2nd Volcano-Ice Interaction on Earth and Mars Conference

University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
June 19th-22nd 2007

Fieldtrips

Two fieldtrips are planned. These include a local mid-conference trip to Whistler, BC, Canada and a post-conference trip to the Cascade volcanic arc (Mts. Baker and Rainier, depending on snow levels; 23-25 June).

The deadline for registration for the fieldtrips is same as meeting registration and accommodation booking deadline, i.e. 31st March 2007.

Pre-conference activities in the Vancouver area (16-18 June)

Although no formal pre-conference fieldtrip will be run, at least different activities are possible in the Vancouver area before the conference. The first is the possibility of chartering a group fixed wing or helicopter flight ($100-200 per person) to get a spectacular view of the Garibaldi volcanic field, including the Table and Mount Garibaldi. Additionally, it will be feasible to do a day hike up to the Barrier, and beyond to the Garibaldi Lake area. If you are interested in either of these possibilities, please email Ben Edwards for more information. If a large group of people are interested in either of these opportunities, we can help organize transportation to the trail head/appropriate airfield. Please keep checking this page for updates on these activities. A few links to get started are below:

www.garibaldipark.com Hiking trails with topo maps referenced. Good photos.

www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/garibald.html BC Parks site for Garibaldi. Includes map and photo gallery.

gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/volcanoes/map/map_e.php?id=gvb And of course, Volcanoes of Canada – Garibaldi Belt.

Cascades Post-conference field trip (23-25 June 2007)

The Cascades of the US northwest are characterized by andesitic stratovolcanoes. The majority of these were heavily glaciated during the Pleistocene and show abundant evidence of volcano-ice interaction. A common feature of these volcanoes is the presence of relatively thick lava flows with ice-contact margins. Spectacular examples are found at Mount Baker and Mount Rainier in Washington, and Mount Jefferson, Mount Mazama, and North and South Sisters in Oregon.

The Cascades fieldtrip associated with the 2nd Volcano-Ice Interaction on Earth and Mars Conference will visit examples of ridge-forming/ice-contact lava flows at Mount Rainier, as well as some near-by valley filling lava flows. During this trip we will focus on distinguishing lava flow and fracture morphologies that are characteristic of glaciovolcanic processes at silicic stratovolcanoes. The itinerary will depend in part on snow conditions, but will likely include hikes up to 5 km long (on a graded trail). Topics to be addressed include: the production of “tables” by lava flow ponding against glaciers; the absence of flow basal breccias; the generation of horizontal columns (“cordwood”) vs. vertical columns along flow margins; secondary fractures and the importance of water penetration; and distinguishing ice-contact from ordinary valley-fill lavas.

Cost for the trip will be $320 US, and will include overnight accommodations and lunches.

Mount Rainier - A view of Mount Rainier from the south side during late summer. During winter, snow fields extend down to cover the bare rock to the slope break.

BurroughsMtn - The Burroughs Mtn lava flow terminates in a steep cliff, over looking the White River valley exposing these beautiful sub-horizontal ccooling-fractures that grade inward to platy fractures and mega-columns. It is assumed that the flow ponded against a large glacial lobe filling the ancestral White River valley.

ClearFork - A valley filling lava flow that is thought to have ponded against an ice sheet resulting in the observed great thickness.

Tieton - The Tieton andesite flow is a thick valley filling lava flow with well-developed cooling joints. Many of the fracture patterns are similar to those seen in the ridge-forming lava flows at Rainier. The Tieton locally covers lava flows from the Grande Ronde member of the Columbia River basalts. These flows exhibit multiple entablature and collonade fracture zones.

Longmire - Ridge forming lava flows, such as the one on left, extend down the flanks of Mt. Rainier. These thick lava flows are characterized by steep sides, well-developed columns and patches of sub-horizontal cooling joints. These features are all consistent with lava flow emplacement within channels cut through thick ice sheets.

Mazama Ridge - An exposure east of Paradise, shows a cross-section through a ridge-forming lava flow. It is possible to examine the relationships between basal, marginal and surface fractures, as well as interior fractures. A prominent lobe at the right shows evidence of subglacial emplacement.

MazamaRidge2 - A close-up of the flow surface showing well-developed cooling fractures, including water penetration and secondary fracture development.

 

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