the result of the flow filling an underwater Next the group came in from the rain for a canyon, probably an outlet of the ancestral presentation by Oregon State University professor Columbia. Where the lava flowed into the water, it emeritus Alan Niem, with assistance by his broke into quickly cooled fragments that were later geologist wife Wendy Niem. Niem explained that cemented together to form the breccia that the Oregon coast is so beautiful because the sandy comprises the base of the headland. Atop the beaches alternate with these dramatic basalt breccia sit monolithic flows that have either headlands. The headlands in the Newport area colonnade or hackly jointing patterns. Between include Yaquina Head, Otter Crest, and Cape Otter Crest and Cape Foulweather there are Foulweather. Niem first studied these formations concentric ring dikes visible in the surf. under the tutelage of his old mentor Parke D. Snavely, Jr. Between these headlands are outcrops of the Miocene-age Astoria Formation and below that the Snavely was a supporter of the ―two-vent model‖ of Nye Mudstone. These are susceptible to erosion how Miocene basalt was formed on the Oregon and since the layers dip seaward many landslides coast. Geologists of that era knew that the occur. Atop these is an angular unconformity and Columbia River flood basalts were spreading in horizontal marine terrace layers from the eastern Oregon and Washington at the same time Pleistocene, about 80,000 years old. Erosion is a The Geological Newsletter -38- September/October 2011

real problem to beach-front property owners in hermit crab while we observed it. Coralline algae Newport. Niem took the GSOC field trip out onto was abundant in both encrusting and branched the beach and pointed out all the features in the forms, as well as green anemone, purple urchins, Otter Crest area. and purple star. The author saw a sea pen lying with the other kelp and whatnot strewn about in the After a quick bite the group met former DOGAMI newly dried beach. landslide and tsunami expert George Priest at the historic Nye Beach turnaround in Newport. As described by Niem, the headland base was Through a steady drizzle the group huddled below Ginkgo breccia and this was observed by the the remains of Jumpoff Joe, a headland comprised participants. The cobbles which comprised the of the same marine terrace over Astoria over Nye. beach were weathered out of the breccia and were This feature has eroded dramatically over the last extremely rounded and polished from the wave hundred years, and has destroyed one condo project action. A bit like walking on ball bearings. A large in the recent past. Priest showed the group a sea stack of columnar basalt had distinct fan-shaped landslide hazard map that DOGAMI produced to jointing patterns. Nesting birds crowded atop it caution the citizens of Newport from getting too included cormorants and common murres. close to the edge of the bluff in their construction projects. Because it has negatively impacted The last activity done on the trip was a tour of the property values in structures perched too close, it is NOAA research vessel Wecoma stationed in a very sensitive document in the district. Newport and the recently opened NOAA headquarters there. Able Seaman Patrick Breshears After their all-day drenching, GSOC field trippers took the GSOCers aboard for the tour, and showed either retired to the nearest restaurant or hotel to them the laboratories, research and hoisting warm up and dry off. Some of the campers had equipment, ship’s engine, decks, quarters, galley quite a challenge because their tents were sitting in and the control room. Breshears had grown up in puddles when they returned to the campground. Burns, but took to sea at a young age and loves his But the ones that stayed coped with the challenges, work. and were rewarded with a dry day on Sunday, June 19. GSOC members had a very memorable trip and wish to thank Janet and all the other guest speakers The day began at Yaquina Head. The GSOC group for their time and effort. met at the Cobble Beach marine garden area and took advantage of the low tide in the mid-morning. Additional Reading: Folks who had been at the previous day’s tidepool Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge had tidbits of information on what to look for from http://www.fws.gov/oregoncoast/wildlife/seabird.ht Karen Driscoll’s tutelage and showed other m#5 participants. The Gumboot Chiton was a particularly interesting find, and one specimen ate a

The Geological Newsletter -39- September/October 2011

Geological Society of the Oregon Country Activities:

ANNUAL EVENTS: President’s Field Trip—Summer or Fall; Banquet—March; Annual Business Meeting— February. FIELD TRIPS: About 4 per year. Fees: see field trip announcements on the calendar next page. GSOC LIBRARY: Rm. 69, Cramer Hall, Portland State University. Open 7:00 p.m. prior to meetings. PROGRAMS: Second Friday evening most months, 7:30 p.m., Rm. S17, Cramer Hall, PSU, SW Broadway at SW Mill St., Portland, Oregon. MEMBERSHIP: Per year from January 1: Individual--$25, Family--$35, Junior (under 18)/Student--$15. Membership applications are available on the website www.gsoc.org. PUBLICATIONS: THE GEOLOGICAL NEWSLETTER (ISSN 0270 5451), published monthly and mailed to each member. Subscriptions available to libraries and organizations only at $20.00 per year. Single Copies are available at $2.00 each. Order from: Geological Society of the Oregon Country, P.O. Box 907, Portland, Oregon 97207 TRIP LOGS: Write to the same address for names and price list.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE OREGON COUNTRY

The Geological Newsletter -40- September/October 2011

The Geological Newsletter “News of the Geological Society of the Oregon Country”

Volume 77, Number 6 November/December 2011

The Geological Society of the Oregon Country Past Presidents: P.O. Box 907, Portland, OR 97207-0907 Larry Purchase – 360/254-5635 www.gsoc.org [email protected] 2011 - 2012 Administration: Carol Hasenberg – 503/522-4249 President: [email protected] Rik Smoody - 360/546-2019 Newsletter Editor and Calendar: [email protected] Carol Hasenberg – 503/522-4249 Vice-President: [email protected] Jane Walpole – 503/590-7501 Website: [email protected] Janet Rasmussen − 541/753-0774 Secretary [email protected] Paul Edison-Lahm – 971/404-6064 Business Manager: [email protected] Jan Kem – 503/799-6871 Treasurer [email protected] Richard Bartels − 503/292-6939 Assistant Business Manager: [email protected] Anne O’Neill - 503/477-7827 Directors: [email protected] Anne O’Neill (1 year) - 503/477-7827 Field Trip Committee Chair [email protected] Dave Olcott– 503/695-5219 Dawn Juliano (2 years) - 503/367-7708 [email protected] [email protected] Julia Lanning (3 years) – 503/201-8022 VISITORS WELCOME AT ALL MEETINGS [email protected]

CALENDAR desserts for 6 to share. Those interested to bring wine, soda or table ware please contact Anne O’Neill (503)200-9308. Donations will be accepted for the room November/December rental. Activities Schedule of Christmas Party activities: Friday evening talk, November 11, 2011, at 7:30 p.m., in 6:30 p.m. Dinner buffet Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. 7:30 p.m. Year in Review. This year’s GSOC (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State field trip leaders will present slide shows of their trips: University. Speaker Scott Burns, Portland State  Dave Olcott, “Globally Renowned Neogene Floods; University professor of Geology, will present “The May 20-22”

Geology of Our National Parks”.  Past President Janet Rasmussen, “Tidepools, Tsunamis, and Terraces; June 17-19” GSOC Annual Christmas Party  Secretary Paul Edison-Lahm and Past President Clay GSOC Members and their guests are invited to the Kelleher, “A Geological Walking Tour of GSOC Annual Christmas Party and field trip slideshow, Downtown Portland; August 6” Friday December 9th, 2011 at the Simon Benson House on the Portland State University Campus, 1803 SW Park  President Rik Smoody, “Mt. Rainier Aggradation; Avenue at Montgomery Street corner. Ham will be August 12-13” served. Members please bring vegetable, side dishes or 8:30 p.m. Cookies/dessert The Geological Newsletter -41- November/December 2011

Musicians are encouraged to volunteer for the GSOC looking into planning a three day event in the Christmas Chamber Players who play during the party; Portland area that would draw in members who contact Dawn Juliano (503)367-7708. Dressy apparel for might not otherwise go on the longer overnight field the evening is encouraged. trips.

If you would like to come but are not yet a member of Dave is working on a possible “Geology of the GSOC, you may join now and receive membership benefits throughout 2011. Portland Basin” field trip with Terry Tolan. Bev and Bart may plan a two-day trip to the Crooked River calderas. Future Activities The board decided on a tentative schedule of next Friday evening talk, January 13, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., in year’s events: Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave.  Jane’s Portland area trip August 2012 (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State  Dave’s Portland basin trip September 2012 University. Speaker TBA.  Paul’s walk for July/August 2012

Check the GSOC website (www.gsoc.org) for updates to It was also agreed that Larch Mountain should again the calendar. be the site for the annual picnic.

BOARD MEETING NOTES Upcoming Speakers (Jane): September 10, 2011 Roger Dellinger will be speaking at the October lecture on computer models for Iceland and The meeting was called to order by President Rik Missoula floods. Scott Burns will be speaking on Smoody at the Smoody residence. Board and GSOC National Parks in November. Speakers for January members present also included Jane Walpole, Paul- and February 2012 remain TBA. Rik is also looking Edison Lahm, Richard Bartels, Dawn Juliano, Anne for a speaker for the annual banquet in March. O’Neill, Dave Olcott, and Antonella Mancini. Holiday Banquet (Anne): the contract has been Field Trips and Other Events signed with Portland State for use of the Benson Downtown Portland Geology Tour: House for the holiday banquet. Dinner will be a Paul thanked all who volunteered to help at the last general potluck (rather than arbitrarily assigned by minute as the number of tour participants swelled. last name) and served prior to the dessert course. The folks at Fossil Cartel are excited to work with Anne will bring spiral ham. Musicians interested in us again on the next walk. performing should contact Dawn. Donations will be accepted. President’s Field Trip: Rik reported that his trip was blessed with good Old and New Business weather, excellent speakers and gorgeous views of Nominating Committee: Mt. Rainer’s glaciers, dams and aggradation. The Rik will be appointing the nominating committee guide used for the trip, Pat Pringle’s Roadside for next year’s officers. Geology of Mount Rainer National Park and Vicinity, is highly recommended for anyone Mug Sales and Inventory: wanting to take a self-guided tour. A mug was presented to the speaker at the Friday lecture, and a number of mugs were sold to the Upcoming Field Trips: audience members. Jane and Janet are looking into a less structured self-guided trip to the Wallowas for next year. For her anticipated President’s Field Trip, Jane is The Geological Newsletter -42- November/December 2011

Newsletter: The board decided that alternate month mailings OWYHEE CANYON ADVENTURE will be eliminated in 2012, reducing to six the Synopsis of the October 14, 2011, lecture by annual number of newsletters. Cynthia Hovind, Geotechnical Engineer, Principal, Terra Dolce Consultants, Inc. Website/Internet committee: by Carol S. Hasenberg Minutes are now available for board members online. Please contact Paul if you are a GSOC Earlier in the year professional engineer Cynthia member and wish to read the unabridged board Hovind got a rare opportunity to visit one of the meeting minutes. most remote, beautiful, and geologically interesting corners of Oregon when she got invited to join a Next Board Meeting will be Saturday, November rafting expedition down the Owyhee River. Not 12, 2011, 10:00 a.m. at the Vogt/Bartels’ residence. only that, but she was hired to explain the geology Meeting Adjourned. to a group of Road Scholars (formerly Elderhostel) while doing the trip. The trip had only one edited from the meeting minutes provided by GSOC drawback and that was that it was cold enough to be Paul Edison-Lahm, Secretary snowing the first day of the trip, then gradually warmed as the trip progressed.

SMUG MUGS To do the job of interpreting the geology of the area, Cynthia turned to Owyhee River basin GSOC is proudly selling its new logo mugs. The geology expert Kyle House, currently of the USGS mugs feature a GSOC logo on each side of the cup, office in Flagstaff, Arizona, who has been mapping plus the statement 'Supporting Geology in the some of the geological units in the area since 2007. Pacific Northwest since 1935' and the website Kyle has been overlaying his work onto geologic address 'GSOC.org' opposite the handle. Pricing maps of the area and was able to give Cynthia the schedule is $7 each, two for $13 and four for $25. history of the basin for the last 15 million years. Contact Richard Bartels or Carol Hasenberg for more information. The Owyhee River is a 350-mile long tributary of the Snake River and occupies the remote southeast corner of Oregon. According to Orr and Orr, the Owyhee uplands has a geology that is unique and different from that of the adjacent Basin and Range province to the west. Rather than alternating high and low blocks resulting from crustal extension, this highland was formed by volcanic activity beginning in the Miocene about 15 million years ago. Geologists have concluded that this activity was produced by the same hot spot that is now located beneath Yellowstone National Park.

Three Miocene sources that have been mapped in the Owyhee uplands include the Mahogany Mountain Caldera, the Three Fingers Caldera, and the Saddle Butte Caldera. Both rhyolitic and basaltic flows came from these sources.

After a period of volcanic quiescence and erosion, the area was again the scene of much volcanic The Geological Newsletter -43- November/December 2011

activity in the Late Cenozoic, about 1.8 million trip we’re sure she’ll never forget. years ago. Many Late Cenozoic lavas have been mapped by House, including the Bogus Rim, Additional Reading: Greeley Bar, Clarks Butte, Saddle Butte, West Crater, Rocky Butte, and Coffee Pot lavas. These Cynthia Hovind’s Geotechnical Engineering site: flows were responsible for repaving the plateau by http://www.terradolceconsultants.com/ producing a capping basalt layer, damming the Owyhee River in several places forming lakes that Cynthia Hovind’s photography site: are now breached, and failing the sides of the http://www.terradolcephotography.com/ canyon in massive landslides. Kyle House’s blog with lots of geologic maps: After the Miocene volcanics and until about 8 http://owyheeflotsam.posterous.com/ million years ago, there were also a number of lakes in the area created in crustal extension basins in Geology of Oregon, 5th ed., by William N. Orr and which a lot of volcanic sediments were deposited. Elizabeth L. Orr, Kendall/Hunt Pub. Co., 1999. The many layers of volcanic lava that can be seen in the sides of the canyon alternate with the massive Learn More About Oregon’s Geology web page: lake bed deposits, making the Owyhee canyon one http://www.oregon.gov/DOGAMI/learnmore/learn of the most spectacular and varied geological more.shtml has a map showing the geologic wonders of the state. provinces of Oregon (from Orr and Orr).

Floating down the river to enjoy the astonishing Owyhee Wild and Scenic River BLM site: beauty, the Road Scholars group encountered a http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/site_inf number of rapids, hot springs, and old farms which o.php?siteid=317 have been “grandfathered” into the Wild and Scenic River. The low point of the trip for Hovind was OPB recently showed some film footage of Leslie getting thrown from the raft in the Bulls Eye Rapids Gulch and Mahogany Mountain in the airing of and being rescued about a half of a mile Oregon Field Guide on October 20, 2012, and this downstream. Due to its flow characteristics the episode is available on the OPB website river is not runnable in hot weather, so the trip (www.opb.org). Ellen Morris Bishop was the field occurred in the early part of May which is still trip leader on the filmed expedition. pretty cold in that region.

Nevertheless the rafting expedition enjoyed the SAVING THE OLD variety of sights to be seen along the river. In the Rhyolite Canyon, twisted and folded rhyolitic flows BRINY formed the canyon walls. The Weeping Wall Synopsis of the September 9, 2011, lecture by Dr. featured pillow basalts where the Saddle Butte lava Douglas Larson, limnologist and writer based in flowed into a lake. Polished boulders that were Portland, Oregon thrown downstream from the lava dam breaches by Carol S. Hasenberg dotted the riverbanks in places. The canyon had beautiful colors, and in places where basalt dikes Dr. Larson has made quite a splash in the Pacific cut through lakebed sediments the patterns were Northwest by studying the history, ecology, and dazzling. Hoodoos, pillars, and basalt columns conservation of lakes in the region. He spoke to were found in many areas. GSOC four years ago about the origins of lakes in Oregon (see reprinted article below), and mentioned Highlights of the trip were shown to the GSOC in passing the work he had been doing at Mt. St. group in a slide show that demonstrated Hovind’s Helens and Crater Lake. More recently he has been remarkable photography skill. All in all it is a raft The Geological Newsletter -44- November/December 2011

studying Lake Abert, a remnant of the enormous Ice Larson and Dr. Ron Larson of the U.S. Fish and Age Lake Chewaucan in the basin-and-range Wildlife Service have prepared a paper, titled "Lake geological province of south-central Oregon. Abert: Salt lake in the high desert," which will be published in the Winter 2011-2012 issue of Larson has taken up the cause of saving Lake Abert, Lakeline magazine, the journal of the North which has few defenders as it is largely in human American Lake Management Society. terms a non-resource lake. It is intensely saline, lacks any shade in the vicinity, has a brutal desert In studying the lake’s water budget, Larson utilized climate, and the area “teems with rattlesnakes” – an records from the Chewaucan River gauging station inhospitable place. Yet, it also teems with migratory located in Paisley, which has kept records since birds which come to nest and feed on brine shrimp 1912. Other gauging records from a site in the and alkali flies when the salinity of the lake is marshes closer to the lake were used to compare optimal for the growth of these organisms. The how much water has been diverted for irrigation. problem occurs when the lake’s supply of fresh Between 1912 and 1991, an average of 105,000 water to provide optimal-habitat conditions is acre-ft of water flowed past Paisley per year but reduced. Maintaining lake elevation between 1,452 only about an average of 62,000 acre-ft made it to and 1,458 feet is essential for optimal salinity. the lake. This loss is overwhelmingly due to irrigation use. Other water sources such as direct Larson briefly reviewed the history of Lake Abert precipitation on the lake account for an additional since the arrival of Europeans to the area and their 8,000 acre-ft per year. The lake loses 40 inches of interaction with the lake. The earliest reference to water per year to evaporation. There is virtually no the lake was made by Hudson Bay employees who seepage loss due to a deep, mineralized,“hard pan” dubbed it “Salt Lake” in 1832. In the 1840’s, layer that seals the basin bottom. Captain John Fremont visited the lake as part of his survey of the Oregon Territory and named it after The elevation of the lake has fluctuated his boss, J. J. Abert. Larson noted that Lake Abert is dramatically over the past century. The lowest the only lake whose sketch is shown in the recorded elevation was 4246.6 ft. during 1924- monumental G. Evelyn Hutchinson’s A Treatise on 1937, when the lake was dry or nearly dry. By 1958 Limnology, a 4,000-page bulwark of the profession. the lake had swelled to an elevation of 4260.5 ft. with an area of 64 sq.mi. and a volume of 360,000 Since that time, there have been a number of ideas acre-ft. In 2009 the lake’s elevation was 4248 ft., and attempts to develop the lake for human needs: with a 39 sq. mi. area and a volume of 59,000 acre-  generating electricity by installing a pump- ft. Correspondingly, salinity has fluctuated with the storage hydro-electric plant amount of water available to dilute it. The salinity  mining the lake for salt has been measured as high as 200 g/L (32g/L is  diverting water for irrigation from the normal for the ocean). Brine shrimp need a salinity Chewaucan River which feeds the lake of 30-80 g/L to thrive.  building a dam for irrigation on the Chewaucan River The input of water to the lake from the Chewaucan  stocking the lake with fish (which immediately River has declined significantly since the 1950’s, died) from the Salton Sea and Larson hopes that his efforts will help to convince the public about Lake Abert’s importance.  conducting explosions in the lake to see how In 1991, the State of Oregon and the federal seismic waves work (Fortunately, this plan was government authorized a private developer to not implemented.) further impound the Chewaucan River with a higher  harvesting brine shrimp for aquaculture and earth-filled dam. The dam further depletes flows in tropical fish food, a practice that scientists claim the river, thus jeopardizing lake biota. Larson has no adverse effect on lake biota. believes that the dam should be removed, thus

The Geological Newsletter -45- November/December 2011

freeing the river and saving one of the world’s great The GSOC Friday night meeting crowd was saline lakes. entertained last month by Dr. Doug Larson and his discussion of lake origins in Oregon and Additional Reading: Washington. Dr. Larson studied the recovery and formation of lakes in Mt. St. Helens National For more information about Larson’s life and work on Monument for the Army Corps of Engineers after Lake Abert and other lake ecology studies, see the eruption in 1980. He monitored the evolution of Oregonlive.com article from February 2011, Spirit Lake during that time as well as the formation Craterlakeinstitute.com, Craterlakeinstitute.com and of Coldwater and Castle Lakes. These lakes were Americanscientist.org articles. Also see the December all formed by mudflows from the volcano which 2007 issue of The Geological Newsletter for “Doug blocked water drainage out of low areas. Spirit Larson Gives GSOC a Tour of Lake Origins,” an article Lake formed 3000 years ago but its latest location about a previous lecture to GSOC by Dr. Larson. and size are due to the massive 1980 landslide

which triggered the eruption. Oregon Field Guide episode of Lake Abert reviews

Keith Kreuz’s brine shrimp collection and the lake After discussing his work at Mt. St. Helens, Dr. ecology and conservation: Larson headed south to discuss lake origins in http://www.opb.org/programs/ofg/segments/view/1 southern Washington. He mentioned both 121 Battleground Lake and Vancouver Lake.

Battleground Lake is really unique in origin and Wikipedia page “G. Evelyn Hutchinson”, the shape – it has “bull’s eye” contours (refer to the “father of American limnology”: USGS-CVO website for maars and Battleground http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G._Evelyn_Hutchinson Lake). Vancouver Lake, a cutoff channel created

from the Columbia River, received 20 million Keith Kreuz’s brine shrimp business website: dollars to rehabilitate as part of the Clean Water Act http://www.oregondesertbrineshrimp.com/ – the largest such grant in the U.S.

Oregon tui chubs paper: Next Dr. Larson took the GSOC audience on a trip http://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/publications/pnw_gtr405/ around Oregon, reviewing some origins of major pnw_gtr405_65.pdf groups of lakes. On the central Oregon coast near Florence and Reedsport, the lakes have been formed DOUG LARSON GIVES GSOC by rising sea level and sand dune encroachment. Because they are impoundment lakes, they have a A TOUR OF LAKE ORIGINS characteristic branched shape. Most of the lakes are Reprinted from The Geological Newsletter, Volume in private hands, and show signs of human 73, Number 12, December 2007. interference. Larson showed a slide of Munsel "The Origin of Lake Lake, which has had some sand infill for home Basins in the Pacific sites, and also a slide of the ineffectually tiny buffer Northwest" was the zones from clear cuts around Siltcoos Lake, which topic of a slide show by is a municipal water supply. Clear Lake, another Dr. Doug Larson, an such water supply lake south of Reedsport, is independent scientist protected much more strictly. Cleawox Lake is also and writer, presented on interesting because there a very large sand dune is the November 9, 2007, GSOC Friday night meeting. pinching off a region of the lake due to recreational bathers using it as a slide. Editor’s recommendation: Have a copy of the DeLorme Oregon Atlas & Gazeteer, or similar Along the north Oregon coast one finds lakes in publication, on hand when you read this article. interdunal swales. Examples of this are Coffenbury Lake and Crabapple Lake at Fort Stevens State The Geological Newsletter -46- November/December 2011

Park. These lakes are long and thin and parallel to the shoreline. In the Coast Range, Dr. Larson noted Moving to northeast Oregon, Dr. Larson showed in two lakes created by landslides -- Triangle Lake an airphoto that Wallowa Lake, with its lateral and west of Eugene and Loon Lake east of Reedsport. end moraines, is a glacial trough. He also described glacial cirque lakes in the Wallowa Mountains. Moving inland, Dr. Larson mentioned a number of Then in a southward move, Larson mentioned oxbow lakes in the Willamette valley near Malheur Lake and Harney Lake, ice age (pluvial) Harrisburg, Oregon. These lakes were created by lakes which emptied into the Snake River during neck cutoffs and chute cutoffs as the Willamette their heyday. About a dozen small lakes are all that River abandoned its curvy path in favor of a more remains of the pluvial lake in Warner Valley, which direct route as it meandered across the flood plain. formed in south central Oregon’s basin and range topography. The region also boasts Lake Abert, a Next Dr. Larson described a number of truly tilted fault block lake, and Summer Lake, an spectacular lakes in or near the Cascade Range of evaporation basin. Oregon. By any standard Crater Lake, in a collapse caldera with water about 2000 feet deep, is one of Near the end of the talk Dr. Larson mentioned the world’s most spectacular lakes. Larson manmade lakes in Oregon, but as he pointed out, compared it to a lake in northern Quebec created by the word “lake” is a misnomer applied to these a meteorite strike, which would be a real “crater” reservoirs of water. Now that we have been shown lake. Newberry Crater is another caldera (not around the state by Dr. Larson’s lake tour, we crater) lake system containing East Lake and should have a new appreciation for how lakes Paulina Lake, separated by a cinder cone. Diamond originate in our state. We can consider how the Lake between Mt. Bailey and Mt. Thielsen was geology of the area affects the creation and shape of formed by lava flows and glacial action. Odell a lake. Lake, a glacial trough, is a very fine kokanee lake. Carol Hasenberg Waldo Lake, a large lake southeast of Eugene near Willamette Pass, is very special. Waldo Lake is a References and Additional Reading very oligotrophic lake with about 150 foot clarity. The water chemistry of the lake approximates that Johnson, Daniel, and others, Atlas of Oregon Lakes, of distilled water. Motorboats have been outlawed Oregon State University Press, Corvallis, Oregon, on the lake, which cannot be stocked because there 1985, 314 p. is no food source for the fish (oligotrophic means the water has few plant nutrients). The bottom of lake is covered with moss and liverworts.

The Geological Newsletter -47- November/December 2011

Geological Society of the Oregon Country Activities:

ANNUAL EVENTS: President’s Field Trip—Summer or Fall; Banquet—March; Annual Business Meeting— February. FIELD TRIPS: About 4 per year. Fees: see field trip announcements on the calendar next page. GSOC LIBRARY: Rm. 69, Cramer Hall, Portland State University. Open 7:00 p.m. prior to meetings. PROGRAMS: Second Friday evening most months, 7:30 p.m., Rm. S17, Cramer Hall, PSU, SW Broadway at SW Mill St., Portland, Oregon. MEMBERSHIP: Per year from January 1: Individual--$25, Family--$35, Junior (under 18)/Student--$15. Membership applications are available on the website www.gsoc.org. PUBLICATIONS: THE GEOLOGICAL NEWSLETTER (ISSN 0270 5451), published monthly and mailed to each member. Subscriptions available to libraries and organizations only at $20.00 per year. Single Copies are available at $2.00 each. Order from: Geological Society of the Oregon Country, P.O. Box 907, Portland, Oregon 97207 TRIP LOGS: Write to the same address for names and price list.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE OREGON COUNTRY

The Geological Newsletter -48- November/December 2011

The Geological Newsletter “News of the Geological Society of the Oregon Country”

Volume 78, Number 1 January/February 2012

The Geological Society of the Oregon Country Past Presidents: P.O. Box 907, Portland, OR 97207-0907 Larry Purchase – 360/254-5635 www.gsoc.org [email protected] 2011 - 2012 Administration: Carol Hasenberg – 503/522-4249 President: [email protected] Rik Smoody - 360/546-2019 Newsletter Editor and Calendar: [email protected] Carol Hasenberg – 503/522-4249 Vice-President: [email protected] Jane Walpole – 503/590-7501 Website: [email protected] Janet Rasmussen − 541/753-0774 Secretary [email protected] Paul Edison-Lahm – 971/404-6064 Business Manager: [email protected] Jan Kem – 503/799-6871 Treasurer [email protected] Richard Bartels − 503/292-6939 Assistant Business Manager: [email protected] Anne O’Neill - 503/477-7827 Directors: [email protected] Anne O’Neill (1 year) - 503/477-7827 Field Trip Committee Chair [email protected] Dave Olcott– 503/695-5219 Dawn Juliano (2 years) - 503/367-7708 [email protected] [email protected] Julia Lanning (3 years) – 503/201-8022 VISITORS WELCOME AT ALL MEETINGS [email protected]

CALENDAR Future Activities

January/February The Seventy-seventh Annual GSOC Banquet will be Sunday, March 11, 2011, at the Monarch Hotel in Activities Clackamas, Oregon. Speaker William Orr, Professor Emeritus and Curator of the Condon Collections, Friday evening talk, January 13, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., in Museum of Natural and Cultural History, University of Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. Oregon will present "Plowing New Ground in Oregon (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State Geology". University. Speaker Dr. Richard Waitt of the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory will present "Dark at Dr. William Orr will highlight a few of the many Noon: The 1980 Mt. St. Helens Eruption Through changes he and his wife Elizabeth chronicle in the Eyewitnesses." 6th edition of Geology of Oregon. With ordinary on-the-ground field work, several astonishing new Friday evening talk, February 10, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., in Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. discoveries have been made such as the ORE-IDA (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State graben in SE Oregon and the Crooked River University. Speaker Dr. Jim O'Connor of the USGS Caldera. He will also speak about their significance. Water Science Center in Portland will present "The Much of the Tertiary volcanism east of the Bridge of the Gods; Folklore, Forests and Floods." Cascades is now regarded to be due to the passage of the Yellowstone mantle plume beneath Oregon-a The Geological Newsletter -1- January/February 2012

major departure from earlier models of back-arc- Holiday Party and Annual Banquet spreading and Basin and Range extension. Our The discussion of whether or not to find an alternate understanding of Oregon's tectonic history of major venue for the Christmas Party was tabled until after subduction earthquakes, while not yet crystal clear, the holidays when Anne O’Neill will be present. has been greatly advanced in the last decade. The The board’s consensus was that the “Christmas new emphasis on geologic hazards as well as the Party” will henceforth be referred to as the “Holiday features on some of the geologists who have made Party.” Oregon geology what it is will also be examined. Bart is making arrangements with the Monarch The registration form for the 77th GSOC Annual Hotel for the March Annual Banquet, with a date Banquet is attached to this newsletter. Please TBA. Rik is arranging the banquet speaker. submit your registration by March 5 if you wish to attend. Old and New Business

Check the GSOC website (www.gsoc.org) for updates to Nominating Committee: the calendar. The committee nominations are as follows: President – Jane, Vice-president – John, Secretary BOARD MEETING NOTES – Paul, Treasurer – Dawn, 2-Year Director – Julia. November 12, 2011 Tara threw her hat into the ring for 1-year Director. Bart will search for a nominee for 3-year Director. The meeting was called to order by President Rik Smoody at the Bartels-Vogt residence. Board and Inventory: GSOC members present included Jane Walpole, Bev distributed inventory list for review and requested that any additions to the list be emailed to Paul Edison-Lahm, Richard Bartels, Dawn Juliano, Julia Lanning, Larry Purchase, Carol Hasenberg, her. Rosemary has old field guides she would like to Bev Vogt, Jan Kem, Tara Schoffstall, Dave Olcott, get rid of. Bart moved to put the guides for free out Rosemary Kenney and John Piccininni. at the annual banquet and then allow Rosemary to recycle any that are not taken. Julie will look into The minutes of the September 10th, 2011 board scanning the guides and report back. meeting and the treasurer’s report were approved. Meeting Minutes: Field Trips and Other Events The board reconsidered our decision at the last For her 2012 President’s field trip, Jane is arranging meeting to omit board meeting minutes from the a bus tour in the Willamette Valley. Other 2012 newsletter and voted to allow Carol to continue her tentative field trip destinations were discussed. Paul good work condensing the minutes for the requested additional guides for next summer’s newsletter. downtown geology tour and three members volunteered at the meeting. Adverts for Geology-Related Businesses: Paul will contact Oregon Dept. of Justice regarding Upcoming Speakers: our non-profit status and use of advertising in our Jane is looking for speakers for January and mailings. February 2012. Possible topics include geological dating, I-5 stabilization, and Iceland. John, our Finances: nominated Vice President for next year, will look Carol raised a concern about how to make GSOC into finding speakers on groundwater flow and break even. Fortunately, in reducing the number of fracking. newsletter mailings to 6 per year we think we will save approximately $400 and put us back in the black for 2012.

