Geoecology of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

Details

2 Credits (1 Geo + 1 ES)
Weekly Evening meetings
2 week field trip to Yellowstone beginning the day after graduation!

Pictures

2023 Excursion

Course Philosophy

Geology in the field explores the geologic history and current environmental issues in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. This interdisciplinary course covers themes in the Earth sciences, ecology, political ecology, and environmental history. Yellowstone’s unique and remarkable natural history allow us to explore topics including super volcanoes, glaciation, climate change, and ecosystem dynamics. Additionally, the course will cover trophic cascade effects on ecosystems and landscapes associated with the eradication and reintroduction of wolves. Yellowstone, like so many ecosystems is changing due to climate change. We will learn about the June 2022 Flood, impacts to park resources and infrastructure and discuss the imprints of climate change on the event.

Where we go

The excursion begins and ends in Walla Walla. We first drive across the Rocky Mountains and camp west of Yellowstone at the Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park. We then explore the north entrance via the paradise valley learning about the glacial history of Yellowstone. After that, we enter the park through Gardiner and visit the northeast entrance and the Lamar River Valley. We then focus on thermal features in the central portion of the park and depart via the west entrance. We conclude with a trip to visit to the Hebgen Lake 1959 fault scarp and Quake Lake visitor center.

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