Volcanoes of Arizona-Flagstaff Area

This course is an excellent opportunity for teachers and non-teachers alike to become more familiar with the geology and landscape of the many volcanoes of north-central Arizona, centered on the Flagstaff area. The class includes a half-day seminar on Saturday morning, May 17, 2008 in PS-167, followed by an overnight field expedition to observe and interpret various volcanic features and phenomena. The spectacular and rare vistas of Stoneman Lake, Sunset Crater, Cinder Lake, SP Crater, and Red Mountain (among others) will be explored with an eye towards the lava flows, volcanic mountains, and craters that these various types of eruptions have produced. During the seminar and field trip, which will be conducted both in English and Spanish, these volcanic landforms will be compared and contrasted with volcanic landforms on Jupiter’s moon lo, the most volcanically active body in the solar system. During the field trip, the class will visit locations pictured in geology and earth science textbooks. Ample opportunities for sample collections (where permitted) and photography will exist and are highly encouraged.

Sunset Crater

Red Mountain

SP Crater (USGS Photo)