The Geological Newsletter -2- January/February 2012

Next Board Meeting will be Saturday, January 14th, that didn’t look like anything, 2012, 10:00 a.m. at Rosemary’s house. but something big discovered. edited from the meeting minutes provided by GSOC CHORUS ... Secretary Paul Edison-Lahm Here's a hilly side slope, yes it was quite a walk, Don’t forget that annual DUES Here we find an open pit, where once there was a "croc." PAYMENTS are due! Think about all those great member benefits for a mere annual fee CHORUS ... of $25 for an individual and $35 for a family! Here we come a lecturing, PS – If you joined GSOC in September or later, with Larry and Van Tassell, your 2012 dues are paid, good deal!!! Here we come a learning, it really was no hassle.

CHORUS ... Holiday Party Wrap-Up Here's a limestone monolith, our fine state's oldest rock,

and here's somebody's car part, Yes, another fascinating year was rd yes it was all the talk. marked at the 3 annual GSOC Holiday Party on December 9. Delicious food, good fellowship, and CHORUS ... great entertainment was to be had at the Simon Benson house that night. The highlight of this Here's the great Blue Mountains, year’s party was a song composed and sung by a series of terranes, GSOC member Al LePage concerning the Bev & Bart deciphered them, President’s field trip he attended in 2010: using their great brains.

"Here We Come A Fossiling" CHORUS ... Lyrics by AI LePage, Music to the tune of "Here We Come A Wassailing" Here's a camp under the stars, with rock hounds who are dear, Here we come a fossiling, with fondness just remember, among the rock so pure, that trip we took last year. Here we find a talus slope, with ammonites galore. CHORUS ...

CHORUS ... Next year Al has a short play he would like GSOC members to perform. It should be a hoot! Rocks and gems come to you, and to you a fossil, too, GSOC Treasurer Richard Bartels is still accepting Join the fun, come on field trips all around the donations from GSOC members to cover the year, society’s expenses for the Christmas party. come on field trips all around the year.

Here we find the fossil jaw, that Carol had recovered, The Geological Newsletter -3- January/February 2012

Nominating Committee current height of 14,411 feet is the highest Cascade Results volcano and is thought to have been at one time at least a thousand feet higher. About 6,000 years ago, a series of violent eruptions and explosions The following slate of officers has been selected by culminating in a violent explosion about 5,700 years this year’s nominating committee: ago destroyed the original summit. Blocks of rocks President ...... Jane Walpole and ice were thrown great distances from the Vice President ...... John Piccininni summit, glaciers melted, and numerous catastrophic Secretary ...... Paul Edison-Lahm mudflows roared down the mountain. New glaciers Treasurer ...... Dawn Juliano eventually formed, and about 2,500 years ago, Director, 3 years ...... Janet Rasmussen eruptions of lava flows and ash began to rebuild the Director, 2 years ...... Julia Lanning old, heavily damaged summit. Director, 1 year...... Tara Schoffstall Unlike many of the other Cascade volcanoes, about Nominations will be closed for this year’s slate of 90 percent of Mount Rainier’s volcanic products officers after the January meeting of the society. have been andesitic lava flows. Heavily laden rain The slate of officers will be voted on and approved clouds rising from the Pacific routinely drop large at the February monthly meeting. amounts of rain and snow on the mountain, and it is covered by numerous glaciers, 26 of which have The Nominating Committee members were Rik been named. Glacial activity has deeply eroded the Smoody, Richard Bartels, and Larry Purchase. Our mountain. The most popular entrance is the thanks to the selected members and members of the Nisqually entrance, located on the southwest corner Nominating Committee! of the park. The park headquarters are located at Longmire, which was originally settled because of the hot springs located nearby. The main road Scott Burns Tells GSOC About continues past Longmire and eventually reaches the appropriately named Paradise visitors center, with Geology Of Pacific Northwest numerous trails, a fantastic view of the mountain, National Parks and, in summer, fields of gorgeous wild flowers. by Beverly Vogt Other specific areas discussed by Dr. Burns included Stevens Canyon; Longmire Hot Springs; Friday night, November 11, Scott Burns, PSU Sunrise area on the east side; ice caves; summit geology professor, spoke to GSOC about the crater; Grove of the Patriarchs; Narada Falls; and National Parks of the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Burns, Nisqually, Carbon, and Emmons glaciers. who each year teaches a PSU geology class about National Parks, confined his GSOC talk to the Thousands of years of volcanic activity have Pacific Northwest parks. He pointed out that most severely altered many of Mount Rainier’s rocks. national parks were established because of their Rockfalls, rockslides, avalanches, debris flows, geology. mudflows, and other mass-wasting processes occur frequently on its slopes. More than 55 lahars The first park he discussed was the one closest to (enormous mudflows) originating on its steep slopes us—Mount Rainier National Park, established in and transported by water from its streams and 1899. Mount Rainier is the highest mountain in the melting glaciers have traveled great distances down Cascade Range—the north-south trending volcanic its valleys and out on the surrounding flat areas. arc that exists because of melting of part of the The longest was the Osceola Mudflow, which about oceanic Juan de Fuca Plate that is being subducted 5,700 years ago traveled down the White River and beneath the continental North American Plate. Less continued about 70 miles to the northwest, than a million years old, Mount Rainier at its eventually reaching Puget Sound. This history of mudflows has alerted geologists to the danger to The Geological Newsletter -4- January/February 2012

surrounding communities and cities, and much eruptions, including those occurring from 1914 to work has been done to develop warning systems 1921. Several of these eruptions, which were and emergency evacuation procedures. observed, described, and photographed, caused severe problems for nearby residents. The “Great Crater Lake National Park, established in 1902, Eruption” of 1915 produced a mushroom cloud over was the second park Dr. Burns discussed. Crater the mountain, a glowing avalanche that roared down Lake lies in the caldera of Mount Mazama, which the northeast side of the mountain, and a series of collapsed after a series of explosive eruptions mud and ash flows that swept down the mountain, beginning almost 7,000 years ago and culminating leaving a four-mile-long area called today the in a final devastating eruption 6,845 years ago. Ash “Devastated Area.” from that eruption was widely distributed north to British Columbia and Alberta, south to Nevada, and Other features of interest include Chaos Crags, east to Montana. The resulting caldera gradually formed as four dacite domes north of Lassen Peak filled with rainwater, forming Crater Lake, which is about 1,200 years ago; Chaos Jumbles, a rock famous for its clarity and deep blue color. The lake avalanche extending from the base of Chaos Crags covers about 21 square miles and is over 1,900 feet and probably triggered by the collapse of one of the deep. Mount Mazama probably started to develop domes about 300 years ago; Lake Manzanita about 75,000 years ago and is thought at one time to formed when Manzanita Creek was dammed by the have reached a height of about 11,000 feet, with a Chaos Jumbles rock avalanche; and numerous small shape that was broader and less steep than Mount lakes including small cirque lakes such as Emerald Rainier. Its composition is primarily dacite and Lake and Lake Helen, plus several other lakes such rhyodacite. Summit Lake that were dammed by moraines. Thermal features associated with the volcanic Features discussed by Dr. Burns included the activity include Sulfur Works with hot springs and Pumice Desert on the north side of Mount Mazama; fumaroles, Little Hot Springs Valley, Bumpass Hell parasitic Mount Scott (Scott’s favorite); Phantom with boiling springs and bubbling mud pots, and Ship and Devils Backbone, which are dikes; Llao Devils Kitchen whose hot springs are so acidic that Rock, a lava-filled explosion crater viewed from the they have eaten holes and pits into the bedrock. inside; and the Pinnacles, spires of pyroclastic This park is truly a wonderland of all sorts of material cemented by fumarolic cement (similar to volcanic features—many of which are quite recent. the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes in Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska). Moving away from volcanic terranes, Dr. Burns then discussed Olympic National Park, a classic Lassen Volcanic National Park, established in example of an accreted terrane. Established in 1938 1916, was the third park discussed. Lassen Peak, the and located on the Olympic Peninsula, Washington, 10,457-feet-high volcanic peak located at the Olympic National Park has the highest annual southern end of the Cascade Range, is actually a precipitation in the conterminous United States. It is dacite dome—the largest such dome in the world. characterized by 60 glaciers at higher elevations, a The dome is a sort of parasitic offspring of the large rain forest on the lower western slopes, and a dry composite volcano known as Tehama that collapsed northeastern area produced by a rain shadow. The late in the Pleistocene, leaving a caldera more than park consists mainly of two groups of rocks—belts two miles wide. About 18,000 years ago, the dome of relatively light-weight sedimentary and low- of Lassen Peak, along with several much smaller grade metamorphic rocks combined with heavier domes (Eagle Peak, Vulcan’s Castle, Mount Helen, submarine basalt called the Crescent Formation— and Bumpass Mountain), began to form on the which were scraped off the subducting Juan de Fuca flanks of Tehama. Lassen Peak is surrounded by Plate and pushed onto the Olympic Peninsula. large quantities of talus formed as the dome pushed The park is divided into two sections: the coastal its way to the old surface of Tehama. A summit section, which is a narrow strip extending from the crater on Lassen Peak was the source of several mouth of the Queets River on the south to Cape The Geological Newsletter -5- January/February 2012

Alava and the Ozette River on the north, and the is that there will be 16 visitor centers extending inland, much larger portion containing Mount from Missoula, Montana, to Ilwaco, Washington. Olympus and surrounding Olympic Mountains. The coastal section is characterized by sea stacks, Dr. Scott Burns as usual crammed a huge amount of mélanges, sea arches, various other erosional information into a brief lecture. His class covering features, and beach terraces indicating sea-level all the National Parks would be fascinating, and he changes. Park headquarters are at Port Angeles just encouraged GSOC members to try it some time. outside the park, and a visitors center is at Hurricane Ridge inside the main portion of the park. Earth profiles Pat Pringle Mount Olympus at approximately 7,980 feet is the by Beverly Vogt highest point in the park, and it and its surrounding mountains are composed of a chaotic blend of The December 2011 issue of Earth magazine turbidites, mélanges, and sedimentary and low- features a two-page profile of Pat Pringle, one of grade metamorphic rocks all folded and faulted our local geologists who has led several GSOC field together. trips, including one day of this year’s President’s

Field Trip to Mount Rainier. The magazine is Some of the points of interest mentioned in the talk published by the American Geosciences Institute are glacially- or landslide-formed Lake Angeles, (AGI) and presents timely geologic news and Lake Crescent caused by a landslide from Storm discussions of issues of concern to geologists and King Mountain, and Lillian Ridge formed from a other people interested in geology. mélange.

The two-page profile discusses details of Pat’s Dr. Burns then shifted his attention to North professional experience and focuses on his studies Cascades National Park, established in 1968. related to tree ring dating. He has in fact established Located also in the state of Washington, North an undergraduate tree-ring research laboratory at Cascades National Park consists mainly of four Centralia College in Centralia, Washington, where units of sedimentary, volcanic, granitic, and he has been a professor since 2005. Pat’s work with metamorphic rocks of varying ages that have been tree-ring studies (dendrochronology) has apparently brought together, often as accreted terranes, by earned him the nickname of “Stumps” to some plate tectonic collisions, subduction, accretion, USGS geologists. Pat is also familiar to many of us uplift, and volcanism. Then they were shaped by as the author of two excellent field trip guides—one erosion and over 600 glaciers. This is truly a to the geology of Mount Saint Helens and the other complicated geologic area, with rocks ranging in to the geology of Mount Rainier. age from the Precambrian Yellow Aster Formation to Quaternary volcanic extrusive rocks from Mount If you don’t subscribe to this magazine (which Baker and Glacier Peak. would be a good idea for someone interested in

geology) and want to see a copy, look for it in your Specific features discussed by Dr. Burns included local library or contact me ([email protected]). the metamorphic Pickett Range, Skagit Gneiss,

Lake Chelan which lies in a deep U-shaped valley, volcanic Mount Baker, explosively eruptive Glacier Peak volcano, and the Chilliwack Batholith that lies between the Shuksan and Ross Lake faults. This is exciting and complex country, with incredibly beautiful and mystifying rocks.

Finally, Dr. Burns briefly discussed the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail that was recently authorized by Congress but not funded. The concept The Geological Newsletter -6- January/February 2012

Review of The Ocean of Truth, by collecting data by various methods for various purposes. The cold war and concerns for national H.W. Menard (1986) security, petroleum exploration, and communication by Beverly Vogt by undersea cables all meant that people were seeing more and more of the ocean floor and Bart bought a copy of this wonderful book at the collecting data by ever-improving equipment and book sale table at one of the GSOC Annual techniques. Menard tells how they began to notice Banquets and put it on our bookshelf, where it things that no one had ever seen before—gigantic languished unknown to me for several years. He long ridges with high sides and a deep valley in the was recently going to lend it to a friend interested in middle, flat-topped undersea volcanoes called plate tectonics—but when I saw it on the dining “guyots”, long fractures or escarpments like the room table for the first time, I kept it to read myself. Mendocino Fracture Zone, strange magnetic It was absolutely fascinating. Its author, Henry anomalies, unexplainable variations in amounts and William “Bill” Menard, pioneer of deep-sea character of sediments on ocean floors, gravity exploration, active participant in the plate-tectonics anomalies over deep trenches that contained revolution, and master of modern marine surprisingly small amounts of sediments—all sorts geomorphology, wrote this book because he of puzzles. More and more funding and ships believed that “the revolution in the earth sciences loaded with equipment became available, and merited a history that had not been written.” He scientists put them to good use. Menard describes knew and worked with many of the people involved the 40s and 50s as the time of data collection and in developing this new concept, so he definitely had the 60s as the time of figuring it all out. the credentials to tell the story of their struggles to come to terms with the questions of whether or not Plate tectonics was too big a problem for just one continental drift was a possibility, and, if so, how person to solve, and it took many people to bring could it occur, and how could it be proved. His the concept to life. J. Tuzo Wilson, Harry Hess, H. original plan was to tell the story from 1900 until Benioff, A.M Coode, Allan Cox, R.S. Dietz, 1980, but cancer interrupted his plan, and he was Maurice Ewing, James Gilluly, Warren Hamilton, able to cover the story only until the end of the 60s. Bruce Heezen, Gordon MacDonald, D.H. In fact, he was working on galleys of this book Matthews, Bill Menard, Ian McDougal, M. when he died in 1986. Talwani, Fred Vine, plus many others I had never heard of—these were the geologists, Menard starts with the story of the German oceanographers, and geophysicists who worked, meteorologist, astronomer, and explorer Alfred argued, traveled on long grueling data-collecting Wegener, whose trips to Greenland starting in 1906 cruises, cooperated or competed, and shared ideas. convinced him that some of the existing continents Scientists struggled to develop tools that worked had at one time been together and had somehow under terrible conditions, went on long grueling mysteriously drifted apart, making him the first to ocean trips to collect huge amounts of data that had formally deal with the term and concept of to be reduced and interpreted, and then argued continental drift. People before him had noticed the almost to the death about such topics as whether the fit between South America and Africa—but earth was expanding or contracting, why there were Wegener was the first to put it into the literature. strike-slip faults such as the San Andreas Fault, why Eventually scientists came to realize that the the long mid-ocean ridges with valleys in the center answers to these questions would be found not on circled the globe, why guyots were flat-topped, the continents but in the oceans. what were the long east-west fracture zones on the Pacific floor, why were symmetrical magnetic Menard describes how earth scientists—especially anomalies parallel to mid ocean ridges, etc. Once geophysicists and oceanographers—who were in the plate tectonic concept took shape, then the various branches of the service during World War mechanism that made it possible had to be II, began to travel over the world’s oceans, determined. People argued and took sides, and some The Geological Newsletter -7- January/February 2012

committed themselves to ideas that were dead ends photographs of many well-known people. I or just plain wrong. recommend it whole heartedly to anyone who is interested in the history of plate tectonics. In fact I This book gives the reader an inside view on how got an extra copy of it though amazon.com and am theories or new models in geology (and many other donating it to the GSOC library so other people can sciences) are developed. At first the plate tectonics enjoy it. concept was mostly in the hands of an “old boy” network of people who went to school or worked The moral of this story is that if you have a geology together, lived in the same neighborhood, partied book that is interesting, accurate, and not out of together, and talked geology nonstop. As important date—and you think someone else would enjoy it as as the theory of plate tectonics is to us today, early much as I did this one—donate it to GSOC for the on only a few geologists knew or cared much about book sale table at the Annual Banquet. it. In fact, Menard shows that in 1969, 91 papers were published on conodonts and only 56 were published on continental drift. Once the concept WELCOME NEW MEMBERS FOR 2012! was accepted, however, it was the work of We’ve gotten a lot of new members this past succeeding geologists to add the details, which they year! You guys are awesome! have been doing since the end of the 60s. Mike Bliziotes Iris Walling Menard ponders over how new ideas appear, who Sue Cousineau Mary Ford gets credit, what kind of person is best suited to Jim Hieman John Hoskins come up with new concepts, what kind of scientific Marilee Hoskins Wes Kempfer organizations generate ideas and solutions to Mark Landis Cheryl Landis problems most effectively, how publication George Long Dennis McDougall generates recognition and spreads new ideas—all Virginia Ohler Doug Ohler the things he dealt with during these exciting years. Teresa Pett Joshua Pett This is the best description of the inner workings of John Piccinini Fenella Robinson the scientific competition and cooperation I have Vickie Robinson Garret Romaine ever read. It certainly equals the excitement of the Hank Schottland Elka Schottland story of the discovery of DNA in The Double Helix David Terrell Robert Timmer by James D. Watson (also a great book). Theresa Triano Robert Casiano Kay Wyatt Menard’s book is well indexed and footnoted and has a wonderful list of useful references. It also includes illustrations of original data and

The Geological Newsletter -8- January/February 2012

THE GEOLOGICAL NEWSLETTER INDEX Volume 77, 2011 compiled by Carol Hasenberg

January/February ...... no.1 ...... pages 1-8 July/August ...... 4 ...... 27-34 March/April ...... 2 ...... 9-18 September/October ...... 5 ...... 35-40 May/June ...... 3 ...... 19-26 November/December .... 6 ...... 41-48

ARTICLES and REPORTS······································································································· Page New Book Corner: Stores in Stone, review by Dr. Paul Hammond ································································· 5 Mapping for Disasters: Synopsis of the October 8, 2010 GSOC Friday night lecture by Don Pettit, Senior Emergency Response Planner, Emergency Response Program, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, by Carol Hasenberg························································································································· 6 New Book Corner: The Planet in a Pebble, review by Dr. Paul Hammond ······················································ 15 Searles Lake Story: Synopsis of the January 14, 2011 GSOC Friday night lecture by Joseph Cohen, GSOC member and intellectual-property lawyer at Stoel Rives LLP, in Portland, Oregon, by Carol Hasenberg ························· 15 Edentates in the Willamette Valley: Synopsis of the February 12, 2011, Fossil Fest lecture, “Digging up the Kings Valley Groundsloth,” by Dr. William Orr, Professor Emeritus and Curator of the Condon Collections, Museum of Natural and Cultural History, University of Oregon, by Carol Hasenberg ············································· 16 Paleo-Noir: Bone-Hunting Adventures of a Geology Professor on an Oregon Potato Farm: Synopsis of the March 12, 2011 GSOC 76th Annual Banquet lecture by Dr. Jay Van Tassell, Professor of Geology, College of Arts and Sciences, Eastern Oregon University, LaGrande, Oregon, by Carol Hasenberg ······································· 23 New Rules: Putting the Federal Paleontological Resources Preservation Act into Action: Synopsis of the April 8, 2011 GSOC Friday night lecture by Courtney Cloyd, recently retired, formerly Senior Geologist for Geologic Hazards and Geologic Resources, U.S. Forest Service, by Carol Hasenberg ····················································· 24 Raising a Dam for Barney Reservoir and Washington County’s Water Supply: Synopsis of the May 13, 2011 GSOC Friday night lecture by Charlie Hammond, geologist, Cornforth Consultants, by Carol Hasenberg ················ 30 Cascadia Subduction Zone is Giving Us the “Slow Slip”: Synopsis of the June 10, 2011 GSOC Friday night lecture by Evelyn Roeloffs, Research Geophysicist for the USGS Earthquake Science Center in Vancouver, Washington, by Carol Hasenberg ··············································································································· 32 Newport at Midsummer’s Weekend: Synopsis of the “Tidepools, Tsunamis, and Terraces” trip lead by GSOC Past President Janet Rasmussen, June 17-19, 2011, by Carol Hasenberg ···················································· 37 Owyhee Canyon Adventure: Synopsis of the October 14, 2011, lecture by Cynthia Hovind, Geotechnical Engineer, Principal, Terra Dolce Consultants, Inc., by Carol Hasenberg ··························································· 43 Saving The Old Briny: Synopsis of the September 9, 2011, lecture by Dr. Douglas Larson, limnologist and writer based in Portland, Oregon, by Carol Hasenberg ······················································································ 44 Doug Larson Gives Gsoc A Tour Of Lake Origins: Reprinted from The Geological Newsletter, Volume 73, Number 12, December 2007 ················································································································ 46

SOCIETY BUSINESS Board Meeting Notes: December 11, 2010, by Beverly Vogt ······································································· 4 Board Meeting Notes: February 19, 2011, by Beverly Vogt ······································································· 14 Board Meeting Notes: April 9, 2011, by Paul Edison-Lahm ······································································· 22 Board Meeting Notes: June 11, 2011, by Paul Edison-Lahm ······································································ 29 Board Meeting Notes: July 17, 2011, by Paul Edison-Lahm ······································································· 36 Board Meeting Notes: September 10, 2011, by Paul Edison-Lahm ······························································· 42

MEMORIALS In Memoriam: PSU Professor Gilbert Thomas Benson ············································································ 17

The Geological Newsletter -9- January/February 2012

Geological Society of the Oregon Country Activities:

ANNUAL EVENTS: President’s Field Trip—Summer or Fall; Banquet—March; Annual Business Meeting— February. FIELD TRIPS: About 4 per year. Fees: see field trip announcements on the calendar next page. GSOC LIBRARY: Rm. 69, Cramer Hall, Portland State University. Open 7:00 p.m. prior to meetings. PROGRAMS: Second Friday evening most months, 7:30 p.m., Rm. S17, Cramer Hall, PSU, SW Broadway at SW Mill St., Portland, Oregon. MEMBERSHIP: Per year from January 1: Individual--$25, Family--$35, Junior (under 18)/Student--$15. Membership applications are available on the website www.gsoc.org. PUBLICATIONS: THE GEOLOGICAL NEWSLETTER (ISSN 0270 5451), published monthly and mailed to each member. Subscriptions available to libraries and organizations only at $20.00 per year. Single Copies are available at $2.00 each. Order from: Geological Society of the Oregon Country, P.O. Box 907, Portland, Oregon 97207 TRIP LOGS: Write to the same address for names and price list.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE OREGON COUNTRY

The Geological Newsletter -10- January/February 2012

The Geological Newsletter “News of the Geological Society of the Oregon Country”

Volume 78, Number 2 March/April 2012

The Geological Society of the Oregon Country Past Presidents: P.O. Box 907, Portland, OR 97207-0907 Rik Smoody - 360/546-2019 www.gsoc.org [email protected] 2011 - 2012 Administration: Larry Purchase – 360/254-5635 President: [email protected] Jane Walpole – 503/590-7501 Newsletter Editor and Calendar: [email protected] Carol Hasenberg – 503/522-4249 Vice-President: [email protected] John Piccininni – 503/284-9674 Website: [email protected] Janet Rasmussen − 541/753-0774 Secretary [email protected] Paul Edison-Lahm – 971/404-6064 Business Manager: [email protected] Jan Kem – 503/799-6871 Treasurer [email protected] Dawn Juliano (2 years) - 503/367-7708 Assistant Business Manager: [email protected] Anne O’Neill - 503/477-7827 Directors: [email protected] Tara Schoffstall (1 year) – 503/513-6925 Field Trip Committee Chair [email protected] Dave Olcott– 503/695-5219 Julia Lanning (2 years) – 503/201-8022 [email protected] [email protected] Janet Rasmussen (3 years) − 541/753-0774 VISITORS WELCOME AT ALL MEETINGS [email protected]

CALENDAR of the Yellowstone mantle plume beneath Oregon-a major departure from earlier models of back-arc- March/April Activities spreading and Basin and Range extension. Our understanding of Oregon's tectonic history of major

The Seventy-seventh Annual GSOC Banquet will be subduction earthquakes, while not yet crystal clear, Sunday, March 11, 2011, at the Monarch Hotel in has been greatly advanced in the last decade. The Clackamas, Oregon. Speaker William Orr, Professor new emphasis on geologic hazards as well as the Emeritus and Curator of the Condon Collections, features on some of the geologists who have made Museum of Natural and Cultural History, University of Oregon geology what it is will also be examined. Oregon will present "Plowing New Ground in Oregon Geology". The registration form for the 77th GSOC Annual Banquet was attached to the January/February Dr. William Orr will highlight a few of the many newsletter and is also available on the website changes he and his wife Elizabeth chronicle in the www.gsoc.org. Please submit your registration by 6th edition of Geology of Oregon. With ordinary March 5 if you wish to attend. on-the-ground field work, several astonishing new discoveries have been made such as the ORE-IDA Friday evening talk, April 13, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., in graben in SE Oregon and the Crooked River Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. Caldera. He will also speak about their significance. (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State Much of the Tertiary volcanism east of the University. Speaker Sheila Alfsen, MAT, GIT, Oregon Cascades is now regarded to be due to the passage Community College Instructor and Consultant will The Geological Newsletter -11- March/April 2012

present "Iceland: Geologic Perspectives from the Land of Fire and Ice." BOARD MEETING NOTES January 14, 2011 Sheila Alfsen is a community college instructor and course developer who teaches both face-to-face and The GSOC board meeting was called to order by online courses in geology. In addition, she is working President Rik Smoody at Rosemary Kenney’s towards geologic registration in Oregon and has worked residence. Board and GSOC members present as a consultant for various construction projects in the included Jane Walpole, Rik Smoody, Beverly Vogt, western United States. In 2008, Sheila had the Richard Bartels, Dawn Juliano, Larry Purchase, Jan opportunity to travel to Iceland with a geologic tour sponsored by the Geologic Society of America for Kem, Dave Olcott, Janet Rasmussen, Doug American educators. Sheila’s long-term studies of Rasmussen, Anne O’Neill, Rosemary Kenney, and Pacific Northwest geology enhanced her understanding John Piccininni. The minutes of the November 12th, of the features visited on the tour and she will share 2011, board meeting were approved. some of the geologic perspectives she gained on continental rifting, volcanism, glaciation and Treasurer’s year-end report was approved. hydrothermal features and their innovative uses. Field Trips and Other Events Future Activities The board is planning the following field trips for this year: Friday evening talk, May 11, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., in Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave.  For her 2012 President’s field trip, Jane is (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State arranging a trip covering local Portland area University. Speaker TBA. geology, landslides, and terroir. Dates and

Check the GSOC website (www.gsoc.org) for updates to details to be announced. the calendar.  Dave Olcott is responsible for the geology and stratigraphy of the Portland Basin field trip to be 2012-2013 Board of held probably September 14-16 and tentatively led by Terry Tolan. It will start with a Friday Directors evening lecture by Terry, followed by two days in the field by van. The following slate of officers has been elected by  Bev and Bart will lead an informal trip to see the membership at the February meeting of the the Crooked River and Wildcat calderas Society: possibly on Sept. 29 and 30, depending on President ...... Jane Walpole Dave’s trip timing. Vice President ...... John Piccininni  Janet is working on an informal summer tide Secretary ...... Paul Edison-Lahm pool tour plus a coastal canoe/kayak trip and has Treasurer ...... Dawn Juliano scheduled this for June 23, coinciding with Director, 3 years ...... Janet Rasmussen favorable tides. Director, 2 years ...... Julia Lanning  The timing of the Downtown Building Stones Director, 1 year...... Tara Schoffstall tour organized by Paul Edison-Lahm will depend on the other trip schedules, and Paul The board also has these automatic members: needs to have training time for his guides. Immediate Past President...... Rik Smoody Previous Past President ...... Larry Purchase Field trip leaders should keep Carol and Janet informed of confirmed dates, speakers, fees and We look forward to your term of service! other pertinent information for publication to members.

The Geological Newsletter -12- March/April 2012

Upcoming Speakers Upcoming Events of Interest to Members John has scheduled GSOC member Sheila Alfsen  The Oregon Academy of Science meets for the April program. February 25 (http://www.oas.pdx/edu).  Fossil Fest will be February 11 at Newport. He is planning to have Jim Jackson from PSU and someone from USGS Water Resources speak in The next GSOC Board Meeting will be Saturday, August on how fracking is done. Each speaker will March 10, 2012, 10:00 a.m., at Rosemary’s house. have a half an hour for his/her presentation plus time for questions. Notes compiled from board meeting minutes submitted by Beverly F. Vogt, Acting Secretary. Annual Banquet, Annual Picnic, and Holiday Party The Annual Banquet will be March 11 at the THE BRIDGE OF THE GODS AND Monarch Hotel, with Dr. William Orr as speaker. Assignments were discussed: THE BONNEVILLE LANDSLIDE Janet - programs Synopsis of the January 14, 2011 GSOC Friday Rik and Rosemary - place cards night lecture by Dr. Jim O'Connor of the USGS Jan and Rosemary - book sales table and will accept Water Science Center in Portland, Oregon books either before or at the banquet by Carol Hasenberg Larry and Carol Hasenberg – posters Bart - list of attendees It got a little wild at the beginning of the February Clay - master of ceremonies GSOC meeting when President Rik Smoody asked Jane – presidential inaugural address and discussion the crowd what he had in his bag - round, smooth, of upcoming field trips and found in eastern Washington. When onions were finally guessed, he pelted the crowd with The date for the Annual Picnic will be determined them. Actually, he threw the onions only to willing after the field trip schedule is worked out. recipients.

An alternate venue for the Holiday Party was Having settled the crowd after this rollicking start, discussed. The board voted to return to the same Jim O’Connor came up to speak to the crowd about venue. A different arrangement of food and drink a favorite Northwest object of lore, The Bridge of layout and field trip summary presentations should the Gods over the Columbia River. No, not the be considered. Donation amount per members flimsy-looking cantilever through truss that spans attending should be recommended to cover the the Columbia today at Cascade Locks, but a natural costs. After this party, consideration should be bridge said to have spanned the Columbia River given to whether it should be done again—or if we long ago in the same location. should do something else to liven up the December meeting. Science has been putting some truth to the legends of the Bridge of the Gods. It has been known for Old and New Business some time that a massive landslide which came The proposed slate of officers was discussed. The from nearby Table Mountain was the geologic election is scheduled for the February meeting. cause for the Bridge legend. The landslide completely blocked the Columbia River, which then Jan discussed the need for 200 addressees to keep backed up all the way to Wallula Gap (where it our low mailing rate. Possible recipients were turns west out of Washington State). The massive discussed. Bart warned that if recipients are not at flood that followed this obstruction was the most their address, the mail is returned to GSOC for the severe flood event on the Columbia since the Ice cost of $.46 per return. Age Floods produced by Lake Missoula.

