Central Oregon Volcanoes: Mt. Bachelor and the Three Sisters

Although you may not spend a lot of time thinking about volcanoes, these geologic features impact our daily lives in many ways—especially in Oregon and the rest of the Pacific Northwest. The spectacular volcanoes of the Cascades provide exceptional wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and natural resources.

Volcanoes can also be dangerous. Lava flows can bury roads, houses, and everything else in their path. Volcanic ash can cause severe problems for transportation, agriculture, drinking water supplies, and air quality. Volcanic gasses can be deadly to breathe, and they can alter global atmospheric conditions and climate. For these reasons, it is important to study volcanoes and to be prepared for future volcanic activity.

Each academic term, Dr. Daniele McKay offers a two-day course focusing on how and why volcanoes erupt, and the geologic history of the Central Oregon Cascades. In our summer session, we explore the volcanic history of the Central Oregon Cascades, with an emphasis on the Three Sisters and Mt. Bachelor area.

These courses are designed for people with little or no background in geology. We will cover the basics of how and why volcanoes erupt, and the deposits they produce. Registration is required.

Although you may not spend a lot of time thinking about volcanoes, these geologic features impact our daily lives in many ways—especially in Oregon and the rest of the Pacific Northwest. The spectacular volcanoes of the Cascades provide exceptional wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and natural resources.

Volcanoes can also be dangerous. Lava flows can bury roads, houses, and everything else in their path. Volcanic ash can cause severe problems for transportation, agriculture, drinking water supplies, and air quality. Volcanic gasses can be deadly to breathe, and they can alter global atmospheric conditions and climate. For these reasons, it is important to study volcanoes and to be prepared for future volcanic activity.

Each academic term, Dr. Daniele McKay offers a two-day course focusing on how and why volcanoes erupt, and the geologic history of the Central Oregon Cascades. In our summer session, we explore the volcanic history of the Central Oregon Cascades, with an emphasis on the Three Sisters and Mt. Bachelor area.

These courses are designed for people with little or no background in geology. We will cover the basics of how and why volcanoes erupt, and the deposits they produce. Registration is required.