THE GEOLOGY FIELD TRIP: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH

The Pacific Northwest provides an extensive variety of field opportunities for introductory geology students. Ample localities illustrate classic textbook examples of geologic features and processes, while providing the foundation for improving observational skills, developing field journal techniques and fostering a sense of land stewardship. A frequently overlooked aspect of geology field trips is the inclusion of concepts from other disciplines. Thus, we have developed an interdisciplinary field experience at Lava Beds National Monument utilizing faculty in geology, anthropology, journalism/nature writing and history. Contributions from multiple faculty (three on a given trip) provide differing perspectives and flexibility to break into smaller groups as opportunities arise.

The core discipline of the trip is geology, providing the tapestry on which the other disciplines are displayed. In addition to geology, the region is culturally diverse, historically significant and biologically unique. The geologic focus is twofold: tectonics (response to subduction from Coast Range to Cascades, basin & range extension) and volcanic activity (types of volcanoes: shield, composite, cinder cones, spatter cones and maar volcanism; igneous rock formation and identification; lava flows and lava tubes). The anthropological component addresses the region's human prehistory, Modoc culture, oral history and art in the form of pictographs and petroglyphs. This area saw the first battles of the Indian Wars. During the Great Depression numerous Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) projects existed, including a camp that was converted into an officer POW facility during World War II. The infamous Tule Lake Japanese internment camp was located across the valley. Recently the region has seen intense conflict over water. The nature writing element stresses field journals, in which students blend published accounts, professors' observations, and their own perceptions of geology, desert habitat and waterfowl dependent on the Klamath/Tule Lake Wildlife Refuges. The interplay between geology and other disciplines on this trip are dynamic and continue to evolve. Exposure to the varied natural and human history in and around Lava Beds allows students to emerge from this trip with knowledge and experience that can not be gained from a textbook.