The Geological Newsletter -13- March/April 2012

The primary topics of O’Connor’s lecture were the history of piecing together the origin and the dating Since Lawrence’s time, there had not been further of the landslide. An expert on geomorphology, attempts to date the landslide, since the Lawrence O’Connor has also researched the effects of the samples were thought to have perished in the 1964 landslide on the location and elevation of the fire that consumed the Forestry Building and the Columbia riverbed along its path through the remaining tree snags had been drowned by the Columbia Gorge. O’Connor has worked for the Bonneville Dam. However, this was not the case, USGS on and off since 1991, so he has had a long and several years ago Pat Pringle of the Washington history of interaction with this topic. Department of Natural Resources, a fellow researcher of the slide, was contacted by the staff of O’Connor began by talking about the legend of the the World Forestry Center telling him that a box of Bridge of the Gods and how it has been tree cross sections had been found with notes from romanticized in the Northwest in fiction and Lawrence. Photographic evidence showed that artwork for the past century and a half. Along the these indeed were taken from the snags in the river. same period of time, geologists had speculated So they were radiocarbon dated using modern about how the river could have been blocked in the techniques which initially showed the trees died not-so-distant past, as the evidence for this was between 1411 and 1455. That date has now been numerous snags sticking out of the water between bracketed to be between 1423 to 1444. This Cascade Locks and the Dalles, remnants of trees correlated well with the dendrochronology dating which had been drowned in a flood. Also, the done by Lawrence. There has been a few detours in terrain north of the river in the area of Cascade the path to the goal of dating the slide, but the early Locks seemed to be a massive landslide. In the time 1400’s is the currently accepted date. of Lewis and Clark, natives of the area described the river in their forefathers’ day as being O’Connor also showed some Columbia River unobstructed to the ocean. elevation charts he has constructed showing the river elevations prior to the slide, after the slide and In 1915 Joseph Duller pieced together the current subsequent outburst flood, and today with the theory that the Bonneville Landslide had come off Bonneville and Dalles Dams in place. In prehistoric Table Mountain to the north and completely time, prior to the Bonneville Landslide, the covered the river. Now the question was when did Columbia River was tidal all the way to Celilo this landslide happen? The drowned trees were a Falls, which bumped the river elevation to 159 feet key piece of evidence since various tests could be above sea level. Indeed, this area was a native conducted on these. Donald Lawrence, a 1930’a fishing ground for the 10,000 years prior to the doctoral student of botany at Johns Hopkins building of the Dalles Dam in the 1950’s. After the University, catalogued the location of more than landslide, which blocked the river 200 feet above its 1800 snags and conducted the first attempt at dating base, the water rose to the elevation of Wallula Gap. the trees using dendrochronology, the study of tree The outburst flood which destroyed the natural dam growth rings. His tests on the snags themselves created the Cascades of the Columbia, which were inconclusive, as he could not correlate any of limited the tidal part of the Columbia to the area the ring patterns found on the drowned trees with downstream from its rapids. This is the river that those of growing trees, but by looking at the oldest Lewis and Clark traveled upon in their voyage of live trees growing on the slide itself, found that discovery. The dam building of the mid-twentieth these trees had sprouted about 1562. Lawrence also century has now created two great lakes in this saved cross-sectional samples of the snags with the region of the river, drowning the Cascades, the Oregon Forestry Center. In the 1950’s Lawrence Dalles of the Columbia, and Celilo Falls. tried dating the snags through the newly devised technique of radiocarbon dating. His sample date was 1250, although there was a large margin of error using this technique. The Geological Newsletter -14- March/April 2012

Further Reading died in November. John Newhouse, who had worked for the USGS and DOGAMI and had been “The Evolving Landscape of the Columbia River an active member of GSOC for several years, died Gorge: Lewis and Clark and Cataclysms on the in December. The latest death was a home fire Columbia”, by Jim E. O'Connor. This article first tragedy occurring February 16 which took the life appeared in Oregon Historical Quarterly 105:3 of member Tom Owen. GSOC members are [2004]: 390–421, and now can be found on the currently putting together a memorial fund for some Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition Website sort of tribute to our passing members. by the University of Nebraska Lincoln at http://libxml1a.unl.edu/lewisandclark/read/?_xmlsrc =lc.oconnor.01&_xslsrc=LCstyles.xsl. Don’t forget that annual DUES

were due January 1! The Columbia River “A Photographic Journey” PAYMENTS website Think about all those great member benefits for a http://columbiariverimages.com/Regions/Places/bon mere annual fee of $25 for an individual and $35 for neville_landslide.html has some nice pictures of the a family! Bonneville Slide, although the description of the dating of the slide on the site has been superceded PS – If you joined GSOC in September or later, by subsequent research. your 2012 dues are paid, good deal!!!

IN MEMORIAM

This past year three GSOC members have died. Rosina Higdon, a very long-time GSOC member,

The Geological Newsletter -15- March/April 2012

Geological Society of the Oregon Country Activities:

ANNUAL EVENTS: President’s Field Trip—Summer or Fall; Banquet—March; Annual Business Meeting— February. FIELD TRIPS: About 4 per year. Fees: see field trip announcements on the calendar next page. GSOC LIBRARY: Rm. 69, Cramer Hall, Portland State University. Open 7:00 p.m. prior to meetings. PROGRAMS: Second Friday evening most months, 7:30 p.m., Rm. S17, Cramer Hall, PSU, SW Broadway at SW Mill St., Portland, Oregon. MEMBERSHIP: Per year from January 1: Individual--$25, Family--$35, Junior (under 18)/Student--$15. Membership applications are available on the website www.gsoc.org. PUBLICATIONS: THE GEOLOGICAL NEWSLETTER (ISSN 0270 5451), published monthly and mailed to each member. Subscriptions available to libraries and organizations only at $20.00 per year. Single Copies are available at $2.00 each. Order from: Geological Society of the Oregon Country, P.O. Box 907, Portland, Oregon 97207 TRIP LOGS: Write to the same address for names and price list.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE OREGON COUNTRY

The Geological Newsletter -16- March/April 2012

The Geological Newsletter “News of the Geological Society of the Oregon Country”

Volume 78, Number 3 May/June 2012

CALENDAR for 30 years at Cleveland High School in Portland. He has spent decades giving lectures on meteorites and currently is the face of CML's outreach program. He has May/June Activities donated many specimens to CML from his private collection, including many "non-ordinary" ordinary Friday evening talk, May 11, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., in chondrites. The CML is funded by public donations. Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State Dick would also like to invite anyone who thinks they University. Speaker Dick Pugh of the Cascadia found a meteorite to bring it to the meeting for Meteorite Laboratory at Portland State University, will inspection. present “Chicken Little Was Right – The Sky IS Falling!” Join GSOC members at Pizzicato Pizza, 1708 SW 6th Ave., at 6:00 p.m. before the lecture for an informal The goals of the Cascadia Meteorite Laboratory (CML, dinner and conversation. http://meteorites.pdx.edu/) are to promote meteorite research, provide formal education about meteorites, Free parking is available at Portland State University increase public awareness about meteorites, and manage Friday nights after 5 p.m. in Parking Structure 2 on the Portland State University meteorite collection. CML Broadway Ave. directly across from Cramer Hall and on member Dick Pugh is a long-time meteorite enthusiast, level one of Parking Structure 1, bounded by Broadway educator, and field scientist who graduated from and 6th Aves. and Harrison and Hall Streets. Portland State University and went on to teach science The Geological Newsletter -17- May/June 2012

Friday evening talk, June 8, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., in Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. (between BOARD MEETING NOTES Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State University. March 10, 2012 Speaker Bill Burns of DOGAMI will present “_____”, the results of his last 2 years’ work studying landslide The meeting was called to order by out-going and other geologic hazards on Mt. Hood. See more info President Rik Smoody at Rosemary Kenney’s at residence. Board and GSOC members present also http://www.oregongeology.org/sub/FIELDOFFICES/pro included President-elect Jane Walpole, Richard file-burns.htm ‘Bart’ Bartels, Bev Vogt, Julia Lanning, Dawn

GSOC Field Trip, “Tidal Pools and Beaver Creek Paddle Juliano, Janet Rasmussen, Doug Rasmussen, Tara Trip”, Saturday, June 23, 2012. Let by GSOC director Schoffstall, Paul Edison-Lahm, Larry Purchase, and Past President Janet Rasmussen, this trip features a Dave Olcott, Jan Kem, and Rosemary Kenney. The th tide pool exploration with guest speaker Karen Driscoll minutes of the January 14 , 2012 board meeting and non-motorized boat trip at Beaver Creek State were approved. Natural Area near Newport, Oregon. Fee is $15 and participants must provide their own lodging and Treasurer's Report: transportation to the sites, and must either provide their The treasurer’s report was approved. After an own non-motorized boat or share with other participants illustrious tenure as treasurer, Bart is handing over with boats. Registration form is included in this the reins to Dawn Juliano. Many thanks to Bart for newsletter. his many contributions to our society!

NOTE: You must be a GSOC member or guest of a member to attend GSOC field trips. You may join GSOC Field Trips and Other Events at any time, for $25. President’s Field Trip: Jane reports that the President’s Field Trip will be Future Activities broken up into two days. Dr. Burns has agreed to do th a half-day field trip on July 20 (2012) on wineries, There is no Friday evening talk planned for July 2012. terroir, and the floods and one full-day field trip on th July 30 on landslides. Friday evening talk, August 10, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., in Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. Other Field Trips an Annual Picnic: (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State Janet’s coast field trip is scheduled for June 23rd. It University. Speaker Jim Jackson, Petroleum Geology will include tidepools and a paddle trip. Dave’s and Mineral Resources adjunct at Portland State geology of the Portland Basin field trip with Terry University, will present “___”. Tolan is still on for September 14th – 16th. Bev &

Bart’s trip to the Crooked River and Wildcat Check the GSOC website (www.gsoc.org) for updates to the calendar. Caldera is still on for September 29th -30th. Paul’s Downtown Geology field trip will be scheduled in August after a picnic date has been decided. IN MEMORIAM Dave will see if he can get a speaker for a presentation on glaciers, which could be scheduled GSOC’s second-longest member died March 28 at the for the day of the annual picnic on a Saturday or age of 90 years. Clara Bartholomay was born in Ohio Sunday in August. and moved to Oregon in the 1950’s. She loved the outdoors and was a member of the Oregon Agate and Upcoming Speakers: Mineral Society as well as GSOC. Her membership Shelia Alfsen will speak on Iceland in April. The started in 1959 according to GSOC historian Rosemary Kenney. August lecture on shale gas industry practices will be informational and is not planned as a debate. Dick Pugh should also be considered a potential speaker on meteorites. The Geological Newsletter -18- May/June 2012

Next Board Meeting will be Saturday, May 12th, Annual Banquet: 2012, 10:00 a.m. at Rosemary Kenney’s house. Jan & Bev will price the books on yellow stickies. Bart will bring the mugs. The secretary received an Notes compiled from board meeting minutes itemized mug inventory from Bart, indicating that submitted by Paul Edison-Lahm, Secretary. there remain 32 mugs stored at PSU and seven boxes of mugs (@ 36 mugs each) stored at Bev and Bart’s. PLANNING NEW GROUND IN OREGON GEOLOGY Old and New Business Synopsis of the March 11, 2012 Seventy-seventh Annual Business Manager Update: GSOC Banquet lecture by Dr. William Orr, Professor Jan was pleased that there weren’t enough Emeritus and Curator of the Condon Collections, envelopes for the last newsletter, since this was a Museum of Natural and Cultural History, University of consequence of having 206 newsletters to send out. Oregon Jan will need a decision on when to stop mailing the by Evelyn Pratt newsletter to non-paying members, as there are thirty-six members who have not yet paid their To tell the Oregon story, we need to reach way out dues. of state. The Colorado Plateau, the Snake River Plain, a little bit of the Basin and Range, the Rik spoke on GSOC’s behalf at Tom Owens’ recent Klamath Mts. (oldest part is in California, but memorial. He will circulate Tom’s obituary via economically these mountains are very important in email. Oregon), the Cascades, and the Blue Mts., which unlike the rest, are mostly in Oregon. Doris Cruckshank, daughter of Fred Miller (GSOC President ’65), has a box of pictures and A geologic map of western Oregon shows neat memorabilia that she might want to donate. We will north-south stripes. A geologic map of eastern follow up with her. Oregon, on the other hand, is a mess.

Bob Timmer in Eastern Oregon has a really good Let’s put Oregon into a global perspective. The scanner that can scan up to 30 pages a minute and continental volcanic arc is the engine that drives the would be able to digitize our archives. state. In the rain shadow of the Cascades is the high desert/backarc basin. The Willamette Valley is a Bev has completed her GSOC property inventory, low forearc. It is sinking, and receives sediments completing her inventory project. Bev will transfer from the volcanic arc to the east and the Coast the inventory list to Jan, who will maintain and add Range to the west. The Coast Range is being this duty to the business manager’s list of duties. elevated by the accretionary wedge of the Juan de Jan suggests going through the inventory and Fuca plate that is moving down and east under the updating the list each February. North American plate. The Juan de Fuca plate is western Oregon’s “pavement”. The Pacific plate, on Larry mentioned that NARG is opening a museum the other hand, is northwestward bound at about 3 in Fort Vancouver. Larry will ask the Vancouver ½ inches per year. Due to the extreme telescoping library if they could take the GSA bulletins that the sediments have suffered with subduction, currently at Bev and Bart’s. the continental slope is rumpled. The continental shelf can be compared to a deep sea fan; a seamount Paul distributed to board members the Guide to with huge transform faults. Nonprofit Board Service in Oregon courtesy of Oregon Department of Justice. One of the most important ideas in sedimentology is that of turbidites. These sediments, traveling from the continental shelf to deep water, are very fast, The Geological Newsletter -19- May/June 2012

strong, and move far. Upturned turbidites are an floods every time we have a heavy rainfall with index of earthquake events, showing light sand, melting snow. dark shale, light sand, dark shale, and so forth. A hazard map of lahars shows that they have come Offshore banks and plateaus on the Oregon down Hood River, White River, and Sandy River, continental shelf show that the Juan de Fuca plate in actions similar to the recent Pinatubo lahar in the moves a couple inches a year. Chris Goldfinger Philippines. (OSU) has produced a detailed map of the continental slope. Three kinds of Oregon faults produce earthquakes. Subsidence by earthquakes produce ghost forests, Offshore from Yaquina Bay are the Wecoma, Daisy such as the cedar stumps that Brian Atwater Bank, and Alvin faults. Along the base of the Alvin (USGS) recognized in southern Washington. slope the clathrates (gas hydrates) are a new discovery. Another recently-learned fact is that the The latest technology for seeing through vegetation Siletz block (Siletzia Terrane) is really big, and is is LIDAR, or LIght Detection And Ranging. rotating clockwise. It was the last terrane to be LIDAR is used almost exclusively for land surveys, accreted onto Oregon. especially of forested areas and where geologists are looking for evidences of landslides and faults How many North American cities can lay claim to breaking the surface. being in the middle of an ancient volcanic field? Portland’s Boring Volcanics are young – generally Crooked River and Wildcat Mountain each form 2 million to 56 thousand years old. Up the huge calderas. The tuff of Smith Rock erupted from Columbia River a few miles, Beacon Rock is the the Crooked River caldera. The John Day tuffs were youngest at 56,000 years. Like Los Angeles, once thought to have been derived from Cascade Portland is cut by a mix of northwest-trending volcanoes, but are now known to be largely derived lateral strike-slip faults. Dr. Orr’s latest book has a from these two calderas. The Danforth Formation chapter for each of nine physiographic strips was thought to be composed of four ignimbrites or between the faults. He also includes summaries of tuffs. Now the Miocene/Pliocene tuffs are the hydrology and hydrogeology of the strips. considered as separate formations with separate eruptive centers. From the youngest to oldest they Geologic hazards of Oregon include earthquakes, are Hampton, Rattlesnake, Prater Creek, and Devine tsunamis and storm surges, floods, blasts and ash Canyon. clouds spewing out of volcanoes, and mass movements such as landslides. There is a 1996 map A diagram of Sheep Rock shows a cap of CRB on of local landslides. The best place to see mass top, then a thick layer of ash on a layer of movement is the Columbia Gorge, especially the ignimbrite (a pyroclastic flow deposit, which occurs Washington side. The Bonneville landslide is a suddenly and makes a good time marker). In 1995, small part of the Cascade landslide complex. The an ignimbrite on Mt. Unzen, Japan, traveled over town of Stevenson has slump blocks as well as 100 miles an hour. Blue Mountains stratigraphy landslides, which are affecting home sites. The includes ignimbrites that moved more than 100 biggest landslide, 25 miles by 100 miles, or about miles from their vents. 2000 square miles, is off the continental slope off the coast of southern Oregon, just north of the The Blue Mountains used to show 5 accreted Gorda Plate. terranes. Now they show 3, with Baker and Grindstone combined and Izee overlapping. From The Sandy River is building a delta into the the late Triassic to the early Cretaceous, terranes Columbia River. The Sandy has flooded during merged offshore and were stitched together with each of the last three eruptions of Mt. Hood, and it plutons.

The Geological Newsletter -20- May/June 2012

The Yellowstone hot spot initially erupted, so it was So why is there land on the mid-oceanic ridge in thought, at McDermitt Caldera on the Oregon- Iceland? In addition to sitting on a spreading Nevada border. Fault zones from there funneled center, the island is also atop a “hot-spot” or plume Columbia River Basalts northward, ending with the of especially hot material coming from the earth’s Wanapum Basalt and lastly, the Saddle Mountain mantle. There are other examples of islands atop Basalt in southeastern Washington. As the North hot spots, notably the island of Hawaii. This hot American crust moved southwest, the Yellowstone spot produces a large amount of lava, creating hot spot left a series of volcanic centers extending enough mass that it allows the ridge to poke out of northeast and forming the Snake River Plains. The the water. The mid-oceanic ridge cuts right through hot spot now underlies the Yellowstone Plateau. the middle of the island from the SSW to the NNE (approximately) with an additional spur from the The sixth edition of William and Elizabeth Orrs’ middle of the island towards the south. At the end Geology of Oregon is due to be published soon. of this spur lies a couple of active volcanoes in the Major revisions in the sixth edition include: ocean to the south of the island. One of these,  Annexes Steens basalt to CRB Surtsey, formed a small island which will probably  Explains Yellowstone mantle plume be very short-lived.  Demotes Grindstone and Izee from terrane status Iceland was an important player in the development  Explains Oregon-Idaho graben on Owyhee of the theory of continental drift. In 1912, Alfred  Shows Crooked River Caldera in the east Blue Wegener, a professional meteorologist, advanced Mountains the theory which was proven to be correct nearly 50  Relates gas hydrate volume on continental slope years later. Wegener spent a lot of time in Greenland and Iceland in collecting evidence to  Shows huge submarine landslide offshore verify his theory. In 1930 he installed a series of (~2000 square miles) survey markers in Iceland which demonstrated this

theory. Alfsen’s group visited and photographed GEOLOGY OF T HE LAND one of these important markers. OF FIRE AND ICE The first stop on Alfsen’s tour was to Thingvellir Synopsis of the April 13, 2012 Friday night GSOC National Park, which straddles the mid-oceanic lecture by GSOC member Sheila Alfsen, MAT, GIT, Chemeketa and Linn-Benton Community College ridge near the capital of Reykjavik. Large cracks are Instructor and Consultant present along the ridge and one of these is the by Carol Hasenberg feature of the park. At its deepest it is filled with clear fresh water of Lake Thingvallavatn. Alfsen’s Why do people go to Iceland? If you’re like most pictures of the crack reminded the author of Crack people, you might say the Nordic experience or the in the Ground in Eastern Oregon. You can wonderful hot springs and spas. But not us rock allegedly have one foot on the North American nuts! We know that Iceland is the only place on plate and one foot on the Eurasian plate in the park, planet Earth that you can stand on a section of a although the rift zone contains a series of parallel mid-oceanic ridge (sans diving suit) and has cracks. wonderful geology to observe as a result. Last month’s GSOC speaker Sheila Alfsen was a part of Icelandic people have learned to live in this land -- a 2008 geological tour of Iceland organized by the avoiding its catastrophic natural hazards, GSA for American educators. Alfsen had a leg up engineering its volcanic features, learning from its on a lot of her colleagues on the tour because she unique geology, and profiting from the heat hails from Oregon, where there are many features produced by its seething lava. Hydrothermal power similar to that of the land of fire and ice. plants supply most of the energy to the country, and Alfsen’s group toured the largest one, Hellisheidarvirkjun, on the tour. A byproduct of The Geological Newsletter -21- May/June 2012

power generation is geothermal home heating. The such a manner on the island. These “table geothermal aquifers near the continental margin mountains” are flat-topped and contain a material supply water that is 300 degrees Celsius and the for which the Icelandic term is moberg, a glassy power generation process leaves it still pretty hot. breccia that forms when the lava cools very quickly from exposure to the ice or water. After Alfsen’s One interesting feat of its inhabitants occurred when talk, PSU Professor Emeritus Paul Hammond the port town of Heimaey was overrun by a lava mentioned that we have a local table mountain, flow in 1973. Although the buildings in the town Lone Butte, near Indian Heaven in Washington, that were mostly destroyed, the Icelanders were able to erupted during the Pleistocene beneath an ice cap on divert the flow by spraying its edges with cold the Cascades. seawater and save the harbor and port area which provided their livelihood. This example was cited Alfsen wrapped up the talk on Iceland’s geology by in John McPhee’s book The Control of Nature. showing the beauty of this volcanic wonderland. The basaltic lava flows with their massive Probably the best known natural phenomenon that entablatures and scored colonnades were occurs often in Iceland is the eruption of volcanoes reminiscent of those from the Columbia River below the surface of its ice cap Vatnajokull, the Basalt, but much younger. The oldest rocks on third largest continental glacier after the Antarctica Iceland are Miocene in age. Huge waterfalls and Greenland ice caps. These eruptions convert abound in Iceland, as water is very abundant there. great amounts of ice into water from underneath the Icebergs dot the ocean in areas. Humans seem very ice cap, and the resulting flood gushes out from small indeed when projected onto this incredible beneath the ice cap, sweeping all in its path, geologic canvas. building an outwash plain, and finally rushing into the sea. The Icelandic term for these is Jokulhlaups, References and Additional Reading and they occur every few years on the island. The Icelanders have learned not to build anything Thingvellir National Park website: permanent in the areas where these occur. http://www.thingvellir.is/english

Geologists, having observed this phenomenon in action, also can study the mountains produced in

“Tidal Pools and Beaver Creek Paddle Trip”, Saturday, June 23, 2012 GSOC Past President Janet Rasmussen, trip leader

GSOC member and Past President Janet Rasmussen is leading a one day trip (Friday evening activities are optional) to explore tidal pools at the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, and the Beaver Creek State Natural Area near Newport, Oregon. Participants are encouraged to bring their own non-motorized boats (canoes, inflatables, kayaks, rowboats, or drift boats). If you don’t have a boat, there will be some to share. Kayaks may be rented with delivery and pick-up service from Newport, but these are expensive. Fee and camping/lodging: Fee of $15 includes field guide, insurance and speaker honoraria. All other costs and arrangements are the responsibility of the participants, including transportation, lodging, and meals. Janet will assist facilitating the car pool and boating arrangements, so participants should indicate needs or offers to accept passenger(s). Camping can be arranged at Beverly Beach State Park (for reservations go to http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/reserve.shtml). Participants wishing to camp are urged to reserve sites as soon as possible. Participants wishing to lodge indoors will need to make motel arrangements in the Newport area. Motel options can be reviewed on the Trip Advisor website for the Newport area (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g51992-Newport_Oregon-Hotels.html#). Some members will be staying at

The Geological Newsletter -22- May/June 2012

Moolack Shores Motel (http://www.moolackshores.com), a small, unique, oceanfront establishment just north of the Yaquina Head lighthouse. Itinerary: For those who arrive in Newport Friday, June 22, we will plan a group dinner at a local restaurant. At 7 pm, our tidal pool expert, Karen Driscoll will host dessert and give an overview at her Newport home, 515 SW 4th St. On Saturday, June 23, at 7:30 am, participants will gather for breakfast at the Chalet Restaurant and Bakery, 2026 N. Coast Hwy, just north of the Fred Meyer on the east side of Hwy 101. We will drive from the Chalet to Yaquina Head at 8:30. Low tide is at 9:30 am (-1.0). Admission to Yaquina Head is $7 per car, but free for those who hold Golden Age passes. We will carpool as needed so that no fee is assessed. We will explore the tidal pools, go to the Visitor Center, watch for birds and seals, and examine the local geology. After lunch at a local restaurant (to be determined), or on your own, we’ll carpool to Beaver Creek State Natural Area with our boats, about 9 miles south of Newport. There is minimal current and no tidal influence on the portion of Beaver Creek that we will explore by water. If there aren’t enough boats for the entire group to paddle together, we’ll split the group into paddlers and hikers, and then switch after an hour or two. There are many hiking trails through the marsh and hills from the Visitor Center at Beaver Creek. Trip Participation Policies: If you plan on participating in this trip, please send in your registration form and fee by June 15, 2012. Participation will be limited to the first 20 persons who have paid for the trip. All participants must be GSOC members or their guests. Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult GSOC member parent, designated person, or legal guardian. A letter from his or her own parent or legal guardian giving permission for a minor to participate in the field trip with a designated person must be attached to this registration form if the child is not attending with his or her own parent or legal guardian. Participants must also fill out and sign a liability waiver at the meeting place in Newport to participate. Minor participants will need the signature of a parent or legal guardian on the liability waiver. All persons must wear life jackets while boating. All boats are required to carry Invasive Species permits for 2012 (http://www.dfw.state.or.us/conservationstrategy/invasive_species/quagga_zebra_mussel.asp). If weather forecast indicates a strong possibility of rain, this trip may be cancelled. Registered participants will be advised at the earliest opportunity and full refunds will be made.

Things to Do if you plan on participating:  Contact Janet and get on the participant list [email protected] or 541/753-0774.  Send in registration form and payment by June 15, 2012.  Make car pool and lodging arrangements for Friday and possibly Saturday night. (The Rasmussens are staying for both nights.)  Join GSOC if you are not a member (form is included on the registration form)  Wear/bring appropriate clothing with a change just in case– might be warm, cold, wet, dry, muddy, or very windy. Bring water bottle, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, bug spray, hand lens. Binoculars, camera, and field guide to birds and/or tidal pools would be very useful.  Meet to sign waiver either at dinner Friday (to be arranged via email/phone with registered participants), at 7 pm meeting at Karen Driscoll’s house Friday, or at the Chalet during breakfast on Saturday morning. QUESTIONS? Contact Janet Rasmussen [email protected] or 541/753-0774. Directions to Karen Driscoll’s house, arrangements for Friday dinner, availability of boats will be communicated via email or by phone after June 15 registration deadline. STAY TUNED: Additional details will be available on the GSOC website, www.gsoc.org.

The Geological Newsletter -23- May/June 2012

REGISTRATION/MEDICAL INFORMATION FORM Tidepools and Coastal Paddle Trip – June 23, 2012

NOTE: Fill out one registration and medical information form for each participant. Apply for membership if you are not a member or guest of a participating member. The membership form is located on the last page of this newsletter. Additional registration forms may be downloaded from the GSOC website www.gsoc.org.

REGISTRATION

Participant name______Minor (circle one): Yes or No If participant is not a GSOC member, name of GSOC sponsor ______If participant is a minor, name of designated GSOC accompanier ______Address of participant ______City ______State _____ Zip______- ______Phone (_____)______-______Cell Phone (_____)______-______Email address ______Car-pooling (circle one): I need a ride I can accept __ passenger(s) I neither need nor can offer a ride Boats (fill in blanks with yes/no/details): I will bring a boat____. I am willing to loan my boat to other participant(s)_____. I will need to use someone else’s boat____.

