OEAS 500, Cascadia Field Trip, 3 Credits


Official Course Description

A week-long field course to various locations within the Cascade volcanic arc, Coast Range and Oregon Coast. Introduction to the range of physical and biological science topics to be covered in OEAS 520, OEAS 530 and OEAS 540 in field settings; the linkages between these topics, and their impact on humans, with case examples. Students will practice math presentation skills, meet with topical experts in the region, and collect samples and data to be used in laboratory sessions in the later courses. Offered annually. Transportation Fee charged for food and incidentals. 3 credits. Graded P/N.

Instructor: Rick Colwell (rick.colwell at oregonstate.edu)

“Cascadia” is used to describe a region in the NW United States and SW Canada. Cascadia was created as a course by Rob Wheatcroft to help incoming CEOAS students learn the most they can about Cascadia and earth science in general. There is no textbook associated with the class, but all students will receive a guidebook to use during the course of the field trip and beyond. The main purpose of the course is to give an introduction to the physical, biological, and chemical topics covered in first year OEAS introductory courses (OEAS 520, OEAS 530, and OEAS 540).

Broad Schedule (subject to change)

  • Day 0: Marys Peak
  • Day 1: Willamette Valley and Columbia River Gorge
  • Day 2: Columbia River Gorge
  • Day 3: Mount Saint Helens
  • Day 4: Oregon Coast Range & the Coast
  • Day 5: Netarts Bay, Cape Lookout
  • Day 6: Depoe Bay, South Beach
  • Day 7: Yaquina Bay Cruise, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Marine Studies Building

Required Materials

This field course will involve considerable time spent riding in a van and some physical activity as students will camp during the whole week, have opportunities to hike, and participate in a half-day research cruise.  Basic camping gear (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and tent) will be required, which can be rented from the OSU Adventure Leadership Institute or borrowed from fellow CEOAS community members.  The college has some tents to loan.

A sample field logistics is posted. These are subject to change.