Volcanoes to Vineyards: Geologic Field Trips through the Dynamic Landscape of the Pacific Northwest
This volume contains guides for 33 geological field trips offered in conjunction with the October 2009 GSA Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon. Showcasing the region’s geological diversity, the peer-reviewed papers included here span topics ranging from accreted terrains and mantle plumes to volcanoes, floods, and vineyard terroir. Locations visited throughout Oregon, Washington, and Idaho encompass Astoria to Zillah. More than just a series of maps, the accompanying descriptions, observations, and conclusions offer new insights to the geologic processes and history of the Pacific Northwest insights that will inspire readers to put their boots on the evidence (or perhaps sip it from a glass of Pinot!) as they develop their own understanding of this remarkable and dynamic corner of the world.
Fire and water: Volcanology, geomorphology, and hydrogeology of the Cascade Range, central Oregon
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Published:January 01, 2009
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CiteCitation
Katharine V. Cashman, Natalia I. Deligne, Marshall W. Gannett, Gordon E. Grant, Anne Jefferson, 2009. "Fire and water: Volcanology, geomorphology, and hydrogeology of the Cascade Range, central Oregon", Volcanoes to Vineyards: Geologic Field Trips through the Dynamic Landscape of the Pacific Northwest, Jim E. O’Connor, Rebecca J. Dorsey, Ian P. Madin
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ABSTRACT
This fi eld trip guide explores the interactions among the geologic evolution, hydrology, and fluvial geomorphology of the central Oregon Cascade Range. Key topics include the geologic control of hydrologic regimes on both the wet and dry sides of the Cascade Range crest, groundwater dynamics and interaction between surface and groundwater in young volcanic arcs, and interactions between rivers and lava flows. As we trace the Willamette and McKenzie Rivers back to source springs high in the young volcanic rocks of the Cascade Range, there is abundant evidence for the large permeability of young lava flows, as manifested in streams that dewater into lava flows, lava-dammed lakes in closed basins, and rivers that emerge from single springs. These dynamics contrast sharply with the older, lower permeability Western Cascades terrane and associated runoff-dominated fluvial systems. On the east side of the Cascades we encounter similar hydrologic characteristics resulting in complex interactions between surface water and groundwater as we follow the Deschutes River downstream to its confluence with the Crooked River. Here, deep canyons have cut through most of the permeable part of the geologic section, have been invaded by multiple large intracanyon lava flows, and are the locus of substantial regional groundwater discharge. The groundwater and surface-water interaction in the Deschutes Basin is further complicated by surface-water diversions and an extensive network of leaking irrigation canals. Our west-to-east transect offers an unparalleled opportunity to examine the co-evolution of the geology and hydrology of an active volcanic arc.
- canyons
- Cascade Range
- Deschutes County Oregon
- Deschutes River
- field trips
- fluvial features
- geomorphology
- ground water
- guidebook
- hydraulic conductivity
- hydraulic head
- hydrology
- igneous rocks
- irrigation
- Jefferson County Oregon
- Lane County Oregon
- lava flows
- North America
- Oregon
- permeability
- rivers and streams
- road log
- springs
- surface water
- United States
- volcanic features
- volcanic rocks
- volcanism
- Willamette River
- central Oregon
- McKenzie River
- Crooked River