Fee: $15, includes field guide, insurance and speaker honoraria. All other costs are responsibility of the participants. Send this form and payment to: GSOC, PO Box 907, Portland, OR 97207-0907, by June 15, 2012. ______

MEDICAL INFORMATION

Name of physician: ______telephone number: ______Allergies: ______Medications (attach list if necessary): ______Special medical conditions: ______In case of an emergency call: ______

The Geological Newsletter -24- May/June 2012

Geological Society of the Oregon Country Activities:

ANNUAL EVENTS: President’s Field Trip—Summer or Fall; Banquet—March; Annual Business Meeting— February. FIELD TRIPS: About 4 per year. Fees: see field trip announcements on the calendar next page. GSOC LIBRARY: Rm. 69, Cramer Hall, Portland State University. Open 7:00 p.m. prior to meetings. PROGRAMS: Second Friday evening most months, 7:30 p.m., Rm. S17, Cramer Hall, PSU, SW Broadway at SW Mill St., Portland, Oregon. MEMBERSHIP: Per year from January 1: Individual--$25, Family--$35, Junior (under 18)/Student--$15. Membership applications are available on the website www.gsoc.org. PUBLICATIONS: THE GEOLOGICAL NEWSLETTER (ISSN 0270 5451), published monthly and mailed to each member. Subscriptions available to libraries and organizations only at $20.00 per year. Single Copies are available at $2.00 each. Order from: Geological Society of the Oregon Country, P.O. Box 907, Portland, Oregon 97207 TRIP LOGS: Write to the same address for names and price list.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE OREGON COUNTRY

The Geological Newsletter -25- May/June 2012

The Geological Newsletter “News of the Geological Society of the Oregon Country”

Volume 78, Number 4 July/August 2012

CALENDAR NOTE: You must be a GSOC member or guest of a member to attend GSOC field trips. You may join GSOC at any time, for $25. July/August Activities Future Activities There is no Friday evening talk planned for July and

August 2012. The talk previously scheduled for August Friday evening talk, September 14, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., in 10 will happen this fall. We will resume Friday night Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. meetings in September. (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State

GSOC Field Trip, President's Field Trip: President Jane University. Speaker Terry Tolan, Senior Walpole has arranged for Dr. Scott Burns of Portland Geologist/Hydrogeologist at GSI Water Solutions State University to lead two trips on separate days in the Kennewick, Washington, will present “Tectonic, Portland vicinity. On Friday, June 29, he will lead an Volcanic & Stratigraphic History of the Portland Basin.” afternoon tour of local landslides. The second day of the This talk will be a prelude to the GSOC field trip field trip will be held on Friday, July 20. On that day he organized by Dave Olcott and featuring guest field trip will lead a short tour of wineries and discuss the leaders Tolan and Dr. Steve Reidel the following two importance of terroir. Stay tuned to the GSOC website days. www.gsoc.org for further details. Van transportation is being considered. GSOC Field Trip, “Ancient Walls” Tour of Downtown Portland Geology, Saturday, August 25, 2012. Come See Hidden Fossils & Billion Year Old Building Stones! Join us Saturday, August 25th at 9:00 a.m. for a 2½ hour The Geological Newsletter -26- July/August 2012

outdoor walking tour of downtown Portland’s geological House. Proceed 14 miles up Larch Mt. Road to the upper mysteries and oddities. Our 1½ mile tour will begin at parking lot. the Fossil Cartel in Pioneer Place Mall (700 SW 5th Avenue — parking at 4th and Yamhill — accessible by For more geology info on Larch Mountain refer to the bus and MAX). Bring good walking shoes, sunscreen USGS and Wikipedia sites. This should be an and clothing for a cool, but potentially warming summer outstanding site for a picnic. morning. Water and snacks are advisable. Open to public. Wheelchair accessible. Children under 12 must GSOC Field Trip, “Tectonic, Volcanic & Stratigraphic be supervised. Cost is $10.00. Space is limited so please History of the Portland Basin,” September 15 and 16, RSVP by August 20th to [email protected] with 2012. name and email and number of expected guests. GSOC field trip chair Dave Olcott will coordinate a Friday night lecture (Sept. 14th), followed by two days in GSOC Annual Picnic the field. Terry Tolan, a highly recognized professional in the geologic community will present the lecture and The GSOC Annual Picnic will be held on Sunday, guide the comprehensive field trip. He will be assisted August 26, 2012. This year’s picnic will be a total by Dr. Steve Reidel, another outstanding geologist. potluck event at the picnic area atop Larch Mountain in Transportation will be by two twelve-passenger vans. the Columbia River Gorge. Bring your own food and Cost of the trip will be $70.00/person and participation beverages and we will provide the plates and plastic will be limited to the first 22 GSOC members and their utensils. It also wouldn’t hurt to bring your own chairs guests who have paid for the trip. The assessment fee and perhaps a card table if you have one, as the available will cover the cost of van rental, gas, insurance, printing, picnic tables are scattered. The picnic will begin at and honoraria for leaders. Participants will be 12:00 noon and there will be a brief GSOC board responsible for lunches, snacks, and beverages. The meeting before the picnic at 11:00 a.m. Plan an hour’s registration form for the trip is at the end of this driving time from Portland. Dr. Andrew Fountain from newsletter. The assessment fee and registration form PSU is scheduled to talk about glaciers at 1:00 p.m. must be in by September 3rd. If you have questions or wish to reserve a participant spot at this time, email For information about the picnic site see the Larch Dave at [email protected] or call (503) 695- Mountain picnic area page on the Forest Service 5219. website. You will need a $5 day-use permit or a FS recreation pass to park there. Day-use permits may not GSOC Field Trip, “A Trail of Two Calderas,” be available on site according to our information. For September 29-30, 2012. more information on Forest Service recreation passes Bart Bartels and Bev Vogt are planning a field trip to the (and alternatives) see the FS Region 6 Recreation Passes Crooked River and Wildcat Mountain Calderas in & Permits page. To purchase a day-use permit or FS central Oregon on September 29 and 30. We plan to recreation pass online or through a Forest Service outlet camp the nights of Sept. 28 and 29 at Haystack see Discover Your Northwest Store and Store Locations. Reservoir Campground, located on the eastern shore of They are also available from some commercial Haystack Reservoir about 8 miles south of Madras establishments such as REI and Big Five. They are not between US 97 and US 26, and motels are also available available at the Nature of the Northwest store anymore. in Madras and Redmond. The field trip will start at 9 In the event that Larch Mountain remains closed or other a.m. on Saturday morning at Haystack Reservoir and such last minute emergencies, stay tuned to the GSOC finish Sunday afternoon. Cost of the field trip including website. field trip guide is $20. Lodging, transportation, and food are the responsibility of the participants. For questions, The directions to Larch Mountain on the website are details, and registration, contact Bart and Bev at 503- really lousy, so here are some better directions courtesy 292-6939 ([email protected] or Dave Olcott: [email protected]). Deadline for registration is Traveling east on I-84 from the Portland area, take Exit September 17. There will be a registration form 22 (Corbett). Travel 1.6 miles up Corbett Hill Road to available in the next issue of The Geological Newsletter. the intersection with the Historic Columbia River Highway - turn left onto the old highway. Travel Check the GSOC website (www.gsoc.org) for updates to approximately 2 miles to Larch Mt. Road (go straight). the calendar. If you go left at this point you will end up at the Vista The Geological Newsletter -27- July/August 2012

to the trip, Sheila Alfsen will give a class for the BOARD MEETING NOTES field trip guides. Pending confirmation with Sheila, May 12, 2012 the class is penciled in for Saturday 8/18. Paul will organize online registration and have this The meeting was called to order by President Jane information and a flyer to Carol by the June 20th Walpole at Rosemary Kenney’s residence. Board newsletter deadline; he will also coordinate with and GSOC members present also included John Fossil Cartel and Pioneer Place. Carol, Jan, Julia, Piccininni, Dawn Juliano, Paul Edison-Lahm, Julia Bart, Bev will help with registration on the day of Lanning, Tara Schoffstall, Janet Rasmussen, Rik the trip. Cost will be $10, with children under 12 Smoody, Larry Purchase, Carol Hasenberg, Richard free. Bartels, Beverly Vogt, Jan Kem, Dave Olcott, and Carol will need the descriptions of field trips limited th Rosemary Kenney. The minutes of the March 10 , to one page for newsletter. 2012 board meeting were approved. Annual Picnic: It was decided that the Annual Picnic will be held on August 26th, 2012 at 12:00 Treasurer's Report: The board reviewed the club’s pm. at the Larch Mountain picnic sight. Dave will finances. coordinate with Dr. Andrew Fountain from PSU to talk about glaciers at 1:00 p.m. Field Trips and Other Events Upcoming Speakers (John): June’s speaker will be President’s Field Trip (Jane): Dr. Burns will still do Bill Burns from DOGAMI discussing Mt. Hood th the half-day winery field trip on July 20 2012, but geo-hazards. No speaker is planned for July. John will need to reschedule his landslide presentation will reschedule Jim Jackson from Portland State for which will now be only a half-day. either October or November; Jim will discuss Shale rd Coast Field Trip (Janet) June 23 : The cost of the Gas Exploration. In January 2013, Yumei Wang trip is now $15 and it is limited to 20 people. Karen from DOGAMI will discuss her post- earthquake Driscoll has invited people to her house the evening trip to Japan. before the tidepool event. Larry brought copies of Old and New Business the DOGAMI Oregon Geology issue relevant to Poster Printing and Distribution: (Jan & John) Janet’s field trip. Additional copies may be John did the poster for last night’s presentation. available for other field trips if there is a DOGAMI Tara suggests using a format in addition to pdf so publication on point. that it will show up on mobile devices. Paul will Geology of the Portland Basin (Dave) September look into this. An exhaustive discussion of th th 14 – 16 : There will be a geologist in each of the formatting was tabled. two vans, now that Terry Tolan will be assisted by Jan reports that procedure for the newsletter is Steve Reidel. A driver for the second van may be working well. Jan has 225 copies of the newsletter needed. printed and includes warnings to members who Crooked River & Wildcat Caldera (Bev & Bart) have not paid dues. The Board approved Jan th th September 29 -30 : Bart suggests that people go to dropping non-paying members from his list, with the campsite at Haystack Reservoir Friday night to Bev first reviewing the drop list. John raised the set up their tent; or people could stay at issue of the price of posters for off-newsletter- Madras/Bend area hotels. The trip will break early month speakers. Larry suggested that printed afternoon Sunday so people can drive back to posters be abandoned in favor of sending pdf by Portland. email. Jan will still mail four posters to DOGAMI. Carol requests that if people hear of a good lecture Additional Business: that they send an email to the group or let Rik know Rosemary would like members to be reminded of for posting on the Facebook page, rather than put the lending library. Janet will put it on the website such announcements in the newsletter. in Friday night meeting announcements and Jane Downtown Geology (Paul): It was decided that this will mention it at the meetings. field trip will occur on Saturday 8/25. Guides will Rosemary is working on a book about the GSOC include Rik, Tara, Jane, Clay, Paul, and Larry. Prior presidents and needs information on every president The Geological Newsletter -28- July/August 2012

from the year 2000. Tara and Janet will follow up could be made between the turbidites and on research for Rosemary. earthquakes in the Pacific Northwest. Turbidite Tara will send links of archived field trip guides to sediments could be useful in determining the Rik for eventual storage on Google docs. number and extent of earthquake events in the past Bart reminded us that we still have a large supply of several thousand years if the two could be mugs; it was suggested that they be offered for sale correlated. But this might not be as easy as it seems. at the Downtown Geology walk. The first problem is to determine which, if any, of Happy Birthday was sung for Rosemary. the turbidites could be construed to have been Next Board Meeting will be Saturday, July 14th, produced by an earthquake. 2012, 10:00 a.m. at Rosemary’s house. This problem was solved by studying the cross Notes compiled from board meeting minutes section of the turbidite deposits themselves for submitted by Paul Edison-Lahm, Secretary. characteristic signatures, as well as studying the structure of the turbidite deposition system all up LEARNING ABOUT and down the coast. It was found that some of the turbidite cross sections had fine grains on the tops PALEOSEISMICITY THROUGH and bottoms, grading to coarser grains in the THE STUDY OF TURBIDITES middle. Others had coarse grains at the bottom grading to fine grains at the top. Goldfinger by Carol S. Hasenberg believed that the earthquake-generated turbidites Author’s note: I attended a recent lecture would be the ones with the coarse to fine sequence, sponsored by the Portland State University Geology since earthquakes occur over a period of less than 5 Department where Dr. Chris Goldfinger of Oregon minutes, shaking all the material up at once and State University described his work in analyzing then settling out, whereas the storms build in turbidite flows along the Oregon coast over the past intensity over a longer period of time, then fade several years. This lecture included some away. This was verified by later studies of the background information on the nature of turbidites recently produced turbidites from the Chilean and and the prehistoric earthquakes along the Cascadia Sumatran earthquakes, and also those produced in Subduction Zone and then described the techniques 1906 by the San Francisco Earthquake. used to analyze the extent, synchroneity, and other characteristics of the flows. Other clues to the correlation of turbidite layers include marker sediments in the hemipelagic Turbidites or turbidity currents are landslide-like material deposited between the turbidite flows, such phenomena which occur on the continental margins as the ash produced by Mt. Mazama and transported of the oceans. Fine sediments are shaken loose to the ocean as sediments. In Goldfinger's research, from the continental shelf and are transported down sediment cores were taken from the Oregon coastal oceanic canyons for many miles on a cushion of oceanic canyons at various points. Sequences of water. They can occur for many reasons, including sediments were correlated to match the occurrence sediment load, storms, methane release from the of specific turbidite events. This was aided by the ocean floor, tectonic over-steepening, meteor hits, fact that one or two of the largest earthquake- and earthquake shaking. induced turbidites had a very distinct cross sectional signature. Turbidite events were then analyzed to At the time Goldfinger began his study of turbidites, determine the extent of the area they cover, shelf evidence for large subduction zone quakes had been width, synchroneity and sediment source. found along the Washington and Oregon coastlines, in a tectonic region known as the Cascadia The results of the research so far have shown that Subduction Zone. This gave an opportunity for there are a number of major earthquake events that study of the turbidites to see if any correlations have affected the entire Oregon coast, and in addition there have been several events that have The Geological Newsletter -29- July/August 2012

affected the coast at Florence and south to the http://www.physicstoday.org/daily_edition/down_to southern end of the Cascadia Subduction Zone. _earth/a_seismic_story_told_by_turbidites There have been a few more events affecting Coos Bay and south. These findings have shown MULTI-HAZARD RISKS OF Goldfinger and other researchers that segment boundaries are present in the Cascadia Subduction MT. HOOD AREA Zone at Coos Bay, Florence, and Astoria. They Synopsis of the June 8, 2012 Friday night GSOC estimate based upon the past frequency of lecture by Bill Burns, landslide expert at DOGAMI earthquakes in these areas during the last 10,000 by Carol Hasenberg years that the northern segment of the CSZ in Oregon has a probability of having a subduction Bill Burns, an engineering geology graduate from quake of 12% in the next 50 years, and the southern Portland State University, is the technical lead on zone has a probability of 37% in the next 50 years. landslide hazards at the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI). He Recently Goldfinger has turned his attention to came to talk to the GSOC group about a study done turbidite flows in the lakes of Oregon. He hopes to at DOGAMI with a grant jointly funded by the State determine the effect of the large subduction zone of Oregon and the USGS to study the risk of earthquakes in areas like the Willamette Valley and geologic hazards in the Mt. Hood area. Due to the eastward, and also amass additional data to confirm size of the grant and the interests of benefitting the oceanic findings from an unrelated source. most of the inhabitants of the region, the study was limited to corridors that included Hood River, State RECOMMENDED READING Highway 35 and US Highway 26. The study area included portions of Hood River, Multnomah, and Arthur D. Frankel, “Summary of November 2010 Clackamas Counties. Meeting to Evaluate Turbidite Data for Constraining the Recurrence Parameters of Great The study of risk includes examining the Cascadia Earthquakes for the Update of the probabilities of types of hazards and their effects National Seismic Hazard Maps,” U.S. Geological upon the human-built assets of the region. The Mt. Survey Open-File Report 2011–1310, Hood study described by Burns included the http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2011/1310/of2011-1310.pdf geologic hazards of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions from Mt. Hood, floods, stream channel migrations “Analyzing Major Indonesian Earthquakes,” and landslides. Assets included buildings, ScienceDaily (Apr. 30, 2007) emergency services and schools, roads and bridges, http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/0704 electric towers, and dams. The data was analyzed 30134306.htm geospatially to see what hazardous regions impacted which assets. Chris Goldfinger and C. Hans Nelson, “Holocene Seismicity of the Northern San Andreas Fault Based Prior to conducting the analyses, the residents of the on the Turbidite Event Record,” study area were polled online by the research team http://ecosystems.wcp.muohio.edu/studentresearch/ to see what risks were perceived by the population. climatechange03/elnino/Holocene%20Seismicity.pd The hazards that scored high in the polls for risk f included earthquakes, volcanoes, floods and winter storms. Very few residents felt that landslides were Rachel Berkowitz, “A seismic story told by potential risks. turbidites: Sediment deposits off the coast of Washington and Oregon reveal periodic tsunami Asset data was collected and prepared for input into and earthquakes of similar magnitude to the ones the analysis platforms, which included spatial that struck Japan's Tohoku region in March 2011,” overlays in a GIS (Geographic Information physicstoday.org, February 3, 2012, The Geological Newsletter -30- July/August 2012

Systems) software program, and also a FEMA- of the study area for floods and 37% of the study produced risk assessment program called HAZUS- area for earthquakes. MH. For example, the research team used population data from 2010 census blocks combined In analyzing the risks the researchers consider not with maps of building locations to build a higher only the severity of individual hazard events but resolution population density map for the study also the return period of the events, in order to area. compare the potential of risk over a period of time for a particular hazard. Economically, the volcanic Hazard information was also processed for each risks are the most severe with an average annualized type of hazard considered. Volcanic hazards risk exposure of $5.5 M per year; earthquake , included near-volcano (proximal) effects and lahars, landslides and channel migration average which are ash and debris flows traveling down annualized risk exposures are similar., $2.8 M to stream channels. Earthquake hazards included $4.0 M per year; and flooding less severe with an shaking from the Cascadia Subduction Zone as well average annualized risk exposure of $0.8 M per as 133 faults in the local area, many of which were year . Flood and landslide hazards have shorter discovered using the high-resolution LiDAR return periods and smaller economic loss ratios, and elevation mapping system being used by DOGAMI volcano and earthquakes occur less often but are in producing landslide hazard maps. more catastrophic.

Landslide hazard areas included large deep seated The results of the study are available online at the landslides, debris flows and steep slopes. LiDAR DOGAMI website: bare earth data was really helpful in identifying http://www.oregongeology.org/pubs/fs/mthood- these zones. There were 394 deep seated landslides factsheet.pdf. There is also an open file report and 1112 fans created from debris flows (over available which contains a poster and can be time)in the study area. The research team also previewed at: looked at airphotos taken over the last 50 years to http://www.oregongeology.org/pubs/ofr/p-O-11- identify recent activity. Steep slopes and mass 16.htm. wasting hazard zones were also obtained from LiDAR imagery. ADDITIONAL READING

Floods and channel migration data were processed Open-File Report O-11-16, “Multi-Hazard and Risk again by using LiDAR data. The research team Study for the Mount Hood Region, Multnomah, found very little difference between the 25-year and Clackamas, and Hood River Counties, Oregon,” by 500-year flood plains. Channels migration zones William J. Burns, Kaleena L. B. Hughes, Keith V. were much more extensive than the normal stream Olson, Jason D. McClaughry, Katherine A. floodplains, but are also fairly common occurrences Mickelson, Daniel E. Coe, John T. English, Jed T. in this area of glacially-fed streams. Roberts, Rachel R. Lyles Smith, and Ian P. Madin . DVD, $30 Hazardous areas included 45% of the study area for volcanoes, 26% of the study area for landslides, 3%

The Geological Newsletter -31- July/August 2012

Geological Society of the Oregon Country Activities:

ANNUAL EVENTS: President’s Field Trip—Summer or Fall; Banquet—March; Annual Business Meeting— February. FIELD TRIPS: About 4 per year. Fees: see field trip announcements on the calendar next page. GSOC LIBRARY: Rm. 69, Cramer Hall, Portland State University. Open 7:00 p.m. prior to meetings. PROGRAMS: Second Friday evening most months, 7:30 p.m., Rm. S17, Cramer Hall, PSU, SW Broadway at SW Mill St., Portland, Oregon. MEMBERSHIP: Per year from January 1: Individual--$25, Family--$35, Junior (under 18)/Student--$15. Membership applications are available on the website www.gsoc.org. PUBLICATIONS: THE GEOLOGICAL NEWSLETTER (ISSN 0270 5451), published monthly and mailed to each member. Subscriptions available to libraries and organizations only at $20.00 per year. Single Copies are available at $2.00 each. Order from: Geological Society of the Oregon Country, P.O. Box 907, Portland, Oregon 97207 TRIP LOGS: Write to the same address for names and price list.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE OREGON COUNTRY

The Geological Newsletter -32- July/August 2012

Geological Society Of The Oregon Country EXPLORE THE GEOLOGY OF THE PORTLAND BASIN ITS TECTONIC, VOLCANIC & STRATIGRAPHIC HISTORY GSOC FIELD TRIP SEPTEMBER 15th AND 16th, 2012

GSOC field trip chair Dave Olcott will coordinate a Friday night lecture (Sept. 14th), followed by two days in the field. Terry Tolan, a highly recognized professional in the geologic community will present the lecture and guide the comprehensive field trip. He will be assisted by Dr. Steve Reidel, another outstanding geologist. The evolution of the Portland Basin, an 18 by 48-mile topographic trough confined by the Coast Range to the west and the Cascade volcanic arc to the east, will be thoroughly explored over the two days. The tectonic, volcanic, and stratigraphic history of this dynamic piece of real estate will be brought to life by these highly regarded and enthusiastic geologists. All major Neogene and Holocene events and deposits preserved in the basin will be visited. Minimal walking/hiking will allow any and all interested individuals an opportunity to enjoy this trip.

Transportation will be by two twelve-passenger vans. Having a professional in each van will permit discussion and answers to questions in transit, not just at field trip stops. Participants will need to arrange their own transportation to the Gateway Light Rail Terminal, our point of departure both days. Cost of the trip will be $70.00/person and participation will be limited to the first 22 GSOC members and their guests who have paid for the trip. The assessment fee will cover the cost of van rental, gas, insurance, printing, and honoraria for leaders. Participants will be responsible for lodging (if required), lunches, snacks, and beverages. The assessment fee and registration form must be received by September 3, 2012. If you have questions or wish to reserve a participant spot at this time, email Dave at [email protected] or call (503) 695-5219.

Trip Participation Policies: If you plan on participating in this trip, please send in your registration form and fee by September 3, 2012. Participation will be limited to the first 22 GSOC members and their guests who have paid for the trip. All participants must be GSOC members or their guests. Non-members may send in a membership registration form (located in The Geological Newsletter or at www.gsoc.org/membership.html) with an additional, separate, payment for membership to participate in the trip. Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult GSOC member parent, designated person, or legal guardian. A letter from his or her own parent or legal guardian giving permission for a minor to participate in the field trip with a designated person must be attached to this registration form if the child is not attending with his or her own parent or legal guardian. Participants must also fill out and sign a liability waiver at the meeting place in order to participate. Minor participants will need the signature of a parent or legal guardian on the liability waiver.

REGISTRATION/MEDICAL INFORMATION FORM Tectonic, Volcanic & Stratigraphic History of the Portland Basin Trip – September 15 and 16, 2012

NOTE: Fill out one registration and medical information form for each participant. This application must be accompanied by a membership application and payment if you are not a member or guest of a participating member. The membership application form is located in The Geological Newsletter or at www.gsoc.org/membership.html.

REGISTRATION

Fee: $70, includes van rental, gas, insurance, printing, and speaker honoraria. All other costs are responsibility of the participants. Send this form and payment to: GSOC, PO Box 907, Portland, OR 97207-0907, by September 3, 2012. ______

MEDICAL INFORMATION

Name of physician: ______telephone number: ______Allergies: ______Medications (attach list if necessary): ______Special medical conditions: ______In case of an emergency call: ______

The Geological Newsletter “News of the Geological Society of the Oregon Country”

Volume 78, Number 5 September/October 2012

CALENDAR GSOC Field Trip, “Tectonic, Volcanic & Stratigraphic History of the Portland Basin,” September 15 and 16, 2012. September/October GSOC field trip chair Dave Olcott will coordinate a Activities Friday night lecture (Sept. 14th), followed by two days in the field. Terry Tolan, a highly recognized professional Friday evening talk, September 14, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., in in the geologic community will present the lecture and Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. guide the comprehensive field trip. He will be assisted (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State by Dr. Steve Reidel, another outstanding geologist. University. Speaker Terry Tolan, Senior Transportation will be by two twelve-passenger vans. Geologist/Hydrogeologist at GSI Water Solutions Cost of the trip will be $70.00/person and participation will be limited to the first 22 GSOC members and their Kennewick, Washington, will present “Tectonic, guests who have paid for the trip. The assessment fee Volcanic & Stratigraphic History of the Portland Basin.” will cover the cost of van rental, gas, insurance, printing, This talk will be a prelude to the GSOC field trip and honoraria for leaders. Participants will be organized by Dave Olcott and featuring guest field trip responsible for lunches, snacks, and beverages. The leaders Tolan and Dr. Steve Reidel the following two registration form for the trip is at the end of this days. newsletter. The assessment fee and registration form must be in by September 3rd. The registration form was published in the July/August edition of The Geological Newsletter and is also available on the GSOC website www.gsoc.org. If you have questions or wish to reserve The Geological Newsletter -32- September/October 2012

a participant spot at this time, email Dave at Mountain. Board members present included Paul [email protected] or call (503) 695-5219. Edison-Lahm and Rik Smoody, and GSOC member Dave Olcott was also present. GSOC Field Trip, “A Trail of Two Calderas,” September 29-30, 2012. Since the board didn't have quorum for the meeting, Bart Bartels and Bev Vogt are planning a field trip to the no business was conducted, but the board did agree Crooked River and Wildcat Mountain Calderas in central Oregon on September 29 and 30. For questions, to reset the meeting for Saturday, October 13th, details, and registration, contact Bart and Bev at 503- 2012. Location for the meeting will be announced 292-6939 ([email protected] or on the website. [email protected]). Deadline for registration is September 17. The registration form is available at the end of this issue of The Geological Newsletter, and on HISTORY OF LARCH the GSOC website www.gsoc.org. MOUNTAIN AREA Synopsis of the August 26, 2010, talk by NOTE: You must be a GSOC member or guest of a Charles A. Rollins, historian member to attend GSOC field trips. You may join GSOC by Carol Hasenberg at any time, for $25.

Friday evening talk, October 12, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., in Chuck Rollins, President of the Crown Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. Point Historical Society and Past (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State President of the Multnomah County University. Speaker Jim Jackson, Petroleum Geology Pioneer Association, attended the GSOC and Mineral Resources adjunct at Portland State picnic as guest speaker. As a young man growing University, will present “Shale Gas: Exploration, up in Oregon, he loved to hear stories told by the Production, and Problems with an Unconventional old folks about the history of this area, and now as Reservoir.” an older man he loves recounting these stories to the next generation. He has written a history book of Future Activities the Pacifiic Northwest called The Loggers: How They Saw it, Kizzar Publishing, 2010 (ISBN th GSOC 4 Annual Holiday Party - Friday, December 14, numbers 0615335330 and 9780615335339, 153 2012. The party will be held in lieu of the December pages), which recounts history of the logging camps Friday night meeting and attendance will be limited to using photos taken by the loggers. He told GSOC GSOC members and their guests. The location will be at the Simon Benson House on the Portland State that beginning in 1906, photos sent in for University campus. The program will include slide processing by Kodak were returned as post cards, shows of this year’s field trips, food dishes-to-share as and he collected a number of these to illustrate the provided by the attending members, and music. book. He also generously donated a copy of the Donations to help cover the venue rental are being book to the GSOC library. accepted by GSOC Treasurer Dawn Juliano. Food and other contributions to the event will be coordinated by His talk recounted a history of Larch Mountain. GSOC member Anne O’Neill. Native Americans had a thick population in this region prior to the arrival of Europeans. It is Check the GSOC website (www.gsoc.org) for updates to estimated that 2 million people lived along the the calendar. Columbia River and its tributaries – it was the most

populated native site in North America. However, BOARD MEETING NOTES the introduction of European diseases decimated the August 26, 2012 population prior to the settlement of the area in the 1800’s. Native peoples had trails leading to Larch The meeting was convened by President Jane Mountain because it was a popular area for picking Walpole at the GSOC annual picnic on Larch huckleberries.

The Geological Newsletter -33- September/October 2012

The first settlers mistook the native Grand Firs and was timber in the area. Although the Douglas Fir Noble Firs for Larch trees, thence the name Larch was in high demand for building framing and ships’ Mountain. The trees in the area were magnificent. masts, the timber men began to find uses for the One large Grand Fir was recounted as being 7 feet other species such as the Grand Fir and Noble Fir in diameter with a height of 185 feet to its first limb. for finish material such as molding. The wood from An early homesteader named Moore recognized the Larch Mountain was straight grained and knot free. potential from this resource and developed logging During World War I Noble Fir was used to build in the area. The Palmer Mill was built on the frames for airplanes. mountain to rough saw the logs, and the rough-sawn wood was flumed down the mountain to Bridal Veil Looking around at the trees growing on Larch on the Columbia River. Mountain today, Rollins noted that the trunks were not as big as 100+ years of growth should have The Palmer Mill area was quite the development in produced. He told GSOC that this was because the the early part of the twentieth century. Three early foresters did not realize that trees acclimate to hundred families lived near the mill, and facilities their particular elevation and the modern trees had were built for them. The Palmer Mill school was been planted from seedlings produced at lower the first school in Oregon with electrical service. A elevations. Nowadays certain large conifers are rail system was introduced on Larch Mt. to help selected as “seed trees” and painted with an orange move logs to the mills. Steep railroad grades were stripe around the trunk, and these are prohibited to common and braking systems for heavy and heavily be cut. laden trains were primitive. Logging and railroading jobs were very dangerous. The logging Rollins recounted a few more snippets of history camp averaged losses of one man per day. The regarding the community of Bridal Veil along the railroads had frequent accidents, and brakemen Columbia River. The mill at Bridal Veil was the were often lost on the perilous journey down the biggest lumber mill on the West Coast, processing mountain. about 50 million board feet of lumber per year. It also produced boxes, and in 1913 suspended its Technology evolved at the logging camp. In the lumber production to make 23 million boxes for a beginning, oxen were used to transport newly felled bumper crop of apples. The biggest monument for logs to the railroad cars. One can still find prone the cemetery in Bridal Veil was for a 16 year old logs that were “sniped”, or beveled, so that the oxen boy who was killed tending a steam donkey that could drag timber over these. The oxen were later exploded. replaced by steam donkeys, which were used as winches to haul logs horizontally or vertically. Rollins knew first-hand the life of a logger as he High lead logging raised one end of the log so that worked as a logger in his youth. He relies on they could be loaded as well as dragged to the eyewitness accounts for his historical tales, from railroad. As technology improved, lumberman also numerous sources over the years. Recently he made became more conscious of conserving their the acquaintance of a centenarian who grew up in resource. The Palmer Mill began using “waste the Palmer camp and was able to fill in a number of logs”, ones with knots and tops of trees, to burn for gaps in the history. Rollins ended the talk by heating fuel. recounting a little bit of rock lore for us GSOCers. He told us that in days gone by a lot of agates could Inevitably, the area experienced a major fire, which be found along the Columbia River and its occurred in 1902. Although smaller than the tributaries, and had a bucket full for us to choose Tillamook Burn, this fire was one of the biggest from at the end of the talk. fires in Oregon history. It destroyed much of the best timber on the mountain. The Palmer Number Two Mill was built after the fire, because there still

The Geological Newsletter -34- September/October 2012

Geological Society of the Oregon Country Activities:

ANNUAL EVENTS: President’s Field Trip—Summer or Fall; Banquet—March; Annual Business Meeting— February. FIELD TRIPS: About 4 per year. Fees: see field trip announcements on the calendar next page. GSOC LIBRARY: Rm. 69, Cramer Hall, Portland State University. Open 7:00 p.m. prior to meetings. PROGRAMS: Second Friday evening most months, 7:30 p.m., Rm. S17, Cramer Hall, PSU, SW Broadway at SW Mill St., Portland, Oregon. MEMBERSHIP: Per year from January 1: Individual--$25, Family--$35, Junior (under 18)/Student--$15. Membership applications are available on the website www.gsoc.org. PUBLICATIONS: THE GEOLOGICAL NEWSLETTER (ISSN 0270 5451), published bimonthly and mailed to each member. Subscriptions available to libraries and organizations only at $20.00 per year. Single Copies are available at $2.00 each. Order from: Geological Society of the Oregon Country, P.O. Box 907, Portland, Oregon 97207 TRIP LOGS: Write to the same address for names and price list.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE OREGON COUNTRY

The Geological Newsletter -35- September/October 2012

Geological Society Of The Oregon Country TWO CENTRAL OREGON CALDERAS FIELD TRIP SEPTEMBER 29 AND 30, 2012

Past Presidents Richard Bartels and Beverly Vogt will lead a field trip to Crooked River and Wildcat Mountain calderas in central Oregon on September 29 and 30. The Crooked River caldera, called Oregon’s Super Volcano by its discoverers Mark Ferns and Jason McClaughry of DOGAMI, is enormous, covering an area approximately 25 by 17 miles and containing Smith Rock State Park on the northwest side, Prineville in the middle, and Prineville Reservoir State Park on the southeast side. Tuff ejected during the eruption that caused the collapse of the caldera has an age or approximately 29.5 Ma. Wildcat Mountain caldera to the northeast of Crooked River caldera is smaller and older, covering 10 by 7 miles. Tuff produced by its catastrophic caldera-producing eruption has an age between 41.5 and 39.35 Ma. Steins Pillar, a famous pioneer landmark located in the caldera, is an erosional remnant of this tuff. This trip will explore features of Crooked River caldera on Saturday, the 29th, and Wildcat Mountain caldera on Sunday, the 30th. The trip will be over no later than 2 p.m. on Sunday.

