Using crystals in lava flows to understand the pre-eruptive processes at the Three Sisters Volcanoes, Central Oregon
Research Mentor(s)
Dr. Mai Sas
Description
To accurately assess volcanic hazards, a comprehensive history of a volcano’s pre-eruptive (magmatic) activity is required. Evidence of processes that take place are recorded in rocks, but more specifically crystals that they contain. Therefore, this investigation aims to uncover the key developments which drove recent volcanic activity between two adjacent volcanoes, Middle Sister and South Sister, a popular recreation site in central Oregon. We will characterize physical and chemical evidence preserved in minerals for six important lava flows, marking three distinct periods of activity at the two volcanoes. In doing so, we hope to better understand the processes that resulted in these major shifts in eruptive behavior over a span of several thousand years, driving changes in levels of explosivity and activity throughout this period of shared volcanic history. This will require a field expedition to the volcanoes to make observations and collect samples. The samples will then be analyzed using several analytical techniques, aimed at identifying mineral distributions, physical characteristics, and chemistry. These data and observations will inform us about the underground backgrounds of each of the lavas analyzed, in order to paint a more detailed picture of the processes influencing eruptive patterns at the Three Sisters.
Document Type
Event
Start Date
May 2022
End Date
May 2022
Location
Carver Gym (Bellingham, Wash.)
Department
CSE - Geology
Genre/Form
student projects; posters
Type
Image
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Using crystals in lava flows to understand the pre-eruptive processes at the Three Sisters Volcanoes, Central Oregon
Carver Gym (Bellingham, Wash.)
To accurately assess volcanic hazards, a comprehensive history of a volcano’s pre-eruptive (magmatic) activity is required. Evidence of processes that take place are recorded in rocks, but more specifically crystals that they contain. Therefore, this investigation aims to uncover the key developments which drove recent volcanic activity between two adjacent volcanoes, Middle Sister and South Sister, a popular recreation site in central Oregon. We will characterize physical and chemical evidence preserved in minerals for six important lava flows, marking three distinct periods of activity at the two volcanoes. In doing so, we hope to better understand the processes that resulted in these major shifts in eruptive behavior over a span of several thousand years, driving changes in levels of explosivity and activity throughout this period of shared volcanic history. This will require a field expedition to the volcanoes to make observations and collect samples. The samples will then be analyzed using several analytical techniques, aimed at identifying mineral distributions, physical characteristics, and chemistry. These data and observations will inform us about the underground backgrounds of each of the lavas analyzed, in order to paint a more detailed picture of the processes influencing eruptive patterns at the Three Sisters.