The trip will start Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at Haystack Reservoir Campground on the east side of Haystack Reservoir, a few miles south of Madras. Participants can camp starting on Friday night at Haystack Reservoir Campground or stay in one of the motels in nearby Madras. Participants are responsible their own lodging, transportation, and food arrangements. Carpooling is recommended. Much of the trip will be on gravel roads, so vehicles with good clearance are preferable. Cost of the trip is $25, and participation will be limited to the first 25 GSOC members and their guests who have paid for the trip. If you have questions or want to reserve a place on the trip, contact Richard Bartels ([email protected]) or Beverly Vogt ([email protected]), both at 503-292-6939. If the weather is bad or there are fires in the area, the trip will be canceled and your money refunded. More information about specifics will be emailed or sent to participants after the deadline.

Trip Participation Policies: If you plan on participating in this trip, send in your registration form (printed in this newsletter) and $25 fee by Monday, September 17th. Each participant must be a GSOC member or guest and should have a separate registration form. A nonmember may register if he/she includes a membership application form and payment with the registration form and fee.

Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult GSOC member parent or guardian. A letter from his or her parent or guardian giving permission for a minor to participate in the field trip with a designated person must be attached to this form. Each participant must also fill out and sign a liability waiver at the meeting place in order to participate. Minor participants must also have the signature of a parent or legal guardian on the liability waiver.

REGISTRATION/MEDICAL INFORMATION FORM Two Central Oregon Calderas Field Trip – September 29 and 30, 2012

REGISTRATION

Fee: $ 25, includes printed materials. All other costs are responsibility of the participants. Send this form and payment to: GSOC, PO Box 907, Portland, OR 97207-0907, by September 17, 2012. ______

MEDICAL INFORMATION

Name of physician: ______telephone number: ______Allergies: ______Medications (attach list if necessary): ______Special medical conditions: ______In case of an emergency call: ______

The Geological Newsletter “News of the Geological Society of the Oregon Country”

Volume 78, Number 6 November/December 2012

CALENDAR For more information on the Rice Museum and the geology of Ireland see these websites: Rice NW Museum and Bedrock Geology of Ireland. November/December Activities Join GSOC members at Pizzicato Pizza, 1708 SW 6th Ave., at 6:00 p.m. before the lecture for an informal Friday evening talk, November 9, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., in dinner and conversation. Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State Free parking is available at Portland State University University. Speaker Dr. Lara O'Dwyer Brown, Curator, Friday nights after 5 p.m. in Parking Structure 2 on Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals, Broadway Ave. directly across from Cramer Hall and on level one of Parking Structure 1, bounded by Broadway Hillsboro, Oregon, will present “The Geology of th Ireland.” and 6 Aves. and Harrison and Hall Streets.

O'Dwyer Brown focused on minerology and petrology GSOC Annual Holiday Party while pursuing her PhD from the University of GSOC Members and their guests are invited to the 4th California at Davis. She traces her love of geology back GSOC Annual Holiday Party and field trip slideshow, to Sunday drives with her family through the mountains Friday December 14th, 2012 at the Simon Benson House and valleys of the beautiful Irish countryside. She has on the Portland State University Campus, 1803 SW Park always enjoyed sharing her knowledge of the Earth with Avenue at Montgomery Street corner. GSOC Board anyone willing to learn. Working at the Rice Museum is Members will provide main dishes with protein of her dream job! various sorts. Other members please bring vegetable, The Geological Newsletter -36- November/December 2012

side dishes or desserts for 6 to share. Those interested in Check the GSOC website (www.gsoc.org) for updates to bringing drinks or table ware please contact Janet the calendar. Rasmussen (541) 753-0774.

Schedule of Christmas Party activities: BOARD MEETING NOTES  6:30 pm: Dinner buffet October 13, 2012  7:15 pm: Welcome presentation  7:30 pm: Nominations for GSOC Board members The meeting was called to order at Rosemary for the 2012-2013 year will be open, followed by Kenney’s residence by Vice-President John "Year in Review" program. Piccininni (substituting for President Jane Walpole  This year's GSOC field trip leaders with present who was out with a cold). Board and GSOC brief slide show summaries of their trips. members present also included Dawn Juliano, Larry  Jane Walpole: "Landslides and Wineries" June Purchase, Rosemary Kenney, Jan Kem, Paul 29 and July 20 Edison-Lahm, Julia Lanning, Janet and Doug  Paul Edison-Lahm and Clay Kelleher: "A Rasmussen, and Dave Olcott. The minutes of the Geological Walking Tour of Downtown May 12th, 2012 board meeting were approved. The Portland" August 25 Treasurer’s Report was approved.  Dave Olcott: "Tectonic, Volcanic, and Stratigraphic History of the Portland Basin" The board approved $50 to be earmarked for September 15-16  8:30 pm: Dessert and musical entertainment addition to the annual PSU scholarship in honor of Paul Hammond per the suggestion of last night’s Donations will be accepted for the room rental. speaker who declined the $50 speaker’s Suggested donation is $5 per participant, except for honorarium. children of members. Send donations to Dawn Juliano at the GSOC mailing address or give them to her in Field Trips and Other Events person at the event. Dave provided a financial statement for his Portland Geological Society of the Oregon Country, P.O. Basin field trip showing a balance after expenses of Box 907, Portland, Oregon 97207 $422.18! Bev and Bart’s Crooked River & Wildcat Mountain If you would like to come but are not yet a member of Caldera trip will be rescheduled to May 2013 with GSOC, you may join now and receive membership dates to be determined. benefits throughout 2013. The board approved repeating the Downtown

Geology tour on an annual basis and suggested that Future Activities the next tour be held early in the summer of 2013.

Friday evening talk, January 11, 2013, at 7:30 p.m., in Old and New Business Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. Use of email or listserv? The idea of using email or (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State University. Speaker Yumei Wang, Geotechnical a listserv for meeting and field trip notifications was Engineer and Earthquake Expert at Oregon Department raised and set on the agenda for the November of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI), will board meeting. Dave wondered whether it would be speak on a topic to be announced. appropriate to notify potential field trip participants by email to secure early registration and the Friday evening talk, February 8, 2013, at 7:30 p.m., in consensus of the board was that this was a great Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. idea. (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State Nominating Committee: The bylaws require that the University. Speaker Peter McGrail, environmental president appoint a nominating committee in engineer at PNNL, will present his current research on October subject to board approval. The board the feasibility of wind energy storage in rock formations. approved the use of an email vote once Jane has

been able to appoint the nominating committee. The Geological Newsletter -37- November/December 2012

Holiday Party: Per Anne O’Neill’s email GSOC Business Manager Jan Kem. We extend our suggestions, Janet assigned the following roles for deepest sympathy to them all. the Holiday Party:  Clean-up leader: Jan will make the reservation GSOC would also like to extend our sympathy to and be the main contract contact (assisted by the family of Gale Rankin, a long-time member Bart and Bev). who for many years hosted the post-meeting  Layout leader: Julia and Mark will rearrange the hospitality with Archie Strong. Gale died on July tables and furniture and put them back at the 22, 2012. end of the evening.  Beverage and Food leader: Janet will delegate A Brief History of the Portland beverage and food assignments — and appoint an official alcohol server. Note: board members Basin should bring main dishes with protein. Synopsis of the September 14, 2012, talk by Terry  Program leader: Dave will organize the Tolan, Senior Geologist/Hydrogeologist at GSI PowerPoint presentations. Water Solutions Inc., Kennewick, Washington.  Recreational/Entertainment director: Dawn. by Carol Hasenberg and Dave Olcott  Donations: Since last year’s donations only amounted to $40, the suggested donation will be As a precursor to the September GSOC field trip, emphasized more this year (e.g., Larry will guest speaker Terry Tolan took on the task of make a sign to call attention to the donation painting in large brushstrokes a brief geologic bucket). history of the Portland basin. He discussed the Inventory: Discussion to update the inventory was basic bedrock units in the basin and also the key set over to the November board meeting. geological maps and their authors that have been used in the past to reference that history. Old and New Business In order to get back on a regular board meeting The Portland basin did not exist 30 to 40 million schedule, the board decided that the next board years ago, when the subduction zone for what we meeting would be in November and alternate call the Farallon plate was located beneath the months thereafter. The next board meeting will be present Cascade Range. A piece of oceanic crust Saturday, November 10th, 2012, 10:00 a.m. at then docked onto the North American continent, location to be announced. choking the subduction zone which subsequently Meeting adjourned. reformed west of this accreted terrane. This basement bedrock for the Portland Basin can be Notes compiled from board meeting minutes seen today in the Waverly Heights Formation, submitted by Paul Edison-Lahm, Secretary. outcropping along the Willamette River from the Sellwood Bridge to the Pete’s Mountain area. This basalt rock layer can be distinguished from in memoriam Columbia River Basalt due to the secondary mineralization of its vesicles, making it non-porous. GSOC member Beth Hiller died on September 6, Underlying this volcanic unit are marine sediments 2012, after a short battle with liver cancer. Although of Eocene to Miocene in age. she was a relatively new GSOC member, she had quickly become actively involved in our meetings, As time has progressed to the present, the field trips, and other activities. Her enthusiasm, interaction between the tectonic plates has caused friendliness, energy, and warm smile will be sorely this accreted terrane to rotate clockwise, and form missed by her new GSOC friends. She is survived crustal faults in a NW- to SE-trending pattern, as by her sons, Chris and Pete Ho, and her partner, well as a NE- to SW-trending pattern perpendicular to the first. It has taken many years to confirm the existence of most of these faults, which were The Geological Newsletter -38- November/December 2012

suspected decades ago. The standard geological The faults of the Portland Basin have been map of the area, compiled by Trimble in 1963 and confirmed with exposure, well log analysis, and used for several decades, shows few faults in the seismic monitoring techniques. It was long area. suspected that a fault underlay the Portland Hills at the edge of the downtown area. Since the Trimble geological map, two geological mapping project series have dramatically improved Within 11 hours of Tolan concluding his orientation our understanding of the geology of the Portland to the Portland Basin, Friday evening, an energized basin. One of these was the mapping of the group of geology enthusiasts joined him and Steve Columbia River Basalt Group by Portland State Reidel in the field. The two day trip was a patented University Professor Marvin Beeson and his Terry Tolan field trip; extremely informative, students, and the other is the push instituted by the interactive, highly spirited and totally USGS and DOGAMI to more fully understand comprehensive. Through the choreographed earthquake hazards in Oregon as a result of the selection of field stops, participants were able to discovery of the Cascadia Subduction Zone and its reinforce and validate what they had heard in the recurrent great earthquakes. Friday night talk as well as what they viewed in Tolan’s outstanding field guide. The wealth of Many outcrops of Columbia River Basalt Group can knowledge that Tolan and Reidel offer, and more be seen in the Portland Basin. These voluminous importantly, their success in articulating it to the flows erupted from feeder dikes in the eastern parts novice or professional, really makes a field trip with of Washington and Oregon, and each flow covered them very special. Our GSOC organization is very huge parts of the states in a few weeks’ time. The fortunate to have had the opportunity to interact CRBG flows occurred during the Miocene era and with these two highly regarded and enthusiastic covered much of the marine sediments in the basin. geologists. Intertwining and overlying these are several other volcanic and sedimentary units.

The Troutdale Formation and the Sandy River SHALE GAS AND Mudstone were both deposited by the ancestral FRACKING: A Columbia River. The routes taken by the Columbia River long ago were many and varied. The Coast BRIEF Range and Cascade Range were not the barriers they are today. The Columbia River also carried INTRODUCTION much more water, two or more times the volume it Synopsis of the October 12, 2012, talk by Jim has today. The Sandy River Mudstone was Jackson, Petroleum Geology and Mineral Resources deposited as a result of very large flood events in adjunct faculty, Portland State University the Columbia River Basin. Department of Geology.

by Carol Hasenberg In more recent times the High Cascades have formed, and some of the magma has erupted in the This densely packed presentation was the first Portland Basin from Boring-age volcanoes (2.6 Ma- GSOC has had about oil and gas production, which 100 Ka). These irregular bumps dot the landscape might come as a surprise to many people, as the oil especially in the southeastern part of the basin, but and gas industry is a major employer of geologists. also form larger peaks such as Larch Mountain and However, working petroleum geologists are not Mount Sylvania. The oldest of these are slightly thick on the ground here in Portland, so we were over 2 million years old and are located south of pleased to welcome PSU adjunct faculty Jim Oregon City, but ages are scattered around to the Jackson to introduce our group to the topic. north. Jackson has extensive experience in the industry,

The Geological Newsletter -39- November/December 2012

and primarily worked for the Atlantic Richfield Well drilling is a tricky business, and problems can Company. occur, as all the world knows now because of the failure of the BP drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. Jackson introduced the topic by describing the When a well is drilled, a metal casing is inserted geological environment which produces oil and gas. into the hole and a mud slurry is used to fill the hole It all begins with algae in a lake, swamp or marsh, and maintain the pressure in the hole. After the or marine environment. As the algae cells die, they desired depth is reached, a foamy cement slurry is sink to the bottom of the body of water and collect pumped into the bottom of the hole and the pressure on the bed. If the water column is anoxic, such as forces the cement up into the gap between the hole that found in the Black Sea today, then the carbon and the casing. After the cement cures, the in the dead cells is preserved as the shales form. soundness of the completed casing is tested by Kerogen is a substance produced by the breakdown changing the density of the fluid in the well to see if of the organic matter as it is compressed into shale a corresponding pressure increase or decrease and buried, and is the substance that produces the occurs in the fluid. These positive and negative oil and gas. pressure tests fail if the fluid pressure shows significant change, because this means that the The geologic process necessary to produce oil and casing is not resisting the pressure. gas requires a source rock, a shale which contains the kerogen. As the source rock gets buried deeper As a contrast to conventional petroleum and deeper, the rock temperature rises and the exploration, we have shale gas drilling and fracking. kerogen begins to cook. Kerogen produces optimal A shale gas system does not need to have a amounts of oil at a temperature range from 60°C to complicated reservoir and trap geology. Only a 150°C. Natural gas is optimally produced at a source rock that is buried in the “natural gas temperature range from about 80°C to over 200°C. window” depth is needed. The product is natural Eventually the source rock will overmature, that is, gas only. The idea is to drill into the source rock all the volatile oil and gas will have been cooked and pump into that a mixture of mainly sand and out of it and only graphite will remain. water under enough pressure to crack the source rock. The sand then helps the cracks stay open once Jackson then discussed what is involved in the fracturing fluid pressure is removed. The conventional petroleum systems. When we talk development of these fracking operations requires about drilling a conventional oil and gas well, we more expertise in the engineering end than the are talking about tapping into a geological system geology end. Well drilling involves drilling slanted that includes a source rock as discussed above, or horizontal sections, the chemistry of the fracking above which lies a porous and permeable reservoir mud, etc. Fracking operations require the use of rock, and above that a sealer rock that forms a trap many heavy trucks and trailers to haul around the structure for the reservoir. The reservoir has to be fracking mud. However, it is a desirable process buried in the “oil window”, i.e., at just the right economically because there is so much shale gas out depth to produce the oil and gas. As the source rock there to be tapped. Shale fields in the U.S. include heats, gas and oil migrate into the reservoir rock and the Barnett Shale in Texas, the Michigan Basin, and continue to rise until they collect underneath the the Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania and West trap. The sealer rock must form some sort of a Virginia. dome or wedge to hold in the gas and oil. Then the oil company can come along and tap into the Fracking can have significant environmental reservoir with its wells, and recover oil and natural hazards though. The fractures produced in the gas. Of course, finding this oil is the tricky part so process of extracting the gas might send natural gas conventional drilling requires a good deal of and hydraulic fracturing fluid into drinking water geologic expertise. supplies. The quantities of water used in fracking operations can be very great and residential waste water treatment operations may not be able to The Geological Newsletter -40- November/December 2012

handle the volumes or contaminants they hold. The definitive primer on Shale Gas from the Fracking operations can also produce small Department of Energy: earthquakes. Fracking operations can suck up http://www.netl.doe.gov/technologies/oil- needed water reserves in drought stricken areas. gas/publications/EPreports/Shale_Gas_Primer_2009 Trucks and equipment for fracking operations can .pdf degrade fragile country roads. Some improvements The Open University Learning Space Petroleum have been made in fracking operations as gas men pages take you through the oil and gas basics and have instituted water recycling and other beyond with quick links from an outline: economizing measures. Regulation of the industry http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/mod/oucontent/view.ph is also “in the pipeline” to safeguard public p?id=399434 infrastructure and drinking supplies. Geology.com has a very nice section on gas and oil development: REFERENCES AND ADDITIONAL READING http://geology.com/oil-and-gas/ News article about shale gas regulation: You can learn a lot about the oil and gas industry by http://indianapublicmedia.org/news/indiana-dnr- visiting these websites: mandates-companies-report-fracking-chemicals- 36023/

The Geological Newsletter -41- November/December 2012

Geological Society of the Oregon Country Activities:

ANNUAL EVENTS: President’s Field Trip—Summer or Fall; Banquet—March; Annual Business Meeting— February. FIELD TRIPS: About 4 per year. Fees: see field trip announcements on the calendar next page. GSOC LIBRARY: Rm. 69, Cramer Hall, Portland State University. Open 7:00 p.m. prior to meetings. PROGRAMS: Second Friday evening most months, 7:30 p.m., Rm. S17, Cramer Hall, PSU, SW Broadway at SW Mill St., Portland, Oregon. MEMBERSHIP: Per year from January 1: Individual--$25, Family--$35, Junior (under 18)/Student--$15. Membership applications are available on the website www.gsoc.org. PUBLICATIONS: THE GEOLOGICAL NEWSLETTER (ISSN 0270 5451), published bimonthly and mailed to each member. Subscriptions available to libraries and organizations only at $20.00 per year. Single Copies are available at $2.00 each. Order from: Geological Society of the Oregon Country, P.O. Box 907, Portland, Oregon 97207 TRIP LOGS: Write to the same address for names and price list.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE OREGON COUNTRY

The Geological Newsletter -42- November/December 2012

The Geological Newsletter “News of the Geological Society of the Oregon Country”

Volume 79, Number 1 January/February 2013

CALENDAR prepared by Wang, Chris Goldfinger (OSU), and Kent Yu, (OSSPAC ).

January/February Friday evening talk, February 8, 2013, at 7:30 p.m., in Activities Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State Friday evening talk, January 11, 2013, at 7:30 p.m., in University. Speaker Casie Davidson, environmental Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. researcher at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State (PNNL), will present “Wind Energy Meets PNW University. Speaker Yumei Wang, Geotechnical Geology: A Preliminary Look at Compressed Air Engineer and Earthquake Expert at Oregon Department Energy Storage Opportunities in the Pacific Northwest.” of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI), will present "Surviving Cascadia Earthquakes: Oregon's Located in Richland, Washington, PNNL is one among Critical Infrastructure". ten U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories managed by DOE's Office of Science. They This talk will cover Oregon's critical infrastructure perform research to help find solutions for not only seismic vulnerabilities including lessons from Japan's DOE, but for the U.S. Department of Homeland 2011 Disaster, efforts led by the Oregon Seismic Safety Security, the National Nuclear Security Administration, Policy Advisory Commission (OSSPAC) on Resilience other government agencies, universities and industry. Planning, and the need to build Earthquake Preparedness Their Richland campus includes unique laboratories into our culture. The information for the talk was jointly such as the William R. Wiley Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a DOE Office of Science national The Geological Newsletter -1- January/February 2013

scientific user facility. In addition to the Richland campus, they operate a marine research facility in Treasurer's Report: The board reviewed this year’s Sequim, Washington; and satellite offices in Seattle and income and expense figures and the results of the Tacoma, Washington; Portland, Oregon; and September field trip. Treasurer Dawn Juliano will Washington, D.C. donate $850 as our annual scholarship to the PSU

Geology Department before the end of the year. The Join GSOC members at Pizzicato Pizza, 1708 SW 6th Ave., at 6:00 p.m. before the lectures for an informal Treasurer’s Report was approved. dinner and conversation. Membership List: The board agreed that a copy of Free parking is available at Portland State University the membership list needs to be kept online. Rik Friday nights after 5 p.m. in Parking Structure 2 on will investigate how we can use Google docs to Broadway Ave. directly across from Cramer Hall and on allow access to a list for board and committee level one of Parking Structure 1, bounded by Broadway members. th and 6 Aves. and Harrison and Hall Streets. Field Trips and Other Events Future Activities Holiday Party: Jan has signed a contract with Aramark Catering for the required alcohol server. The Seventy-eighth Annual GSOC Banquet will be Members have donated $155 to cover the wine and Sunday, March 10, 2013, at the Monarch Hotel in corkage fees. PSU will also need a $165 check by Clackamas, Oregon. Speaker Dr. Rob McCaffrey, the time of the party for the Benson House rental. geophysicist and research scientist with the Dept. of Suggested donations of $5 are still needed to cover Geology at PSU will present "Velocity Field Mapping for the North American Plate in the Pacific NW". this rental cost.

McCaffrey is a geophysicist with interests in tectonic The rental of the Benson House is from 4:00 p.m. to plate motions, crustal deformation, earthquakes, GPS 10:30 p.m. Jan and Janet will begin the setup and seismology. With students and other geophysicists, around 4:00 p.m. Happy hour will be at 6:00 p.m., he is involved in several research projects globally. This followed by the buffet at 6:30 p.m., and the meeting talk will focus on determining the tectonic plate motion at 7:00 p.m. The bartender will be on duty from that will produce future earthquakes. 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., but will only be serving from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Janet will bring coffee. th The registration form for the 78 GSOC Annual Clean-up will begin at 10:00 p.m. Banquet is attached to this newsletter. Please submit your registration by March 3 if you wish to Upcoming Field Trips: Bev and Bart are looking at attend. the weekend before Memorial Day weekend for their Caldera trip. Paul will look for an available Check the GSOC website (www.gsoc.org) for updates to weekend in early July for his Downtown Geology the calendar. walk. Additional field trips in the planning stages

include trips to: Eliot Glacier washout (Rik), BOARD MEETING NOTES Parkdale (Larry), Idaho (Dave Olcott), TBA (John November 10, 2012 Piccininni), possible one day trip TBA (Jane).

The meeting was called to order at the home of Jan Upcoming Speakers include Yumei Wang in Kem by President Jane Walpole. Board members January and Peter McGrail in February. present included Jane, Dawn Juliano, Paul Edison- Lahm, Julia Lanning, Larry Purchase, and Rik Banquet Committee: Dawn was appointed Banquet Smoody. Also present were Bev Vogt and Richard Committee chair (with assistance from Bart). Jane is Bartels. The minutes of the October 13th, 2012 now looking for a banquet speaker and welcomes board meeting were approved. suggestions. Janet will create the program. Jane will make place-cards. Jan will run the sales table. Bart The Geological Newsletter -2- January/February 2013

will get the pick engraved. Jane requests that her commemorative gift be a rock hammer. Holiday Party Old and New Business Wrap-Up Mugs: Bart provided a mug inventory — 263 mugs remain, so assuming that 15 mugs per year are Yes, another fascinating year was given to speakers and field trip leaders, our supply marked at the 4th annual GSOC Holiday Party on will only last until 2020. The board voted to drop December 14. Delicious food, good fellowship, and the price of the mugs to $5 each. lovely entertainment was had by all. This year we had plenty of delicious protein dishes, plus veggies Newsletter: Jan reminds us that the text of the and desserts at our potluck. Yum! newsletter needs to be to Carol by the 20th of the month in which the newsletter is due. He also needs Musical entertainment was provided by Dawn mailing labels from Clay by the 25th of that month. Juliano, Barbara Smoody, and David Keyes. Not to mention the many carol-singers, whose names shall Nominating Committee: Jane has appointed Rik, remain anonymous. Thanks to you musicians! Also Janet and Paul to the committee. Janet is making special thanks to Jan Kem, Julia Lanning, Janet contact with potential nominees for Vice-President Rasmussen, Dave Olcott, Bev Vogt, Bart Bartels and Director. The Treasurer and Secretary have and Jane Walpole, without whose efforts we would indicated that they will run again for their offices. not have had a party. The committee will confer on their recommendations by email. Also thanks to the folks who scrambled at the last minute to hire the caterer so that we could enjoy a Listserv: The board agreed to investigate using a little cup of holiday cheer! listserv for meeting and field trip announcements. Rik will look for a suitable listserver. Nominating Committee

Inventory: Bev is updating her inventory list and Results will contact people she hasn’t yet talked to. Rik will assist Bev in putting the inventory list on up Google The following slate of officers has been selected by docs. Jane appointed Bev as Inventory Chair. this year’s nominating committee: President ...... John Piccininni Library: Larry points out that the library needs to be Vice President ...... Sheila Alfsen purged of 1940s textbooks, fossil related materials, Secretary ...... Paul Edison-Lahm etc. This would make room for the GSA bulletins Treasurer ...... Dawn Juliano now being stored at Bev and Bart’s. Some of the Director, 3 years ...... Bo Nonn purged items could be sold at the banquet sales Director, 2 years ...... Janet Rasmussen table. Jane appointed a Library committee with Director, 1 year...... Julia Lanning Larry and Bart as co-chairs, and with Diana Gordon and Rosemary Kenney as committee members. The Nominations will be closed for this year’s slate of committee will recommend an appointee for officers after the January meeting of the society. librarian. The slate of officers will be voted on and approved at the February monthly meeting. Next board meeting will be Saturday, January 12th, 2013, 10:00 a.m. at Carol Hasenberg’s house, 614 The Nominating Committee members were Rik NE 114th Avenue, Portland. Smoody, Janet Rasmussen and Paul Edison-Lahm. Our thanks to the selected members and members of the Notes compiled from board meeting minutes Nominating Committee! submitted by Paul Edison-Lahm, Secretary. The Geological Newsletter -3- January/February 2013

Ordovician (443 mya) Don’t forget that annual DUES A volcanic arc setting for NW Ireland produces sediments and lavas in the rock record. NW Ireland are due! Think about all PAYMENTS is near the Equator, & SE Ireland is close to ~50- those great member benefits for a mere annual fee 60° south. Graptolite, brachiopod, trilobite and of $25 for an individual and $35 for a family! conodont fossils are present. There is evidence for ocean shrinking between NW and SE Ireland. PS – If you joined GSOC in September 2012 or later, your 2013 dues are paid, good deal!!! Silurian (417 mya) Caledonian Orogeny (mountain building), melting of the Saharan Ice Caps, and the final closure of the IRELAND’s Iapetus Ocean, evolve as a minor continent Avalonia (large archipelago) develops, and later becomes Laurasia where Ireland and North America GEO-TIMELINE further evolve together.

Synopsis of the November 9, Devonian (354 mya) 2012, talk by Dr. Lara O’Dwyer The Munster Basin to the south of the country is Brown, Curator, Rice Northwest formed at this time. Continents come together to Museum of Rocks and Minerals, form Gondwana land. This is the age of fishes. Hillsboro, Oregon. Working at the Rice Museum is her dream job! Carboniferous (290 mya) Early Carboniferous produces extensive limestone. by Larry Purchase Coal is deposited in England and Pennsylvania in North America. A block and basin pattern emerges Lara was raised in Dublin, Ireland. Lara earned her as transgression erodes. Lead and zinc deposits are Bachelor’s Degree from Trinity College at the plentiful in Ireland, The landscape is severely University of Dublin, and recently received her PhD deformed to the south during the complicated from the University of California at Davis, focusing world-wide Variscan Orogeny. on mineralogy and petrology. Permian (251 mya) Precambrian (Ended 542 mya) Rocks of this age in Ireland are not well preserved. The two halves of Ireland (NW and SE) are Continents come together to form Pangaea, a super separated by the Iapetus Ocean. Scotland and NW continent. Ireland, on the other hand, are closely situated even At this time Ireland and the North America are this long ago and so have similar geological together. At the end of the Permian, 95% of life dies records. Gneisses and metasedimentary rocks have off. Trilobites and brachiopods disappear on a very been formed. Lots of deformation takes place. hot and high carbon dioxide planet. Ediacaran soft-bodied fossils are preserved. Mesozoic (66 mya) Cambrian (490 mya) Triassic (208 mya), Jurassic (144 mya), and the Transgression (advance of the sea onto land) in NW Cretaceous (66 mya) sees the breakup of Pangaea Ireland is similar to that in Canada. Canada, and basalt is deposited in Ireland. Age of Dinosaurs Greenland, and NW Ireland are all part of the comes to an end, & Pangaea breaks ups. Sadly supercontinent Laurentia. Shallow marine rocks neither Oregon nor Ireland has any dinosaur fossils. evolve in NW Ireland, deep marine rocks evolve in Only marine fossils such as crinoids (sea lily) are SE Ireland. found. A desert environment existed on the New Red Sandstone terrain, and evaporites like gypsum are laid down. The Geological Newsletter -4- January/February 2013

Wikipedia also has numerous pages related to Cenozoic (to present) continental drift and the history of earth’s The mammals begin to thrive. North America was continents. A good place to start is the page on the attached to Ireland, but, by now is moving apart as Iapetus Ocean, which is closely related to the the Atlantic Ocean begins to form and widen. The geologic history of Ireland. southern tip of Ireland has never had an ice sheet, but the rest has been covered during the Quaternary.

GSOC is fortunate to have such a knowledgeable WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! speaker to talk to us about Ireland’s geology. Welcome new members from 2012! May the Previously Sheila Alfsen enlightened us about the new year bring lots of great geology! geology of Iceland. We would also be very interested to hear about Greenland’s geology from Steve and Priscilla Butler Marjan Rotting Lara’s husband, Dr. Eric Brown, who has traveled Joshua and Jennifer Conley Bill Stein & extensively studied the geology there, while Rachael Roberts Robin Calver earning his PhD. Charles Belusko Kathryn Alexander Joel Chua Connie Battaile Reference and Additional Reading: Linda Budan Adam Altson Dennis Chamberlin Kevin Friscia As you can tell from the timeline, the geologic Bruce Howard David Sutherland history of Ireland is closely related to the shifting Ken LaCour Alyssa Kleehammer continents over the ages of the earth. You can Jeff Payne & Betsy Julian Cris Morgante review maps of the earth through the ages on Beth Smith Jordan Lawrence Christopher Scotese’s Paleomap Project: http://www.scotese.com/

The Geological Newsletter -5- January/February 2013

THE GEOLOGICAL NEWSLETTER INDEX Volume 78, 2012 compiled by Carol Hasenberg

January/February ...... no.1 ...... pages 1-10 July/August ...... 4 ...... 26-32 March/April ...... 2 ...... 11-16 September/October ...... 5 ...... 32-35 May/June ...... 3 ...... 17-25 November/December .... 6 ...... 36-42

ARTICLES and REPORTS······································································································· Page Holiday Party Wrap-up with “Here We Come A Fossiling” by Al LePage ························································ 3 Scott Burns Tells GSOC About Geology og the Pacific Northwest National Parks: Synopsis of the November 11, 2011, GSOC Friday night lecture by Dr. Scott Burns of Portland State University, by Beverly Vogt ······················· 4 Earth profiles Pat Pringle, by Beverly Vogt ··························································································· 6 Review of The Ocean of Truth, by H.W.Menard (1986), by Beverly Vogt ························································ 7 The Bridge of the Gods and the Bonneville Landslide: Synopsis of the January 14, 2012 GSOC Friday night lecture by Dr. Jim O’Connor, USGS Water Science Center in Portland, Oregon, by Carol Hasenberg ························· 13 Planning New Ground in Oregon Geology: Synopsis of the March 11, 2012 Seventy-seventh Annual GSOC Banquet lecture by Dr. William Orr, Professor Emeritus and Curator of the Condon Collections, Museum of Natural and Cultural History, University of Oregon, by Evelyn Pratt ································································· 19 Geology of the Land of Fire and Ice: Synopsis of the April 13, 2012 Friday night GSOC lecture by GSOC member Sheila Alfsen, MAT, GIT, Chemeketa and Linn-Benton Community College Instructor and Consultant, by Carol Hasenberg······················································································································· 21 Learning about Paleoseismicity through the Study of Turbidites: Synopsis of a recent lecture sponsored by the Portland State University Geology Department by Dr. Chris Goldfinger of Oregon State University, by Carol Hasenberg ·· ··································································································································· 29 Multi-Hazard Risks of Mt. Hood Area: Synopsis of the June 8, 2012 Friday night GSOC lecture by Bill Burns, landslide expert at DOGAMI, by Carol Hasenberg ··················································································· 30 History of Larch Mountain Area: Synopsis of the August 26, 2010, talk by Charles A. Rollins, historian, at the GSOC annual picnic, by Carol Hasenberg ·························································································· 33 A Brief History of the Portland Basin: Synopsis of the September 14, 2012, talk by Terry Tolan, Senior Geologist/Hydrogeologist at GSI Water Solutions Inc., Kennewick, Washington, by Carol Hasenberg and Dave Olcott ···························································································································· 38 Shale Gas and Fracking: A Brief Introduction: Synopsis of the October 12, 2012, talk by Jim Jackson, Petroleum Geology and Mineral Resources adjunct faculty, Portland State University Department of Geology, by Carol Hasenberg ··································································································································· 39

SOCIETY BUSINESS Board Meeting Notes: November 12, 2011, from board meeting minutes submitted by Paul Edison-Lahm ·················· 2 Board Meeting Notes: January 14, 2012, from board meeting minutes submitted by Paul Edison-Lahm···················· 12 Board Meeting Notes: March 10, 2012, from board meeting minutes submitted by Paul Edison-Lahm ····················· 18 Board Meeting Notes: May 12, 2012, from board meeting minutes submitted by Paul Edison-Lahm ······················· 28 Board Meeting Notes: August 26, 2012, from board meeting minutes submitted by Paul Edison-Lahm ···················· 33 Board Meeting Notes: October 13, 2012, from board meeting minutes submitted by Paul Edison-Lahm ··················· 37

MEMORIALS In Memoriam: Rosina Higdon, John Newhouse, Tom Owen ······································································ 15 In Memoriam: Clara Bartholomay ···································································································· 18 In Memoriam: Beth Hiller, Gale Rankin ····························································································· 38

The Geological Newsletter -6- January/February 2013

Geological Society of the Oregon Country Activities:

ANNUAL EVENTS: President’s Field Trip—Summer or Fall; Banquet—March; Annual Business Meeting— February. FIELD TRIPS: About 4 per year. Fees: see field trip announcements on the calendar next page. GSOC LIBRARY: Rm. 69, Cramer Hall, Portland State University. Open 7:00 p.m. prior to meetings. PROGRAMS: Second Friday evening most months, 7:30 p.m., Rm. S17, Cramer Hall, PSU, SW Broadway at SW Mill St., Portland, Oregon. MEMBERSHIP: Per year from January 1: Individual--$25, Family--$35, Junior (under 18)/Student--$15. Membership applications are available on the website www.gsoc.org. PUBLICATIONS: THE GEOLOGICAL NEWSLETTER (ISSN 0270 5451), published bimonthly and mailed to each member. Subscriptions available to libraries and organizations only at $20.00 per year. Single Copies are available at $2.00 each. Order from: Geological Society of the Oregon Country, P.O. Box 907, Portland, Oregon 97207 TRIP LOGS: Write to the same address for names and price list.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE OREGON COUNTRY

The Geological Newsletter -7- January/February 2013

The Geological Newsletter “News of the Geological Society of the Oregon Country”

Volume 79, Number 2 March/April 2013

The Geological Society of the Oregon Country Past Presidents: P.O. Box 907, Portland, OR 97207-0907 Jane Walpole – 503/590-7501 www.gsoc.org [email protected] 2011 - 2012 Administration: Rik Smoody - 360/546-2019 President: [email protected] John Piccininni – 503/284-9674 Newsletter Editor and Calendar: [email protected] Carol Hasenberg – 503/522-4249 Vice-President: [email protected] Sheila Alfsen – 503/662-3678 Website: [email protected] Janet Rasmussen − 541/753-0774 Secretary [email protected] Paul Edison-Lahm – 971/404-6064 Business Manager: [email protected] Jan Kem – 503/799-6871 Treasurer [email protected] Dawn Juliano (2 years) - 503/367-7708 Assistant Business Manager: [email protected] Anne O’Neill - 503/477-7827 Directors: [email protected] Julia Lanning (1 year) – 503/201-8022 Field Trip Committee Chair [email protected] Dave Olcott– 503/695-5219 Janet Rasmussen (2 years) – 541/753-0774 [email protected] [email protected] Bo Nonn (3 years) – 503/235-9135 VISITORS WELCOME AT ALL MEETINGS [email protected]

CALENDAR 2013 edition of The Geological Newsletter, and is also currently available on the website, March/April Activities www.gsoc.org. Please submit your registration by March 3 if you wish to attend.

The Seventy-eighth Annual GSOC Banquet will be Friday evening talk, April 9, 2013, at 7:30 p.m., in Room Sunday, March 10, 2013, at the Monarch Hotel in S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. (between Clackamas, Oregon. Speaker Dr. Rob McCaffrey, Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State University. geophysicist and research scientist with the Dept. of Speaker Dr. William Orr, Director, State Museum of Geology at PSU will present "GPS Velocity Field Fossils, Eugene, Oregon, will present “The Origin of Mapping for Active Tectonics in the Pacific Northwest". Life and Early Life on Earth.”

McCaffrey is a geophysicist with interests in tectonic The talk will address some of the ideas on first life as plate motions, crustal deformation, earthquakes, GPS well as the likelihood of life out in the cosmos. The and seismology. With students and other geophysicists, fossil record of the earliest life is much better than he is involved in several research projects globally. This generally believed and active research on this subject is talk will focus on determining the tectonic plate motion being pursued in several venues including NASA. Dr. that will produce future earthquakes. Orr will outline some of his ideas on the rates of

th evolution and the integrity of the fossil record itself. By The registration form for the 78 GSOC Annual examining in detail three very early separate faunas he Banquet was attached to the January/February The Geological Newsletter -8- March/April 2013

will support some of his perspectives on the relationship NOTE: You must be a GSOC member or guest of a between tectonics and evolution. member to attend GSOC field trips. You may join GSOC at any time, for $25. Bill's ideas on paleontology and evolution stem from his 50 years of research and work as museum director and Check the GSOC website (www.gsoc.org) for updates to professor at the University of Oregon. Bill did his the calendar. baccalaureate at the University of Oklahoma, 1961, Masters UC Riverside 1963, and his doctorate at Michigan State in 1966. He has traveled extensively in BOARD MEETING NOTES Africa, the Middle East and did lecture tours in China in January 12, 2013 the early 1980’s. He came to UO in 1967 and retired in 1997. In 1982, he was named director of the state The meeting was called to order at the home of museum of fossils, a position he still holds as a volunteer Carol Hasenberg. Board members present were today. John Piccininni, Julia Lanning, Janet Rasmussen, Tara Schoffstall, and Larry Purchase, one member A centerpiece of Orr’s early career was his participation short of a quorum. Also present were GSOC as shipboard scientist aboard GLOMAR CHALLENGER then later in the 1970s and 80's when members Doug Rasmussen, Bo Nonn, and Sheila he managed the program for the National Science Alfsen. Carol took minutes in absence of Secretary Foundation. He is the author of all the standard Paul Edison-Lahm. The minutes of the November references in the Pacific NW and Oregon on Geology 10th, 2012 board meeting were approved. and Paleontology. In addition, he has written books on Oregon water. Board member nominees Sheila and Bo were welcomed and asked to give a brief synopsis of Join GSOC members at Pizzicato Pizza, 1708 SW 6th their lives and what brought them to geology and Ave., at 6:00 p.m. before the lectures for an informal GSOC. Sheila has been a horse shoer, mom, dinner and conversation. student, and geologist/teacher. Sheila did her

graduate work in Paleontology and is currently Free parking is available at Portland State University Friday nights after 5 p.m. in Parking Structure 2 on working with Paul Hammond as well as her job for Broadway Ave. directly across from Cramer Hall and on the Community Colleges. level one of Parking Structure 1, bounded by Broadway and 6th Aves. and Harrison and Hall Streets. Bo hails from the Midwest where he received his bachelor’s degree in geology from Wisconsin. He Future Activities and his wife Ellen spent six years in Africa with the Peace Corps teaching high school, another three GSOC Field Trip, “A Trail of Two Calderas,” May 18- years as private volunteers in Kenya in the 1970s, 19, 2013. and three more years with the Peace Corps in Bart Bartels and Bev Vogt are planning a field trip to the Botswana in the 1980s. In Portland he has worked Crooked River and Wildcat Mountain Calderas in at OIT as a mechanical engineer doing projects in central Oregon on May 18 and 19. For questions, medical technology. He also been a Mazama club details, and registration, contact Bart and Bev at 503- climb leader and taught basic climbing school 292-6939 ([email protected] or classes for twenty years. He retired last year, and is [email protected]). Deadline for registration is May now taking geology classes. 6. The registration form is attached to the end of this issue of The Geological Newsletter, and is also available on the GSOC website www.gsoc.org. NOTE: This trip is Treasurer's Report: a rescheduling of the trip that was cancelled last The Treasurer’s Report was approved. September. Registrants for that trip were reimbursed for their paid fees. You must re-register for this trip if you Field Trips and Other Events wish to go. Larry is planning a field trip based upon the Lidar image of Mt. Hood in the area of Elliott Creek, also The Geological Newsletter -9- March/April 2013

Bo has done some climbing in the area, and thinks Slide conversion project: Bo would like to work we can get over there with vehicles. Larry is hoping with Clay on this. He has two Epsom scanners that to get someone to lead the trip focusing on the do a good job scanning slides. moraine of Elliott glacier. Discussion of Google docs and listserv was tabled President’s Field Trip: John has experience caving, for next meeting. and group was very enthusiastic about doing a trip focused on caving. The next board meeting and annual business meeting will be held March 9th, 2013, 10:00 a.m. at Bev and Bart’s trip is scheduled for May 18th and Rosemary Kenney’s house. 19th. Minutes taken by Carol and edited by Paul. Upcoming Speakers: Notes compiled from board meeting minutes February speaker will discuss cutting edge research submitted by Paul Edison-Lahm, Secretary. on compressed air storage. Other possible speakers were discussed. ARE YOU READY!?! Holiday Party: Janet’s sister lives in a mobile home park that has a Synopsis of the January 11, 2013 Friday night community center that is free to use. Board GSOC lecture by Yumei Wang, seismic hazards approved investigation of this by both Tara and expert at DOGAMI Janet. by Carol Hasenberg and Yumei Wang

Jan's report on the 2012 Holiday Party at the Yumei Wang, seismic hazard expert at DOGAMI Benson House was approved. and one of GSOC's most prolific speakers over the last couple of decades, gave a talk about preparing Annual Banquet: for Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquakes in Banquet plans are on track. Oregon. Indeed, this topic and identifying and reducing natural hazard risks has been the focus of Old and New Business Yumei's career at DOGAMI.

Tara will investigate links between Twitter and Wang's talk, prepared with OSU Professor Chris Facebook. She now has web access and will be Goldfinger and OSSPAC Chairman Kent Yu, increasing the networking via Twitter to give us emphasized that the key of preparing for a large more web cred. earthquake or similar hazard is to define the hazard correctly and then to plan your mitigation strategies. Janet would like a reminder at Friday night Although Japan is the most earthquake savvy meetings to turn off cell phones and computers country in the world, they had major problems in unless people are taking notes. the catastrophic Tohoku earthquake because the hazard was underestimated. We should not be Library revitalization project: Larry and Bart are complacent in the U.S., either, because only working on this. Larry is providing GSA bulletins. recently have we been able to define the earthquake A meeting at the library (Diana, Bart and Larry) is hazards in our country. Our infrastructure has been scheduled for January 25th. The plan is to have a aging and decaying with only the most necessary show-and-tell for the library. It was suggested that repairs, and it wasn't designed for the real natural we get a locking bookcases. Tara, Diana, Rosemary, hazards to begin with. Larry, Tom are on the library committee. We've had some unforgettable disasters in the last several years to show what a subduction zone mega The Geological Newsletter -10- March/April 2013

quake can do in Sumatra and Japan. We can learn in the gap time shown if the road to it has been from those and other earthquakes to plan our washed out. strategies for mitigation and survival of a quake on the Cascadia Subduction Zone. In the past 20 years or so, Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has made extensive studies At this point Wang began to focus on the GSOC of aging bridges, and has used these in determining audience and each individual's preparations for a the seismic preparedness of the major transportation major earthquake. She offered prizes to individuals corridors in Oregon, which include the I-5 and I-84 who had bolted their homes to the foundations. She corridors, major routes to the Oregon coast and asked the audience what they plan to do if they feel central Oregon, and US 101 on the coast. the earth shaking hard. The answers that DOGAMI Landslides, liquefaction, and lateral spreading (I.e., has been instructing us are to "Drop, Cover, and permanent soil failures) are a concern along these Hold", and to run to higher ground if you are in a corridors as well as damage from shaking to the tsunami inundation zone. She asked who in the bridges. audience has an emergency preparation kit with 1-2 weeks supply of food and water? In the energy sector, energy transmission and storage facilities were studied through a geographic To illustrate why the last question is important filter of predicted seismic soil failures (i.e., Wang showed the audience some slides from her landslides, liquefaction, and lateral spreading) to see earthquake reconnaissance trip to Japan after the where major problems lie. The Bonneville Power Tohoku Earthquake and its devastating effect on Administration (BPA) has done a very robust study buildings and infrastructure. After the quake power of the vulnerabilities of their systems but once generation was a fraction of normal capacity, again, this is assuming that other systems are bridges and roads were destroyed, ports for shipping running, employees can get to work, etc. There are in supplies were damaged, the airport was flooded, many endangered high voltage electrical some coastal towns were completely obliterated. transmission towers situated in river flood plains After such major damage to the infrastructure, it full of highly liquefiable soils. Also, fuel tank may take a community months or even years to depots along the Willamette River are built on restore full services. It may even lead to the highly liquefiable soil, and there are no backup economic failure of some communities. storage areas. So, in terms of major services, Oregon does not seem to be very prepared for a Kent Yu, an engineer who is on the Oregon Seismic mega quake. The report is at Safety Policy Advisory Commission (OSSPAC), http://www.oregon.gov/puc/docs/DOGAMICEIHub has led an effort in developing a seismic report-8-1-12-R1.pdf preparedness plan for the next fifty years for the state. A "gap analysis" chart was made for lifeline So that leads us back to individual preparedness in services including water, energy, transportation, and Oregon. HOW MANY OF YOU HAVE telecommunications. The gaps in the study show EMERGENCY KITS THAT ARE GOING TO how much time each sector estimates they will need LAST YOU A LONG TIME IN A MEGA to repair their services once the earthquake hits and QUAKE? Remember, there will be no warning for the damage has been done. The gaps show a an earthquake, although there is a short gap of breakdown of the tasks into more specific aspects of warning for a tsunami. So prepare yourself and your each of the major services. It also has markers family now. showing target repair gaps for improved seismic performance. Wang felt that the gap analysis might Wang pointed out that in planning for an be a bit misleading in that the gap times shown may emergency, the first hour after an earthquake can be depend on other services being functional as the very important. You should have a shutoff wrench repairs are being conducted. For example, you may to turn off your gas service, and any other fire or have difficulty in repairing an electrical transformer hazardous chemical hazards that you have should be The Geological Newsletter -11- March/April 2013

secured. You should have a family communication plan and a plan to meet up after the event. You may WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! be on one side of the river and the rest of your We’d like to welcome quite a few new members family be on the other side. to GSOC for 2013! Hot-diggity!

After the talk, a few of us were discussing making Jon & Barbara Stroud Phillip Kaser an emergency preparedness kit and what it might Dr Alyson Lighthart Rockne Stephenson contain. At Fort Lewis the army surplus store has Glenn Kirkindall Kyle Dittmer MRE meals that are ready to eat. There are 50 to 80 Richard McJunkin Mark Meininger gallons of water in the typical hot water tank that Perry & Terra Crampton Lyle T. Hubbard Jr. could be used. You may want to have a camping Alex Marrero, D.D.S. Carolyn Powers stove and a camping water filter system on hand. Richard ‘Dick’ Pugh Kathy Goss

The Geological Newsletter -12- March/April 2013

Geological Society of the Oregon Country Activities:

ANNUAL EVENTS: President’s Field Trip—Summer or Fall; Banquet—March; Annual Business Meeting— February. FIELD TRIPS: About 4 per year. Fees: see field trip announcements on the calendar next page. GSOC LIBRARY: Rm. 69, Cramer Hall, Portland State University. Open 7:00 p.m. prior to meetings. PROGRAMS: Second Friday evening most months, 7:30 p.m., Rm. S17, Cramer Hall, PSU, SW Broadway at SW Mill St., Portland, Oregon. MEMBERSHIP: Per year from January 1: Individual--$25, Family--$35, Junior (under 18)/Student--$15. Membership applications are available on the website www.gsoc.org. PUBLICATIONS: THE GEOLOGICAL NEWSLETTER (ISSN 0270 5451), published bimonthly and mailed to each member. Subscriptions available to libraries and organizations only at $20.00 per year. Single Copies are available at $2.00 each. Order from: Geological Society of the Oregon Country, P.O. Box 907, Portland, Oregon 97207 TRIP LOGS: Write to the same address for names and price list.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE OREGON COUNTRY

The Geological Newsletter -13- March/April 2013

Geological Society Of The Oregon Country TWO CENTRAL OREGON CALDERAS FIELD TRIP MAY 18 AND 19, 2013

Past Presidents Richard Bartels and Beverly Vogt will lead a field trip to Crooked River and Wildcat Mountain calderas in central Oregon on May 18 and 19. The Crooked River caldera, called Oregon’s Super Volcano by its discoverers Mark Ferns and Jason McClaughry of DOGAMI, is enormous, covering an area approximately 25 by 17 miles and containing Smith Rock State Park on the northwest side, Prineville in the middle, and Prineville Reservoir State Park on the southeast side. Tuff ejected during the eruption that caused the collapse of the caldera has an age or approximately 29.5 Ma. Wildcat Mountain caldera to the northeast of Crooked River caldera is smaller and older, covering 10 by 7 miles. Tuff produced by its catastrophic caldera-producing eruption has an age between 41.5 and 39.35 Ma. Steins Pillar, a famous pioneer landmark located in the caldera, is an erosional remnant of this tuff. This trip will explore features of Crooked River caldera on Saturday, the 18th, and Wildcat Mountain caldera on Sunday, the 19th. The trip will be over no later than 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Trip Participation Policies: If you plan on participating in this trip, send in your registration form (attached to this newsletter) and $25 fee by Monday, May 6th. Each participant must be a GSOC member or guest and should have a separate registration form. A nonmember may register if he/she includes a membership application form and payment with the registration form and fee. NOTE: This trip is a rescheduling of the trip that was cancelled last September. Registrants for that trip were reimbursed for their paid fees. You must re- register for this trip if you wish to go.

REGISTRATION/MEDICAL INFORMATION FORM Two Central Oregon Calderas Field Trip – May 18 and 19, 2013

REGISTRATION

Fee: $ 25, includes printed materials. All other costs are responsibility of the participants. Send this form and payment to: GSOC, PO Box 907, Portland, OR 97207-0907, by May 6, 2013. ______

MEDICAL INFORMATION

Name of physician: ______telephone number: ______Allergies: ______Medications (attach list if necessary): ______Special medical conditions: ______In case of an emergency call: ______

The Geological Newsletter “News of the Geological Society of the Oregon Country”

Volume 79, Number 3 May/June 2013

The Geological Society of the Oregon Country Past Presidents: P.O. Box 907, Portland, OR 97207-0907 Jane Walpole – 503/590-7501 www.gsoc.org [email protected] 2011 - 2012 Administration: Rik Smoody - 360/546-2019 President: [email protected] John Piccininni – 503/284-9674 Newsletter Editor and Calendar: [email protected] Carol Hasenberg – 503/522-4249 Vice-President: [email protected] Sheila Alfsen – 503/939-6003 Website: [email protected] Janet Rasmussen − 541/753-0774 Secretary [email protected] Paul Edison-Lahm – 971/404-6064 Business Manager: [email protected] Jan Kem – 503/799-6871 Treasurer [email protected] Dawn Juliano - 503/367-7708 Assistant Business Manager: [email protected] Anne O’Neill - 503/477-7827 Directors: [email protected] Julia Lanning (1 year) – 503/201-8022 Field Trip Committee Chair [email protected] Dave Olcott– 503/695-5219 Janet Rasmussen (2 years) – 541/753-0774 [email protected] [email protected] Bo Nonn (3 years) – 503/235-9135 VISITORS WELCOME AT ALL MEETINGS [email protected]

CALENDAR Eric received his BS in Geology at the University of the Pacific, an MS in Geology at UC Davis, under Dr. May/June Activities Eldridge Moores, and a PhD in Geology at UC Davis under Dr. Charles Lesher. Currently an instructor at Friday evening talk, May 10, 2013, at 7:30 p.m., in Portland Community College, Eric is also a full-time Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. dad. His research interests include the origin and (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State evolution of basaltic magma systems in different University. Speaker Dr. Eric L. Brown, Portland tectono-magmatic environments. He addresses these Community College, will present “A Virtual Tour of the petrologic problems using thermodynamic modeling and 55ma Skaergaard Intrusion, Central East Greenland.” major element, trace element, and radiogenic isotope geochemistry. The Skaergaard intrusion formed during the breakup of Pangea and the opening of the North Atlantic ocean Join GSOC members at Pizzicato Pizza, 1708 SW 6th basin ~ 55 Ma, and is perhaps the world's best example Ave., at 6:00 p.m. before the lectures for an informal of an ancient solidified magma chamber. Eric completed dinner and conversation. a 1 year post-doc at UC Davis, where he had the opportunity to go to the Skaergaard Intrusion. He will Free parking is available at Portland State University discuss the logistical challenges and isolation while Friday nights after 5 p.m. in Parking Structure 2 on working in East Greenland, and provide a photographic Broadway Ave. directly across from Cramer Hall and on tour of the major features of the intrusion.

The Geological Newsletter -14- May/June 2013

level one of Parking Structure 1, bounded by Broadway techniques that were used to establish the age of the and 6th Aves. and Harrison and Hall Streets. flood, and possible impacts on local ecology.

GSOC Field Trip, “A Trail of Two Calderas,” May 18- Deron Carter holds an M.S. in geology from Central 19, 2013. Washington University and is a faculty member in the Bart Bartels and Bev Vogt are planning a field trip to the Department of Physical Sciences at Linn-Benton Crooked River and Wildcat Mountain Calderas in Community College in Albany, Oregon. central Oregon on May 18 and 19. For questions, details, and registration, contact Bart and Bev at 503- Future Activities 292-6939 (or email to [email protected] or [email protected]). Deadline for registration is May GSOC Field Trip, “Eliot Glacier/Parkdale Lava Flow - 6, 2013. The registration form for the trip was attached Field Trip,” tentative dates August 3 and 4, 2013. to the end of the March/April 2013 edition of The Field trip co-leaders Larry Purchase, Bo Nonn, and Rik Geological Newsletter, and is also currently available on Smoody are putting an exciting trip together for GSOC. the website, www.gsoc.org. Cost of the trip is $25, and Featuring guest speaker and leader Dr. Andrew participation will be limited to the first 25 GSOC Fountain, PSU Dept. of Geology, Glaciologist, and members and their guests who have paid for the trip. assisted by Cynthia Gardner and Willy Scott, both of NOTE: This trip is a rescheduling of the trip that was USGS, Geologist/Volcanologist. cancelled last September. Registrants for that trip were reimbursed for their paid fees. You must re-register for The anticipated two day event may include the this trip if you wish to go. following:

NOTE: You must be a GSOC member or guest of a First Day: member to attend GSOC field trips. You may join GSOC 1. Visits to washouts and new bridges on the Middle at any time, for $25. Fork, Hood River, one located above, and the other below the Parkdale Lava Flow. The Middle Fork, Friday evening talk, June 14, 2013, at 7:30 p.m., in Hood River starts at the Eliot Glacier passes the Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. Parkdale Lava Flow adjacent and to the west side, on (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State the way down the mountain. University. Speaker Deron Carter, Linn-Benton 2. A visit is scheduled to a century old water supply Community College, will present “Large Pleistocene system, beginning at the bottom of the Parkdale Outburst Flooding from Lake Alvord into the Owyhee Lava Flow and supplying gravity fed water to homes River, Oregon.” almost to the town of Parkdale.

Large magnitude floods significantly altered portions of Second Day: the landscape of western North America during the 3. An optional opportunity is being presented to see if Pleistocene. The well-known and well-documented there is enough interest in climbing to Eliot Glacier Missoula Floods illustrate the impact this scale flooding to look at an active glacier. If the climb is a go we had by altering the course of major drainages and will try to schedule Dr. Fountain for a Friday night creating the extensive Channeled Scablands of Eastern lecture, just before the trip. Washington. However, other floods, of smaller magnitude, also affected landscapes on a more regional The details on the Eliot Glacier portion of the trip are basis. that we will have to climb from a parking lot near Cloud Cap Inn at 6,000 ft. to about 8,500 ft. up the east side The Alvord Basin, located in Oregon’s remote moraine (on a good trail of angular rock) of Eliot Glacier southeastern corner, once contained a large lake that to a point where we will be looking down onto the overflowed at least once about 13,000 years ago into the Glacier. From there we will descend down a steep talus Crooked Creek drainage of the Owyhee River slope of volcanic rock for a short way, then to the ice of watershed. This flood altered the regional landscape by the glacier, where we will be led safely to the top of an leaving behind stripped bedrock surfaces and large flood open crevasse. A lecture may be given as we peer down deposits, some of which are located over 30 meters into the depths of the crevasse. It will be a full day to above the present channel. Come learn about the flood’s negotiate the hike up to the glacier and then back down. connection to Lake Alvord, a variety of geologic dating We can be assisted by board member, Bo Nonn, who has The Geological Newsletter -15- May/June 2013

been a Mazama Climb leader for two decades, knows Vice-President: Sheila Alfsen first aid, and has been on this trip with Dr. Fountain. Treasurer: Dawn Juliano Another board member, Julia Lanning, is an avid hiker Secretary: Paul Edison-Lahm and climber and may be able to assist. If necessary, a Director (1-year): Julia Lanning conditioning hike up in the gorge, at say, Dog Mountain, Director (2-year): Janet Rasmussen could be arranged in advance of the trip, if requested. Director (3-year): Bo Nonn

The group will be camping overnight on the mountain near Cloud Cap Inn, or near the top of the Parkdale Lava The Treasurer’s Report was approved. Flow. Participants are also welcome to arrange their own lodging at a motel in Hood River. The trip date is Dawn notified us that our post office box has been dependent upon the opening of a crevasse which is in moved to the location at S.W. 1st and Madison. turn dependent upon the snow melting rate for this year, so for that reason we will not be able to announce a firm Field Trips and Other Events date at this time. Every attempt will be made to determine open weekend dates as soon as possible. Annual Banquet: Fifty-nine people are signed up for Participants will provide their own transportation to and the annual banquet. Rosemary will be bringing the from the mountain and carpooling is encouraged. free field guides. John will bring other stuff, Participants will also be able to sign up for one or both days of the trip. The trip registration form will be including free literature. Jan will staff the sales available in the next issue of The Geological Newsletter table. The spiffy banquet programs created by Janet as well as a completed, detailed itinerary for the trip. were appreciated.

NOTE: You must be a GSOC member or guest of a Fellows Certificates: Bart explained the process member to attend GSOC field trips. You may join GSOC whereby the President and VP automatically at any time, for $25. become fellows and some active members who have “made significant contribution” can become Check the GSOC website (www.gsoc.org) for updates to fellows by unanimous board vote. the calendar.

Upcoming Speakers: Sheila announced that she has BOARD MEETING NOTES scheduled the following speakers: Bill Orr will March 9, 2013 speak in April on the origins of life; Eric Brown (research assistant for Paul Hammond) will speak in The meeting was called to order at the home of May on the Greenland mafic intrusion; Deron Rosemary Kenney. Board members in attendance Carter (Linn-Benton Community College Geology were Jane Walpole, John Piccininni, Dawn Juliano, Dept.) will speak in June on pluvial Lake Alvord; Paul Edison-Lahm, Janet Rasmussen, and Larry Paul Hammond will speak in September on the Purchase. Quorum was present. (Board members- possible connection of the Western US to the elect present were John, Sheila Alfsen, Dawn, Paul, Pacific Plate. Other possible topics include: wells Janet, and Jane.) Also in attendance were GSOC and groundwater, coastal turbidites, Sandy river members Bev Vogt, Richard Bartels, Dave Olcott, lahars, and South Sister inflation. Jan Kem, Peregrine Edison-Lahm and Rosemary. The minutes of the January 12th, 2013 board The board discussed speaker honoraria and meeting were approved. providing speakers with an honorary membership for the remainder of the year and the following year. Election results: The board took notice of the results of the election Carol [maintains a spreadsheet of past speakers on February 8th, 2013 of the following new board starting in 1998]. Our VP will need this list. The list members: might also be put on the public website. President: John Piccininni

The Geological Newsletter -16- May/June 2013

Upcoming Field Trips/Events Paul recommended that board members read A Guide to Nonprofit Board Service in Oregon which Possibilities for John’s President’s Field Trip he passed out. include: Lava Beds National Monument, with the option of some of the group going into the caves. The next board meeting will be held Saturday, May Safety concerns were discussed. Equipment, such as 11th, 2013, 10:00 a.m. at Rosemary Kenney’s house. headlamps, would be needed and members of the local caving associations might be invited also for Notes compiled from board meeting minutes the caving expertise. Another field trip possibility submitted by Paul Edison-Lahm, Secretary. might be going to Southwestern Idaho/Northwest Nevada at the headwaters of one fork of Owyhee. Further possibilities include the Mt. Hood glacier PACIFIC NORTHWEST TECTONIC MOTION: caves or the City of Rocks in Idaho. FROM TINY MEASUREMENTS TO THE BIG

Bo and Larry are exploring a possible field trip to PICTURE the Parkdale Lava flow with a guest speaker on Synopsis of the Seventy-Eighth GSOC Annual glaciology. Sheila may plan a field trip to the Banquet lecture by Dr. Rob McCaffrey, geophysicist Mollala River. Dave and Paul are passing on and research scientist with the Dept. of Geology at PSU planning a field trip this year. The club really by Carol Hasenberg appreciates their efforts over the past several years. Dr. Rob McCaffrey, a geophysicist and research Janet was exploring the prospect of a Canadian faculty member of Portland State University’s Rockies trip, but rooms have filled up fast for this Department of Geology, has interests in tectonic year, so she may plan in few years out. plate motions, crustal deformation, earthquakes, GPS and seismology. While on a sabbatical trip Old and New Business from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1995, his heart was captured by the Pacific Northwest. The Library committee: Larry and Bart report that the His subsequent move west 15 years later west has library committee has removed three boxes of fossil meshed perfectly with his interest in measuring and books from the library. Larry suggests giving them analyzing the rates of motion of the earth’s crust. to NARG. He will swap for some geology books with NARG and then see if GSOC wants these Before plunging the GSOC crowd into the thick of books. Rosemary suggests reminding people of the his research in plate tectonics, McCaffrey gave existence of the library. special thanks to the work done by Tony Qamar, a Washington state seismologist who was killed doing A lock box is needed for valuable books. John GPS field work but whose data provided the suggests using the COHA open source application foundation for the long-term GPS database that to keep track of books. The committee will continue McCaffrey and other earth scientists use today. He discussion. also gave thanks to his colleagues Suzette Payne from the Idaho National Laboratory and Robert Janet suggests using a listserv for meeting King from MIT. announcements. Rik and Paul were to research using Google docs and setting up a listserv, but this Since the late 1980’s earth scientists have had the was tabled until the next meeting. high precision GPS system for measuring movements in the earth’s crust. McCaffrey Rik’s proposal of GSOC sponsorship at the Intel explained how the 24-plus satellite system is used NW Science Expo was tabled until the next by the GPS receiver in your car to obtain your meeting. position accurately enough for you to drive about. The high precision GPS instruments used by The Geological Newsletter -17- May/June 2013

geophysicists are a bit more accurate. The measuring array uses antennae that determine the The plate motion research process has been fairly phase of the waves broadcast by multiple satellites, well developed over the last couple of decades, and then process these in a complex program to correct similar studies are being done in Japan and New errors so that the measurement accuracy is within Zealand. McCaffrey is using the data gathered in 2mm. The analysis required for this method the Pacific Northwest to determine subduction rates, sacrifices the ability to obtain real-time observations crustal deformation and strain, define plate sub- at that level of accuracy, however. boundaries and the earthquake hazards they generate, and obtain an overall view of the Prior to this technological breakthrough, earth deformation trends of the North American plate and scientists had been trying to estimate the its driving forces. deformation of the earth’s crust by measuring slippage caused by earthquakes, which proved to be In determining all these motion trends, one must very unreliable as it did not get the whole picture. study a vast field of motion vectors generated by the In the last twenty-some years, measurements have field measurements. The motion trends must be been made of many points on the earth’s crust using decoupled mathematically to reveal crustal GPS and this information has given a much clearer squeezing, stretching, and shearing, or strains in the picture of the processes of crustal plate movements. fabric of the crust, as well as overall translation and For his research in the northwestern section of the rotation motions of the plates and sub-plates. This North American Plate, McCaffrey has obtained all sounds pretty complicated, but the overall trends information about the rates of subduction, can be picked out visually by viewing a slide of the continental deformation, seismic hazards, and motion vectors. transient deformations. For the western section of the North American In order to study local plate movement, a network plate, two trends are very obvious to the eye. In the of measuring stations must be developed and northern section, motion is dominated by rotation monitored. McCaffrey gets measurements from a with the axis of rotation located in the northeastern network of about 1000 continuously monitored corner of Oregon. In the southern section, straight- stations with permanent measurement arrays, and line motion is dominant towards the northwest. also takes periodic measurements on geodetic McCaffrey explained these overall motion trends markers and unobtrusive bolts inset in rock in a with the following model: The Rocky Mountains number of locations. Taking these periodic field are being pulled down by gravity. This mass of measurements can consume a lot of time, so he is material moves westward since it is buttressed always welcome to having volunteers for this duty. toward the east. Since the California plate The movement data obtained is also being archived boundary, a nearly vertical slip-strike fault, is much for future studies, because the longer the time span stronger in comparison to the weaker thrust fault in in the data, the more one can observe the long term the Pacific NW, the mass is being squeezed out trends. through the northwest. The rotation is likely caused by the thick “root” of the Idaho batholith acting as McCaffrey showed an example graph from GPS an anchor. data obtained on Vancouver Island which demonstrated a long term trend as well as episodic Because the Pacific Northwest is moving in rotation trends with a periodic correction, these episodes relative to the rest of the North American plate, its occurring over periods of a year or so. This boundaries are sites of faulting and earthquakes. phenomenon was an unexpected "slow slip" The boundaries include the Snake River Plain in aseismic process that has been studied in the last Idaho, Yellowstone National Park, the Wasatch few years. It is believed that this is a frictional Front in Utah, and the Walker Lane fault zone process characteristic of the seismic boundary. The northeast of the Sierra Nevada. This rotation has physics of the process is still under study. been fairly constant for at least the last 15 million The Geological Newsletter -18- May/June 2013

years, because the rates of rotation observed in the have some basic understanding about how scientists GPS measurements coincide with the rotation rates find out how life originated on earth. The earth is gleaned from studying the direction of about 4.5 billion years old, and it developed magnetization in Columbia River Basalt formations. continents, oceanic crust, and an ocean of water McCaffrey joked that the Pacific Northwest is early in its history. The continents, being composed actually seceding from the US, physically if not of less dense rock than the oceanic crust, are thicker politically. and ride higher on the earth’s surface. The oceanic crust is thinner and denser than the continents. The big picture of motion is not the only thing Oceanic crust is recycled “like newspaper” back gotten from the study of plate motion into the molten core of the earth so the really old measurements. Geophysicists are working to build rocks remain on the original pieces of the a kinematic block model of the Western US, which continents. Therefore, any old fossils containing an will help in developing future seismic hazard maps. early record of life on earth will have to be found in A USGS seismic hazards map is due out in 2014 the rock on the oldest sections of the continents. which will include this information. Strain models are also being developed for the Cascadia Scientists did not realize until the middle of the 20th Subduction Zone plate boundary. By the pattern of century that the continents and oceanic crust are strain they see on the surface, geophysicists can constantly in motion on the surface of the earth. build another model of what the strain is like at This concept is referred to as “plate tectonics” or depth in the locked zone. This has been “continental drift” and probably most of you have corroborated by data from the Sumatra and Tohoku heard about it by now. Although on a simplistic earthquakes, where similar models have been built. level the concept explains “sea floor spreading”, the Changing assumptions about material properties can ramifications of the theory have influenced every alter this type of model from a smoother continuum aspect of the natural history of the earth. Scientists to a more patchy pattern. have examined fossil and other clues to piece together maps of the locations of the continents GSOC would like to thank Dr. McCaffrey for a very back through the last two “Wilson cycles”, where knowledgeable glimpse into the work being done by continents in their movements drift apart and then geophysicists to understand our earth and prepare come back together into supercontinents, or one big for its hazards. continental mass. Not only can they tell the relative positions of the continents with each other but also with the approximate latitudes they occupy. DISCOVERING ORIGINS OF MULTICELLULAR LIFE Orr presented some correlations between earth’s synopsis of GSOC Friday night lecture, April 12, tectonic and paleobiological history in the lecture. 2013, “Perspectives on Earth's Earliest Life” by Dr. Researchers have been comparing the plate William Orr, professor emeritus, University of tectonics record to that of species biodiversity and Oregon. The author has also filled in the details of biomass as determined from fossil beds. There is a some of the Hadean and Archean evolution with rough correlation in these biological indicators with information that has been presented in the recent periods of relative continental stability and Nova program, “Australia’s First Four Billion continental breakup and reassemblage. A large Years: Episode 1, Awakening” on OPB. amount of species evolution occurs near a shoreline, so periods of continental breakup and reassemblage Dr. Orr began his informative lecture on the origins tend to have the greatest biodiversity and biomass. of multicellular life with a brief look at the origin of The leanest times for biodiversity and biomass tend life on earth and concepts we have come to to be when supercontinents are assembled and understand about life’s origin. But to understand relatively stable. Of course there are other factors at anything about the origins of life, you must first play, such as the chemical composition of the atmosphere. The Geological Newsletter -19- May/June 2013

the paleobiological history from fossils back to The earliest known fossils date back to about 3.5 about 3.5 billion years. billion years, and are single-celled forms. Trace fossils go back to about 4 billion years. For a long For many years scientists did not find evidence of time life existed as single-celled biota that lived multicellular forms of life until the beginning of the individually or in mats or other groupings. Cambrian Period of geologic time. Or life forms in Nevertheless, some profound changes to earth’s general, for that matter. Orr remarked that the environment occurred during this time, due to the principal was a backwards take on the old adage influence of this biota. The first cells were formed “seeing is believing”. Scientists tend not to see in anaerobic conditions, i.e., without atmospheric things that they are not looking for. Therefore in oxygen. Scientists have been working on science, “I wouldn’t have seen it if I didn’t experiments to simulate or re-create the beginnings believe it” applies. This is true in the finding of of life for quite a number of years now. It is Ediacaran fossils as well as tiny indicator fossils actually quite easy to synthesize amino acids from which we will cover a bit later. Trace fossils such the inorganic chemicals that existed in earth’s early as tracks made by worms were also ignored until atmosphere, and this exercise, called the Miller the 1970’s. experiment, was first done in 1953 by Stan Miller, a graduate student of Dr. Harold Urey of the So now the fossil records show metazoans, or University of Chicago. Orr and others have multicellular life forms, appearing about 600 speculated that simple forms of life have been million years ago. This is the Ediacaran biota, first initiated many times and in many places throughout discovered in Australia by Martin Glaessner, an oil the universe. Orr joked that most of this life would micropaleontologist. Ediacaran forms were soft resemble Precambrian biota rather than more bodied, segmented, most were vagrant (i.e., complex forms (and here he showed the audience a travelled about), not sessile or sedentary. Adolph picture of ALIEN). Seilacher was mentioned by Orr as being the paleontologist that interpreted most Ediacaran During the long reign of single-celled biota, forms as having a hydro-skeleton, like a quilted cyanobacteria, or “blue-green algae” developed (at membrane filled with seawater. Dickinsonia, of least 2.7 billion years ago), which could perform dinner plate dimensions, was a typical Ediacaran photosynthesis and produce oxygen. Similar forms life form. Xenusion is the only one known with of these exist today in mat forms called spines or other means of defense. As soft-bodied stromatolites, found on the western shores of forms, Ediacaran life was quite edible, and thus they Australia in high salinity bays which discourage disappeared as soon as jaws were developed. predators. These were successful because they Spriggina, an important Ediacaran find, sports a could synthesize power directly from sunlight, and notochord and head-like area and is a transitional did not have to rely on volcanism to heat the water form to animals with brains. Holothurians, or sea which contained it. They also produced an cucumbers, as modern creatures resembling overabundance of oxygen, which first precipitated Ediacaran life, now have evolved chemical means out the iron in the oceans, then converted of protecting themselves. atmospheric methane to carbon dioxide and oxygen. This poisoned most of the anaerobic forms and our Orr had finally arrived at the Cambrian Explosion atmosphere has contained a large percentage of of life, which began about 540 million years ago, oxygen ever since. Orr mentioned a couple of the and he took a look at both large and small fossils research scientists who have contributed our which scientists are using to study life at this point. knowledge to this part of the history of life on earth: Fossils can be both taxial or parataxial, that is, they Elso Barghoorn, who interpreted cyanobacterial can represent the whole individual or a piece of that fossils in Gunflint chert in the Lake Superior region individual. This can confuse the picture quite a lot, found in 1953, about 2 billion years old, and and scientists have to be careful that they don’t William Schopf from UCLA, who has fleshed out make limiting assumptions about a particular kind The Geological Newsletter -20- May/June 2013

of fossil until good examples are found. It is also 10 million years to the present, and how this important to find fossils which have recorded the population has evolved in shape over that time. soft tissue of the specimen. This underlines the importance of the Burgess Shale, a 530 million year Which brings us to the penultimate topic that Orr old outcrop in the Canadian Rockies discovered by covered, that of transitional species. Scientists like Charles Walcott in 1909. This was scientists’ first to neatly classify types of organisms into certain good look at the soft tissues of Cambrian fauna. A groups, but all life on earth has evolved from one population was preserved on soft shale showing form to another throughout its history. Just looking very complex forms, arthropods of several types, at chordates, there have been fish that evolved into Anomalocaris, who was a large predator, mollusk amphibians, who evolved into reptiles and Hyolithids, which survived for 300 million years, mammals, dinosaurs, and birds. Some species and primitive vertebrate animals. along this evolutionary path represent transitional forms between these classifications, say therapsid Trilobites characterize the Cambrian, and some reptiles that have mammal-like characteristics such species were used as guide fossils in piecing as dental specialization. Likewise there are together fossil ages and continental drift positions. mammals such as opossums that retain some Olenellus is an American Cambrian guide fossil. reptile-like qualities. There are examples like these Paradoxides was another trilobite found in Europe throughout the fossil record as well as living in the Cambrian and much bigger than Olenellus. specimens. These trilobites were useful in some circumstances (such as continental drift assemblages), but for Orr’s lecture ended at the place where most life being a guide fossil they had some strikes against forms have begun, the continental margins. Most them. They were facies fossils, that is, they oceanic species evolve on or near the beach, and as preserved well in shales and limestones but not in time passes they are displaced farther and farther sandstones. They were provincial, not offshore down the continental shelf. When they cosmopolitan, in their distribution. They were also reach the continental shelf, they die out completely. hard to identify from fragments. This concept ties us back to the plate tectonic biodiversity model explored at the beginning of the So scientists have turned more and more to tiny, article, and why the breakup or reassemblage of ubiquitous, hard mineralized fauna to use as guide continents, which produces a lot of shallow water is fossils. Better guide fossils for the Cambrian are the so important to the evolution of life on earth. It is a oldest shelled metazoans, Tommotian microfossils. long, slow dance between earth’s geology and its They are very tiny, but much better than trilobites. life. They are now being used by researchers analyzing stratigraphy for relative dating. Their shells are ADDITIONAL READING made of aragonite and calcite. They come in many shapes -tubes, horns, clams, snails, spaceship- University of California Museum of Paleontology: looking spikes, ridged scales- which are http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/index.php and characteristic of their era. subpages The Geologic Time Scale http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/help/timeform.php Radiolarian microfossils are also now commonly and The Tommotian Age used in dating stratigraphy. These protozoa contain http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/cambrian/tommotia opaline skeletons in a variety of characteristic n.html shapes for particular eras of time. They are present in seawater as zooplankton and so are found in all Wikipedia: Cambrian Explosion: oceanic sediments from Cambrian time forward. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambrian_explosion Orr showed the audience pictures of a particular contains many of the concepts from the lecture, species group that he uses in classifying strata from with links to many others.

The Geological Newsletter -21- May/June 2013

Wikipedia: Small Shelly Fauna: Madison University, Geologic Web Sites: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_shelly_fauna has http://csmres.jmu.edu/geollab/fichter/Wilson/Wilso some pictures of Tommotian fauna n.html

Wikipedia: Burgess Shale: Some additional background info from the Hadean, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burgess_Shale Archean, and Proterozoic Eons can be gleaned from these Wikipedia pages: Wikipedia: Gunflint Chert: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunflint_chert Wikipedia: The Great Oxygenation Event: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxygen_catastrophe Wikipedia: Radiolaria: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiolaria Wikipedia: Snowball Earth: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snowball_Earth Paleomap Project: http://www.scotese.com/ Wikipedia: Plate Tectonics: Missed the NOVA “Australia’s First Four Billion http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plate_Tectonics Years: Episode 1, Awakening” show? Watch the video at http://video.pbs.org/video/2364992087/ The Wilson Cycle, part of the Department of Geology and Environmental Science, James

The Geological Newsletter -22- May/June 2013

Geological Society of the Oregon Country Activities:

ANNUAL EVENTS: President’s Field Trip—Summer or Fall; Banquet—March; Annual Business Meeting— February. FIELD TRIPS: About 4 per year. Fees: see field trip announcements on the calendar next page. GSOC LIBRARY: Rm. 69, Cramer Hall, Portland State University. Open 7:00 p.m. prior to meetings. PROGRAMS: Second Friday evening most months, 7:30 p.m., Rm. S17, Cramer Hall, PSU, SW Broadway at SW Mill St., Portland, Oregon. MEMBERSHIP: Per year from January 1: Individual--$25, Family--$35, Junior (under 18)/Student--$15. Membership applications are available on the website www.gsoc.org. PUBLICATIONS: THE GEOLOGICAL NEWSLETTER (ISSN 0270 5451), published bimonthly and mailed to each member. Subscriptions available to libraries and organizations only at $20.00 per year. Single Copies are available at $2.00 each. Order from: Geological Society of the Oregon Country, P.O. Box 907, Portland, Oregon 97207 TRIP LOGS: Write to the same address for names and price list.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE OREGON COUNTRY

The Geological Newsletter -23- May/June 2013

The Geological Newsletter “News of the Geological Society of the Oregon Country”

Volume 79, Number 4 July/August 2013

The Geological Society of the Oregon Country Past Presidents: P.O. Box 907, Portland, OR 97207-0907 Jane Walpole – 503/590-7501 www.gsoc.org [email protected] 2011 - 2012 Administration: Rik Smoody - 360/546-2019 President: [email protected] John Piccininni – 503/284-9674 Newsletter Editor and Calendar: [email protected] Carol Hasenberg – 503/522-4249 Vice-President: [email protected] Sheila Alfsen – 503/939-6003 Website: [email protected] Janet Rasmussen − 541/753-0774 Secretary [email protected] Paul Edison-Lahm – 971/404-6064 Business Manager: [email protected] Jan Kem – 503/799-6871 Treasurer [email protected] Dawn Juliano - 503/367-7708 Assistant Business Manager: [email protected] Anne O’Neill - 503/477-7827 Directors: [email protected] Julia Lanning (1 year) – 503/201-8022 Field Trip Committee Chair [email protected] Dave Olcott– 503/695-5219 Janet Rasmussen (2 years) – 541/753-0774 [email protected] [email protected] Bo Nonn (3 years) – 503/235-9135 VISITORS WELCOME AT ALL MEETINGS [email protected]

CALENDAR We will meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Molalla High School parking lot. For questions, details, and registration, contact Jane 503/590-7501 (or email [email protected]). July/August Activities Participants need to be prepared to pay the fee and sign the liability waiver at the meeting area. GSOC fee for There will be no GSOC Friday night meeting in July. the trip will be $10. Participants will be responsible for providing their own transportation and bag lunch. GSOC Field Trip, “Fluvial Features and Basalt Participation will be limited to 18 people and 5 vehicles, of the Molalla River,” Friday, July 19, 2013. so contact Jane to reserve your name on the list of GSOC Vice President Sheila Alfsen and Past President participants. Registration will be done onsite at the Jane Walpole are planning a half-day trip to the Molalla meeting area. Jane can also help facilitate carpooling. River Corridor, upstream from the town of Molalla in Each participant must be a GSOC member or guest of a the Western Cascades. This stretch of the river is being member. A nonmember may register for membership at considered in Congress for a Wild and Scenic status, and the meeting area. The membership registration form is it certainly deserves the moniker. Columbia River included in this newsletter. Since there aren’t any picnic Basalts and other lava flows intermingle with fluvial tables along the route, you are encouraged to bring your features of the river. A trip through the Corridor is trip own chairs for lunch. Last minute announcements will back through time; a glimpse of Oregon’s ancient history be found on the calendar page of the GSOC website, as displayed in the rocks, and it present condition due to www.gsoc.org. the erosive power of the river.

The Geological Newsletter -24- July/August 2013

Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult GSOC member, parent or legal guardian. A letter from Free parking is available at Portland State University his or her parent or legal guardian giving permission for Friday nights after 5 p.m. in Parking Structure 2 on a minor to participate in the field trip with a designated Broadway Ave. directly across from Cramer Hall and on person must submitted at the registration. Each level one of Parking Structure 1, bounded by Broadway participant must also fill out and sign a liability waiver at and 6th Aves. and Harrison and Hall Streets. the meeting area in order to participate. Minor participants must also have the signature of a parent or GSOC Field Trip, “Eliot Glacier/Parkdale Lava legal guardian on the GSOC liability waiver. Flow,” August 17-18, 2013. GSOC Past President Larry Purchase, Director Bo Nonn, NOTE: You must be a GSOC member or guest of a and Past President Rik Smoody are planning a trip to member to attend GSOC field trips. You may join GSOC Eliot Glacier and Parkdale Lava Field on August 17 and at any time, for $25. 18. For questions, details, and registration, contact Larry at 360-254-5635 (or email [email protected]). GSOC Annual Picnic, Sunday, August 4, 2013: Deadline for registration is August 12, 2013. The This year’s annual picnic will be held at Guy W. Talbot description flyer and registration form for the trip are State Park, which is located west of Bridal Veil State attached to the end of this edition of The Geological Park and east of Vista House on the Historic Columbia Newsletter, and are also currently available on the River Highway in the Columbia River Gorge. At this website, www.gsoc.org. Cost of the trip is $25 or $40, year’s annual picnic, we plan to gather at the shelter in depending on how many days you wish to participate, the park at noon. Take the Bridal Veil #28 exit off east- and participation for Day 2 (the hike to Eliot Glacier) bound I-84, and go west on the Historic Columbia River will be limited to the first 22 GSOC members and their Highway about 2 miles to the park. guests who have paid for the trip.

GSOC will supply the paper plates, napkins, paper cups, NOTE: You must be a GSOC member or guest of a and utensils. The format for the picnic will be a potluck member to attend GSOC field trips. You may join GSOC meal. Attendees bring their own beverages. If your last at any time, for $25. name begins with A through G bring a side dish or salad; H through P bring a dessert; Q through Z bring a main Future Activities dish.

Check the GSOC website (www.gsoc.org) for updates to After the picnic the participants may wish to take the the calendar. short walk to Latourell Falls, or drive to the trailhead near the freeway exit and hike up to Angel’s Rest. Participants are encouraged to look for last-minute BOARD MEETING NOTES announcements on the calendar page of the GSOC May 11, 2013 website, www.gsoc.org.

Friday evening talk, August 16, 2013, at 7:30 p.m., The meeting was called to order at the home of in Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. Rosemary Kenney. Board members in attendance (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State were John Piccininni, Sheila Alfsen, Dawn Juliano, University. Speaker Dr. Andrew Fountain, Portland Paul Edison-Lahm, Julia Lanning, Janet Rasmussen, State University Department of Geology, will present “A and Jane Walpole. Quorum was present. Also in Primer on Eliot Glacier.” attendance were GSOC members Bev Vogt, Richard Bartels, Dave Olcott, and Jan Kem. This talk will help acquaint those interested in the Eliot Delicious cake was served in honor of Rosemary’s Glacier field trip with Oregon’s largest ice stream, birthday. The minutes of the March13th, 2013, located on Mt. Hood. The talk is open to the public, not board meeting were approved. just the field trip participants.

Join GSOC members at Pizzicato Pizza, 1708 SW 6th Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer’s oral report was Ave., at 6:00 p.m. before the lectures for an informal approved. dinner and conversation. The Geological Newsletter -25- July/August 2013

Events John noted that Bo has donated two scanners and Annual Banquet (recap): Dawn reports that there that he (John) may be using these to digitize old was a small net income on this year’s banquet. One GSOC photos and newsletters. of the comments about the banquet was that the vegetarian entrees were poorly prepared. The board Old and New Business referred this to the banquet committee to investigate either working further with the Monarch Hotel staff Newsletter: Jan reports that 206 newsletters were or investigating other venue options (tabled for mailed out last week, of which 38 were stamped committee until Fall). with a notice of expired membership.

Upcoming Speakers: (Sheila) Larry would like The board approved the motion that the emcee of Andrew Fountain to give a talk prior to Larry and the annual banquet be automatically given an Bo’s Parkdale Lava Flow/Elliot Glacier trip. Sheila honorary membership. will arrange this for a Friday meeting the second Friday in July [editor’s note- this talk has been Library committee: (Bart) No report from the rescheduled for August]. Paul Hammond will speak committee. John raised the issue of cataloguing on the North American and Pacific Plates in software and this was left to the committee for September. October and November are still open. further investigation.

Room keys need to be transferred to Sheila. Sheila Listserv & Google Drive committee: (Rik, Paul, will investigate room options with the university and Dawn) Paul argued that the need is growing for when greater attendance is expected. Julia will a listserv for event notifications and other member investigate getting the necessary computer, cords, communication, but apologized for stalling out on and adapters to ensure that we have AV backup for this project. Dawn has joined the committee and speakers. A motion was made to inventory all keys will do some additional research. and an inventory sheet was passed around. GSOC sponsorship at Intel NW Science Expo (Rik): Annual Picnic: The Picnic Committee (Dawn, Jane This was tabled until the board can discuss with Rik and Carol) will investigate finding a venue and date. present. The committee was given full authority by the board to arrange all necessary details. Holiday Party: Janet announced that because of tightening rules that the community center she Upcoming Field Trips suggested is not available after all as a venue for the holiday party. President’s Field Trip: (John) Destination and date TBA. Membership cards/nametags: Because Pizzacato is now offering a discount on meals for GSOC Caldera Trip: (Bev & Bart) Trip is full and members at the Friday meetings, Janet had the idea everything handled! of making nametags/member cards for this and other events. She will beta-test the idea of printed Parkdale Lava Flow: Responding to emails from nametags at the next Friday meeting. Larry and Carol, the board suggested that the charge for the trip be at least $10/day plus printing costs. Next board meeting: July 13th, 2013, 10:00 a.m. at Janet will follow up with Larry concerning costs Rosemary’s house. and liability issues. Notes compiled from board meeting minutes Molalla River: (Sheila) Friday, July 19th, 2013 was submitted by Paul Edison-Lahm, Secretary. chosen as the date for Sheila’s trip. The Geological Newsletter -26- July/August 2013

is viscous and tends to erupt explosively. A caldera A TRAIL OF TWO CALDERAS eruption is a cataclysmic event which produces a One participant’s take on the GSOC field trip, May cloud of ash which drifts on the wind and rains 18 and 19, 2013 down, and also pyroclastic flows which settle and by Carol Hasenberg weld into glassy tuff. A massive amount of tuff was produced in the caldera eruption of the Crooked It all began with water in Central Oregon. One River Caldera, it is estimated to exceed 580 cubic location was the best place to find ground water; kilometers. Some of the tuff produced by the another, the worst place to find it. Bend and its eruption falls back into the caldera and that is northern neighbors along the Deschutes River had referred to as the intracaldera tuff, and the material abundance; nearby Prineville along the Crooked that is deposited outside the boundary of the caldera River had scarcity. And so DOGAMI geologists is the outflow facies. The field trip stops were were charged with the task of finding out why. designed so that both of these could be observed. Their work led them to discover massive volcanic calderas that were sources for much of two of the Some other interesting things are also going on at most abundant Tertiary volcanic formations in the edges of the calderas. In the Crooked River eastern Oregon. Caldera edges, blocks of pre-caldera stratigraphy have tilted and fallen toward the caldera during the Two calderas from two distinctly different tectonic main caldera eruption. After the main eruption, settings. A massive caldera just a shade smaller than both calderas experienced resurgent eruptions fed Yellowstone and probably produced by the same through the faults at their margins. hotspot plume, as evidenced by the magma geochemistry as well as the trace of volcanics over Day 1 of the trip the group explored the Crooked the landscape to the present-day Yellowstone. A River Caldera, which stretches from Smith Rock smaller caldera to the northeast produced by and Gray Butte in the northwest to the Prineville subduction arc melting before and during the Reservoir in the southeast. The main caldera docking of the Siletzia terrane along the western eruption 29.55 million years ago produced the Tuff margin of the Pacific Northwest, and about 10 of Smith Rock, which is 1000 feet thick within the million years older than its larger neighbor. The caldera. The first stop of the day featured the massive, younger Crooked River Caldera contains outflow facies of the Tuff of Smith Rock. From the the town of Prineville and wide, sweeping repeated patterns of sediment, ash-fall deposits, and countryside. Smaller, older Wildcat Mountain ash-flow tuff in the sequence it is clear that the Caldera to the northeast is more rugged and caldera eruption was not a single event but several accessible through a sparse network of Forest events relatively close in time. At the second stop at Service byways. Peter Skene Ogden State Park, pre-caldera stratigraphy on nearby buttes dipped towards the The GSOC trip to explore the two calderas was caldera and dammed a thick sequence of Tuff of planned by Past Presidents Beverly Vogt and Smith Rock. Richard Bartels to visit most of the stops published in the 2009 Oregon Geology field trip guides by The group then proceeded to Smith Rock State McClaughry, Ferns, Gordon, and Patridge. As is Park, and contemplated the thick intracaldera tuff usual with a trip planned by Bev and Bart, mileages there while lunching. Next the caravan climbed up were logged, maps made, and a detailed field trip onto Grizzly Mountain, a ring fracture rhyolite guide was produced. dome which erupted long after the main caldera. Most of the Crooked River Caldera can be viewed Since the group was studying volcanic calderas on from this high point. The easternmost portion of the this trip, Bart reviewed some key concepts about caldera was then viewed from Ochoco Wayside eruptions of this sort the night before the trip began. State Park on a bluff above the town of Prineville. These volcanoes contained rhyolitic magma, which Lastly the group went southeast from Prineville to The Geological Newsletter -27- July/August 2013

the boat ramp of Prineville Reservoir, to observe the Butte is the product of post-caldera rhyolite flows stratigraphy at the southeast caldera edge and the from feeder dikes which trend toward the northeast. outflow facies of Tuff of Smith Rock beyond. Up the road a bit from stop one the group stopped briefly at a flow-foliated rhyolite mass which marks As the day went along field trip co-leaders Bev and the edge of the caldera. Shortly afterward Steins Bart also explained that the Crooked River Caldera Pillar came onto view, and the GSOCers stopped to was one of the sources for the late Eocene to admire this remnant of the main caldera eruption. Oligocene John Day Formation, and prior to the The Tuff of Steins Pillar has not been dated, but discovery of the caldera, no sources had been bracketing stratigraphy indicates that it is about 40 known for this formation. The formation and million years old. This date and the geochemistry of thickness of the tuff at Smith Rock had also long the magma indicates that this caldera was one of the been a puzzle to geologists, and that had also been later sources for the Clarno Formation, formed by explained by the caldera. The dense and glassy ash the melting of the subducting Farallon Plate. flow tuff also explained why groundwater was difficult to find around Prineville. Bart included a One reason that the terrain in Wildcat Mountain chart of the stratigraphy of the John Day Formation Caldera is so rugged is that a post-caldera eruption in the field guide and explained which units in the of rhyolite created a plateau of rhyolite in the chart corresponded to the ash flows and other northern portion, and then Mill Creek eroded the features observed by the group. Unit A, the oldest plateau to its present condition. The caravan unit of the John Day Formation, is the outflow climbed the north rim of the caldera to the last stop facies of the older Wildcat Mountain Caldera, and of the day at Hash Rock. The Rhyolite of Hash Unit G is the Tuff of Smith Rock. Rock created the plateau, which can be seen at this viewpoint, as well as its source conduit in the Day 2 was dedicated to exploring Wildcat Mountain distance, Twin Pillars. After admiring the view and Caldera to the north and east of Prineville. the observing the interesting flow-banded rhyolite in caravan headed past the Ochoco Reservoir to the the outcrop, the tour was over and the group left for east of Prineville, then north in the Mill Creek home. I am sure all the participants thought that Valley to the caldera. At the first stop the group this field trip was a far, far better thing to do than observed a dacite dike cutting through a brecciated any of them could have done elsewhere. Thanks to mass of precaldera andesite. Nearby Mahogany Bev and Bart for making it memorable.

The Geological Newsletter -28- July/August 2013

Geological Society of the Oregon Country Activities:

ANNUAL EVENTS: President’s Field Trip—Summer or Fall; Banquet—March; Annual Business Meeting— February. FIELD TRIPS: About 4 per year. Fees: see field trip announcements on the calendar next page. GSOC LIBRARY: Rm. 69, Cramer Hall, Portland State University. Open 7:00 p.m. prior to meetings. PROGRAMS: Second Friday evening most months, 7:30 p.m., Rm. S17, Cramer Hall, PSU, SW Broadway at SW Mill St., Portland, Oregon. MEMBERSHIP: Per year from January 1: Individual--$25, Family--$35, Junior (under 18)/Student--$15. Membership applications are available on the website www.gsoc.org. PUBLICATIONS: THE GEOLOGICAL NEWSLETTER (ISSN 0270 5451), published bimonthly and mailed to each member. Subscriptions available to libraries and organizations only at $20.00 per year. Single Copies are available at $2.00 each. Order from: Geological Society of the Oregon Country, P.O. Box 907, Portland, Oregon 97207 TRIP LOGS: Write to the same address for names and price list.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE OREGON COUNTRY

The Geological Newsletter -29- July/August 2013

Geological Society Of The Oregon Country ELIOT GLACIER/PARKDALE LAVA FLOW FIELD TRIP AUGUST 17 AND 18, 2013

Past Presidents Larry Purchase and Rik Smoody, plus Director Bo Nonn, will lead a field trip to the Cloud Cap area on Mt. Hood to access the Parkdale Lava Field and Eliot Glacier. Eliot Glacier, Oregon’s largest ice stream, feeds the Parkdale Lava Flow below it, which in turn feeds a residential water supply field. The trip will be organized in two-parts. Day 1, Saturday, August 17, guest speaker Dr. Cynthia Gardner, USGS, geologist and volcanologist, will accompany the group to view various portions of the Parkdale Lava Flow. Day 2, Sunday, August 18, guest leader Dr. Andrew Fountain, glacier specialist at PSU Department of Geology, and Bo Nonn, an experienced Mazama climber and leader, will take two groups up to Eliot Glacier where Dr. Fountain will interpret the glacier and its crevasses. The two hiking groups for Day 2 will be limited in number to eleven participants plus the leader for each, because of NFS Wilderness Area rules for the Mt. Hood Wilderness area (wilderness rules link).

Day 1: The trip will start Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at the Kinnickinnik Campground on Laurance Lake north of Mt. Hood. To get there from Portland, take I-84 to Hood River, go south on Oregon 35 to Parkdale, take spur road into the town of Parkdale, at the center of town head south on Clear Creek Road for 2-1/2 miles, then take a right on Laurance Lake Road (NF 2810) to the Kinnickinnik Campground on Laurance Lake. Activities will include driving to and hiking on portions of the Parkdale Lava Flow. Participants are responsible for all transportation, parking/access fees and meals on the trip. Participants wanting to camp overnight can do so at the Kinnickinnik Campground, or Tilly Jane Camp Site or Cloud Cap Saddle Camp Site. Campers are responsible for making all camping arrangements and fees. GSOC trip fee for Day 1 only will be $25. Day 2: The hike up to Eliot glacier will set off from the parking lot at Cloud Cap Inn promptly at 9:00 a.m. To get there, take Oregon 35 south from Hood River (or north from Hwy 26 if you’re driving from Sandy, Oregon) to the Cooper Spur Ski Area exit (several miles south of Parkdale), go about 1 mile to the Cooper Spur Ski Area, then take Cloud Cap Inn Road (NF- 3512) about 10 miles to historic Cloud Cap Inn. The road is a real doozy so make sure your vehicle is high clearance and four wheel drive. Participants are responsible for all transportation, parking/access fees and meals. Participants should also have a walking stick or sticks, sturdy ankle-supporting boots, warm clothes, and plan to pack a lunch. The hike up to the glacier will be strenuous, and participants will not be allowed to wander from the group on side trips. GSOC trip fee for Day 2 only will be $25. GSOC trip fee for both days will be $40. Participation for Day 2 will be limited to the first 22 GSOC members and their guests who have paid for the trip. If you have questions contact Larry Purchase at 360-254- 5635 (or email [email protected]). If the weather forecast for the weekend looks bad, the trip may be postponed until the following weekend. Announcements will be made on the GSOC website, www.gsoc.org, so please review the website prior to the trip date.

Trip Participation Policies: If you plan on participating in this trip, send in your registration form (attached to this newsletter) and appropriate fee by Monday, August 12, 2013. Each participant must be a GSOC member or guest and should have a separate registration form. A non-member may register only if he/she includes a membership application form and payment with the registration form and fee.

Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult parent or legal guardian who is also a member of GSOC. No minors under 16 years of age will be allowed to register for Day 2. Each participant must also fill out and sign a liability waiver at the meeting place in order to participate. Minor participants must also have the signature of a parent or legal guardian on the liability waiver.

REGISTRATION/MEDICAL INFORMATION FORM Eliot Glacier/Parkdale Lava Flow Field Trip – August 17 and 18, 2013

REGISTRATION

Participant name______Minor (circle one): Yes or No If participant is not a GSOC member, name of GSOC sponsor ______If participant is a minor, age of participant ______Address of participant ______City ______State _____ Zip______- ______Phone (_____)______-______Cell Phone (_____)______-______Email address ______

Participating in (circle one) Day1 only Fee $25 Day 2 only Fee $25 Both days Fee $40

Fee: circle appropriate fee above, includes printed materials. All other costs are responsibility of the participants. Send this form and payment to: GSOC, PO Box 907, Portland, OR 97207-0907, by August 12, 2013. ______

MEDICAL INFORMATION

Name of physician: ______telephone number: ______Allergies: ______Medications (attach list if necessary): ______Special medical conditions: ______In case of an emergency call: ______

The Geological Newsletter “News of the Geological Society of the Oregon Country”

Volume 79, Number 5 September/October 2013

The Geological Society of the Oregon Country Past Presidents: P.O. Box 907, Portland, OR 97207-0907 Jane Walpole – 503/590-7501 www.gsoc.org [email protected] 2011 - 2012 Administration: Rik Smoody - 360/546-2019 President: [email protected] John Piccininni – 503/284-9674 Newsletter Editor and Calendar: [email protected] Carol Hasenberg – 503/522-4249 Vice-President: [email protected] Sheila Alfsen – 503/939-6003 Website: [email protected] Janet Rasmussen − 541/753-0774 Secretary [email protected] Paul Edison-Lahm – 971/404-6064 Business Manager: [email protected] Jan Kem – 503/799-6871 Treasurer [email protected] Dawn Juliano - 503/367-7708 Assistant Business Manager: [email protected] Anne O’Neill - 503/477-7827 Directors: [email protected] Julia Lanning (1 year) – 503/201-8022 Field Trip Committee Chair [email protected] Dave Olcott– 503/695-5219 Janet Rasmussen (2 years) – 541/753-0774 [email protected] [email protected] Bo Nonn (3 years) – 503/235-9135 VISITORS WELCOME AT ALL MEETINGS [email protected]

CALENDAR Join GSOC members at Pizzicato Pizza, 1708 SW 6th Ave., at 6:00 p.m. before the lectures for an informal dinner and conversation. September/October Activities Free parking is available at Portland State University Friday nights after 5 p.m. in Parking Structure 2 on Friday evening talk, September 13, 2013, at 7:30 p.m., Broadway Ave. directly across from Cramer Hall and on level one of Parking Structure 1, bounded by Broadway in Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. th (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State and 6 Aves. and Harrison and Hall Streets. University. Speaker Sheila Alfsen, MAT, GIT, Oregon Community College Instructor and Consultant will Friday evening talk, October 11, 2013, at 7:30 p.m., in present "The 1980 Eruption of Mt. St. Helens." Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State Besides being the Vice President of GSOC, Sheila University. Speaker Dr. Vicki McConnell, Oregon State Alfsen is a community college instructor and course Geologist, will present “Everything You Always Wanted developer who teaches both face-to-face and online To Know About State Geologic Surveys.” courses in geology. In addition, she is working towards geologic registration in Oregon and has worked as a Dr. McConnell will give an overview of the state of consultant for various construction projects in the State Geologic Surveys across the country. She will also western United States. give an update on the recent programs, projects and accomplishments at DOGAMI. What are the successes The Geological Newsletter -29- September/October 2013

for DOGAMI? And where are the challenges? What is Events next? Upcoming Speakers: (from Sheila’s email) Vicki Dr. McConnell’s geologic career spans three decades of McConnell will speak on news items from study of volcanoes and volcanic hazards. From her first DOGAMI including LIDAR in October. helicopter landing on the dome of Mt. St. Helen’s in

1983 she has been fascinated by the power of geologic processes and how humans respond to those processes. Nametags: Janet has produced prototype member Dr. McConnell received her Ph.D. from the University nametags that can be worn on a lanyard or kept in a of Alaska Fairbanks where her studies took her to the wallet. The cost for making them for all members Aleutian Islands and Long Valley Caldera in California. would be 5 to 10 cents each, although members would need to provide their own lanyards. Janet is Future Activities investigating whether Pizzacato will give a discount to members who show a GSOC nametag. The GSOC 5th Annual Holiday Party – Planned for Friday, motion to have Janet make nametags was approved. December 13, 2013. The party will be held in lieu of the December Friday night meeting and attendance will be Cables, computers, and adapters: This discussion limited to GSOC members and their guests. The location was tabled until Julia is present at the next meeting. is tentatively scheduled at the Simon Benson House on the Portland State University campus. The program will Annual Picnic: John has paid the $50 reservation include slide shows of this year’s field trips, food dishes- fee for August 4th at Guy Talbot Park. Instructions to-share as provided by the attending members, and for what to bring are in the last newsletter and music. Donations to help cover the venue rental are being accepted by GSOC Treasurer Dawn Juliano. More directions are on the website. The picnic will start at details will be posted in the Nov/Dec issue of The noon, but there will be no board meeting this year. Geological Newsletter and on the GSOC website. Upcoming Field Trips Check the GSOC website (www.gsoc.org) for updates to the calendar. The President’s Field Trip will be merged with the Boring Lava field trip below.

BOARD MEETING NOTES Mt. Hood/Parkdale Lava Flow field trip is cancelled July 13, 2013 due to the danger of trees falling on the road. Rik will organize a work party to hike up and The meeting was called to order at the home of investigate whether this field trip can be done next Rosemary Kenney. Board members in attendance year. were John Piccininni, Dawn Juliano, Paul Edison- Larry suggests instead that a one-day Boring Lava Lahm, Janet Rasmussen, Bo Nonn, and Rik field trip be planned for Saturday, August 17th Smoody. Quorum was present. Also in attendance beginning at Rocky Butte and ending in Oregon were GSOC members Larry Purchase, Dave Olcott, City. A $10 fee was suggested. Andrew Fountain Jan Kem, and Tara Schoffstall. The minutes of the may still be able to give his lecture on glaciers May 11th, 2013, board meeting were approved with Friday, August 16th. minor correction. Molalla River: (from emails from Jane and Sheila) Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer’s report was Jane reports that thirteen people have signed up. approved with a minor correction to the current Sheila will keep registration open until full. There date. will be a $10 fee.

The Geological Newsletter -30- September/October 2013

Old and New Business GSOC sponsorship at Intel NW Science Expo (Rik): This is now moot, since the Expo was back in Library committee: Larry and Bart will report next February. time. Newsletter scanning: Jan has boxes of newsletters Electronic Mailing List & Documents committee: back to 1935. Tara plans to start scanning them (Rik, Paul, and Dawn) using the scanners donated by Bo and his hard Various Listserv-type electronic mailing lists were drive. Larry will bring Bo's scanner for Tara's use. discussed, however the committee still needs additional information. Paul will get more info from Next board meeting: Sept. 14th, 2013, 10:00 a.m. at Larry, Bo and Tara about other mailing lists. Rik Paul’s house. will draft an explanation on how the List Serve works, but the board may still vote down the whole Notes compiled from board meeting minutes List Serve idea. submitted by Paul Edison-Lahm, Secretary.

The Geological Newsletter -31- September/October 2013

Geological Society of the Oregon Country Activities:

ANNUAL EVENTS: President’s Field Trip—Summer or Fall; Banquet—March; Annual Business Meeting— February. FIELD TRIPS: About 4 per year. Fees: see field trip announcements on the calendar next page. GSOC LIBRARY: Rm. 69, Cramer Hall, Portland State University. Open 7:00 p.m. prior to meetings. PROGRAMS: Second Friday evening most months, 7:30 p.m., Rm. S17, Cramer Hall, PSU, SW Broadway at SW Mill St., Portland, Oregon. MEMBERSHIP: Per year from January 1: Individual--$25, Family--$35, Junior (under 18)/Student--$15. Membership applications are available on the website www.gsoc.org. PUBLICATIONS: THE GEOLOGICAL NEWSLETTER (ISSN 0270 5451), published bimonthly and mailed to each member. Subscriptions available to libraries and organizations only at $20.00 per year. Single Copies are available at $2.00 each. Order from: Geological Society of the Oregon Country, P.O. Box 907, Portland, Oregon 97207 TRIP LOGS: Write to the same address for names and price list.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE OREGON COUNTRY

The Geological Newsletter -32- September/October 2013

The Geological Newsletter “News of the Geological Society of the Oregon Country”

Volume 79, Number 6 November/December 2013

The Geological Society of the Oregon Country Past Presidents: P.O. Box 907, Portland, OR 97207-0907 Jane Walpole – 503/590-7501 www.gsoc.org [email protected] 2011 - 2012 Administration: Rik Smoody - 360/546-2019 President: [email protected] John Piccininni – 503/284-9674 Newsletter Editor and Calendar: [email protected] Carol Hasenberg – 503/522-4249 Vice-President: [email protected] Sheila Alfsen – 503/939-6003 Website: [email protected] Janet Rasmussen − 541/753-0774 Secretary [email protected] Paul Edison-Lahm – 971/404-6064 Business Manager: [email protected] Jan Kem – 503/799-6871 Treasurer [email protected] Dawn Juliano - 503/367-7708 Assistant Business Manager: [email protected] Anne O’Neill - 503/477-7827 Directors: [email protected] Julia Lanning (1 year) – 503/201-8022 Field Trip Committee Chair [email protected] Dave Olcott– 503/695-5219 Janet Rasmussen (2 years) – 541/753-0774 [email protected] [email protected] Bo Nonn (3 years) – 503/235-9135 VISITORS WELCOME AT ALL MEETINGS [email protected]

CALENDAR the creature. For more, please click on the link to this talk for a poster with more information.

November/December Join GSOC members at Pizzicato Pizza, 1708 SW 6th Activities Ave., at 6:00 p.m. before the lectures for an informal dinner and conversation. Friday evening talk, November 8, 2013, at 7:30 p.m., in Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. Free parking is available at Portland State University (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State Friday nights after 5 p.m. in Parking Structure 2 on University. Speaker Dr. William Orr, Paleontologist and Broadway Ave. directly across from Cramer Hall and on level one of Parking Structure 1, bounded by Broadway Director of the Condon Collection, University of th Oregon, will present "After 150 Years, Conodonts and 6 Aves. and Harrison and Hall Streets. Solved." GSOC 5th Annual Holiday Party – GSOC Members th Conodont microfossils were first described in 1830, and and their guests are invited to the 5 GSOC Annual soon became indispensable tools for dating Paleozoic Holiday Party and field trip slideshow, Friday December rocks. Whether these fossils originated from a snail, 13th, 2013 at 2211 NW Front Avenue. GSOC Board squid, worm, or fish, however, remained a mystery until Members will provide main dishes with protein of quite recently. Our speaker will relate a series of various sorts. Other members please bring vegetable, discoveries that eventually led to a carbon impression of side dishes or desserts for 6 to share. Those interested in bringing drinks or table ware please contact Jan Kem, The Geological Newsletter -33- November/December 2013

Beverly Vogt, Richard Bartels or Julia Lanning. Music extensional tectonic setting. Digital mapping of cinder will be organized by Dawn Juliano. cones and spatial analyses of vents were used to learn more about the eruptive history of this fascinating area. Schedule of Christmas Party activities: Click on this link for a poster with more information.  5:30 pm: Set-up The project website is available from this link.  6:30 pm: Dinner buffet  7:15 pm: Welcome presentation Check the GSOC website (www.gsoc.org) for updates to  7:30 pm: Nominations for GSOC Board members the calendar. for the 2013-2014 year will be open, followed by "Year in Review" program. BOARD MEETING NOTES  This year's GSOC field trip leaders with present brief slide show summaries of their trips. September 14, 2013  Bart Bartels and Bev Vogt, “A Tale of Two Calderas,” May 18-19, 2013. The meeting was called to order at the home of Paul  Sheila Alfsen and Jane Walpole: "Fluvial Edison-Lahm. Board members in attendance were Features and Basalt of the Molalla River" July John Piccininni, Sheila Alfsen, Dawn Juliano, Paul, 19, 2013. Julia Lanning, Janet Rasmussen, Bo Nonn, and Jane  John Piccininni, Larry Purchase and Bo Nonn: Walpole. Quorum was present. Also in attendance "Boring Lava" August 18, 2013. were GSOC members Larry Purchase, Jan Kem,  8:30 pm: Dessert and musical entertainment Carol Hasenberg, and Doug Rasmussen. The  9:30 pm: Clean-up minutes of the July 13th, 2013, board meeting were approved. Donations will be accepted for party supplies. Send donations to Dawn Juliano at the GSOC mailing address Treasurer’s Report: or give them to her in person at the event. The Treasurer’s report was approved. Geological Society of the Oregon Country, P.O. Box 907, Portland, Oregon 97207 Events th If you would like to come but are not yet a member of The Holiday Party is planned for December 13 , GSOC, you may join now and receive membership however the Benson House is booked. Dawn will benefits throughout 2013. get us on the waiting list in case there is a cancellation and will also look into other venues Future Activities such as churches, restaurants, and office spaces. This committee will include Carol (chair), Dawn, Friday evening talk, January 10, 2014, at 7:30 p.m., in Julia, Bart, and Bev. Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State Upcoming Speakers (Sheila): Scheduled speakers University. Speaker Tom Pierson, a hydrologist with and topics are: October — Vicki McConnell Cascade Volcano Observatory, will present a talk about (DOGAMI) LIDAR; November — Steve Taylor, the Lascar Volcano in Chile. Details to follow. Newberry Volcano cinder cones; January — Jon

Major (USGS) Chaitén volcano lahar mitigation. Friday evening talk, February 14, 2014, at 7:30 p.m., in Room S17, Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway Ave. Posters for the Friday night speakers are now linked (between Montgomery and Mill Sts.), Portland State on the GSOC website. Sheila is still looking for a University. Speaker Dr. Stephen Taylor, Western speaker for February and John is looking for a Oregon University Professor of Geology, will present speaker for the March banquet. "Morphology and Spatial Distribution of Cinder Cones at Newberry Volcano, Oregon: Implications for Relative Cables, computers, and adapters: Julia will Ages and Structural Control on Eruptive Processes." investigate our cabling needs and report back.

Newberry Volcano in Central Oregon is associated with Annual Picnic recap: The Latourelle Falls/Guy over 350 basaltic cinder cones, located in a complex, Talbot State Park location was acclaimed as best The Geological Newsletter -34- November/December 2013

picnic site ever with easy access to hiking and other Drive with secure access to appropriate board picnic amenities. A total of $55 was collected to members and officers. cover costs of $58. PSU Building Security: PSU has been locking down Field Trips recaps: Cramer Hall at 6:00 p.m. on Fridays because of Molalla River: Participants enjoyed good weather security concerns. Sheila will investigate getting an and the nice pace of the trip. Bringing lawn chairs access card as an adjunct faculty member for was a good idea. building access and computer access [see above] Boring Lavas/President’s Field Trip: Larry has and will also investigate whether there are other extra copies of the field trip guides which could be ways that GSOC can get access to the building. For sold at the banquet. Friday meetings, security will need to be contacted and we need to be on the list maintained by Nancy Old and New Business in the Geology Dept. We will also need to have both a doorman to let people in and a sign on the The Nominating committee was appointed door with a phone number for late arrivals. composed of John, Janet, and Jane. PSU Computer Access: a backup account is needed The next board meeting will be Nov. 9th, 2013, when Sheila, who is an adjunct professor, is not 10:00 a.m. at Rosemary’s house (pending approval available. [See discussion of building security by Rosemary). below.] Sponsored accounts are no longer available because of PSU’s concerns about security. Also, for Notes compiled from board meeting minutes backup purposes, the projector could be kept in the submitted by Paul Edison-Lahm, Secretary. locked cabinet in the library.

Newsletters: Jan mailed out 200 newsletters to New Electronic Mailing List members, 28 of whom had not paid. He also for GSOC Members brought in three boxes of newsletters from 1935 to the present for scanning. Carol will take the 1935 GSOC will send electronic newsletters every two volume for scanning and the remaining volumes months to members. The mailing list will also will be stored temporarily with Paul. provide a means to send occasional messages in The board approved a motion that, beginning in case of unexpected changes or cancellations of 2014, board meetings revert to even months of the GSOC events, such as lectures or field trips. year so as to coordinate with the timing of the Members will still receive the paper newsletter in newsletter (so the first board meeting of 2014 will the mail. If you believe that we don't have your be in February). email address, and would like to be included in this list, please send an email to Paul Edison-Lahm at Library committee: Larry brought several volumes [email protected] with "subscribe" in the of biography and photos of past GSOC presidents. subject line. There was interest in eventually scanning the photos and perhaps producing a booklet. Likewise, if you prefer NOT to receive the newsletter and messages electronically, please send Electronic Mailing List and Documents committee: an email with your name and "unsubscribe" in the the board approved use of a simple “bcc” email list subject line. for occasional distribution of GSOC announcements, newsletters, and dues reminders. Paul will maintain the list. Members can be asked to update their emails at Friday meetings. The board also approved putting the master membership list (which contains the most current emails) on Google The Geological Newsletter -35- November/December 2013

Doin’s at DOGAMI, the State Cascadia Subduction Zone, and the combined effects of the Loma Prieta, Scotts Mills and Department of Geology and Klamath valley earthquakes over 1989 to 1994. The Mineral Industries latest item of interest is that DOGAMI has a new Synopsis of the October 11, 2013, talk by Dr. Vicki mobile app out called TsunamiEvac – NW for McConnell, Oregon State Geologist tsunami evacuation routes along the Pacific by Carol Hasenberg Northwest coast. In addition to earthquake and tsunami hazards, the department also assesses Dr. McConnell began the discussion about hazards from coastal change, river flood and river DOGAMI’s work by describing the climate in channel change, landslide and debris flows and which her department and other state geologic volcanic lahars. surveys are working. State funding for geologic Education and Outreach – DOGAMI personnel surveys has been getting squeezed and other sources regularly speak to private groups like ourselves, of funding, including federal and industry have had have press releases, host open houses and other to be pursued with differing levels of success. informative events. A calendar of such events is Publications sales, once an important revenue for available on the DOGAMI website. Also, DOGAMI the department, have been steadily dwindling since still puts out publications on a print-to-order basis, the mid 2000’s with the rise of the internet. Federal as well as digital releases. dollars are doled out to states who have experienced Resource Management – DOGAMI manages state geologically based natural disasters or are working permitting for uses such as geothermal energy, oil on large projects such as carbon dioxide and gas, and surface reclamation projects for sequestering in Illinois. extraction of rock and minerals. The state has had some coal and gold extraction projects in the past. McConnell described DOGAMI as serving the State of Oregon in several different ways: Dr. McConnell ended the talk with a discussion of Earth Science Data Collection – DOGAMI does the challenges the department is having. The big both traditional stratigraphic mapping and LIDAR question in view of the economic climate is whether surface mapping. LIDAr (LIght + raDAR), is a DOGAMI can survive as an independent agency. recent method of getting highly accurate images of Ohio, Iowa, Colorado have been decimated in their the earth’s surface by saturated bombardment of the state geologic surveys in the last few years, and surface with small laser bursts from a flying LIDAR these states have huge oil and gas resources. Some unit. It has many applications for both industry and relevant policy issues that DOGAMI could continue geologic assessment such as forest inventory, to evaluate are climate change adaptation, mineral building inventory, emergency preparedness resources, restoration and ecosystems. assessment, fish, wetlands, road, and wildfire assessment, plus landslide inventory, earthquake, tsunami, flood, channel migration, and coastal THE PEAKS DISTRICT, BLUE change. DOGAMI has gotten very involved with JOHN AND THE DEVIL’S ARSE this technology and its applications. by Carol S. Hasenberg Resource Assessment – Oregon has not had a large amount of resource assessment for industrial use, My husband John and I took a little trip to England such as the energy sector. The main energy and Scotland this past August to commemorate our resource at this time is geothermal energy, and this 30th anniversary. We did a lot of fun things, so the industry has made a modest start in Oregon. This focus of the trip was not geology. But we did take a first commercial geothermal plant is in Vale serving little side trip to the town of Castleton nestled in the eastern Oregon. Peaks District National Park, and explored some of Natural Hazards Assessment – The DOGAMI the rich geology there. We went there to meet up earthquake and tsunami assessment projects have with an old friend of mine, a native Sheffielder who had a lot of development since the research of the The Geological Newsletter -36- November/December 2013

now lives on Vancouver Island and has a friend in Castleton. The tour began with a demonstration of Castleton running a bed and breakfast place. rope making done in the traditional fashion. The rope is made using a manual winding device and a The little town of Castleton, which originally heavy cart which is used to keep the strands of housed miners and farmers, was built by the hemp taut. The work is done in the cave due to its Normans. It is strategically and dramatically placed favorable humidity for keeping the fibers pliant. at the foot of a hill on which a Norman garrison was Since this cave did not have lead veins it was used built in the 12th Century. Peverel Castle is also by the rope makers. situated on a limestone hill overlooking a cleft which holds a large cavern which has been known When tourists started coming people started for centuries as the ”Devil’s Arse.” A few other exploring farther into the cave although to get to caves and mines dot the hillside to the west of some of the inner chambers it was necessary to Castleton. crawl or be pushed through a narrow passage on a small boat. This changed in the 19th century when The entire area was formed between 350 and 300 the young Queen Victoria toured the cave. A new million years ago, when a shallow sea producing larger passage was made since it was undignified limestone was covered with mud and then sand for royalty to enter this way. from an encroaching river delta system. The geological period of formation is the Carboniferous. The reason Peak Cavern was known as the Devil’s Between the formation of the rocks and now the Arse is that it floods yearly. When the floodwaters area was deeply submerged and overlain by rock. recede they get sucked through the passages with an Minerals, especially lead, were deposited in cracks incredible gurgling sound. Early peoples associated in the limestone. Eventually the land was uplifted underground places with the devil; so, to them it and eroded into the landscape seen today. The town was the sound of the Devil cutting wind! site at the head of the Hope Valley, is situated on a bedrock of shale overlain by alluvial gravels. The Another thing our little group did was to hike up the limestone hill sits atop the shale to the south of the limestone hill and cut across country to Mam Tor. town, and to the north of and west the valley walls This hill was the site of a bronze age village, and its are composed of Millstone Grit, a sandstone formed name means “Mother Hill”. En route we passed from the large river delta system. across fields filled with sheep. The stone walls enclosing the fields were full of fossils. We noted The limestone hill to the south of town continues to some nice crinoid stems in one of the stone stiles we the west to terminate into the Mam Tor, a large hill climbed over. We climbed up to the hill above the which is the terminus of the Millstone Grit. Along village through a cleft called Cave Dale which was the base of the limestone hill can be seen several loaded with small caves and shafts into the deeper buildings which sit at the entrance of several caves Peak Cavern. When we arrived at Mam Tor we and mines. These were the sites of several lead observed how the eastern face of the hill is one mining operations for a number of centuries. In the large slide scarp. A road below the hill had to be more recent centuries a banded fluorite called Blue abandoned about 40 years ago because of constant John has also been mined in several of the sites for slumping of the slide. Some of the layers in the ornamental stone carving and jewelry. Blue John is Millstone Grit are quite crumbly claystones. very attractive with light purple, deep purple and yellow bands of color. Rope making for the miners We had to leave Castleton after only two days but was done in the Devil’s Arse cavern. And since the thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this little corner of 1700’s tourists began visiting this and several of the England. We hope that other GSOC travelers to other caves. this corner of the world might pause to enjoy the interesting geology there. Our little party toured the Devil’s Arse, now officially known as the Peak Cavern, while visiting The Geological Newsletter -37- November/December 2013

Geological Society of the Oregon Country Activities:

ANNUAL EVENTS: President’s Field Trip—Summer or Fall; Banquet—March; Annual Business Meeting— February. FIELD TRIPS: About 4 per year. Fees: see field trip announcements on the calendar next page. GSOC LIBRARY: Rm. 69, Cramer Hall, Portland State University. Open 7:00 p.m. prior to meetings. PROGRAMS: Second Friday evening most months, 7:30 p.m., Rm. S17, Cramer Hall, PSU, SW Broadway at SW Mill St., Portland, Oregon. MEMBERSHIP: Per year from January 1: Individual--$25, Family--$35, Junior (under 18)/Student--$15. Membership applications are available on the website www.gsoc.org. PUBLICATIONS: THE GEOLOGICAL NEWSLETTER (ISSN 0270 5451), published bimonthly and mailed to each member. Subscriptions available to libraries and organizations only at $20.00 per year. Single Copies are available at $2.00 each. Order from: Geological Society of the Oregon Country, P.O. Box 907, Portland, Oregon 97207 TRIP LOGS: Write to the same address for names and price list.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE OREGON COUNTRY

The Geological Newsletter -38- November/December 2013