Geological Features Tour

Geological Features Tour

We are about to embark on a tour of geological features throughout the United States. On our journey we will start off in Ashford Washington at Mount Rainier. It is rumored to be one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the Cascade Mountains. From Ashford, Washington we will travel to South Dakota where we find the Black Hills. In the Black Hills of South Dakota we will explore the ground water features and look at many wonders the ground water provides to the areas wildlife. Last of all we will travel down the United States close to Mexico to an Island called Padre Island.

Our first destination stop on the geological features tour is Mount Rainier in Washington, United States. The volcano is located south of Seattle in Ashford and is a part of the Cascades volcano range. Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams are also a part of this volcano range. The last known record of eruption for Mt. Rainier is in the 1820 вЂ" 1940’s (United States Geological Survey and Sisson. 1995). Out of the volcanoes on the Cascade Range, Mt. Rainier looks to be the bigger problem if there is a future eruption. The reason it is a bigger problem is due to the population close to this volcano. Mudslides and other problems make it dangerous as well. Glaciers and avalanches are potential problems as well. Glaciers cut big holes in the volcano that make it weak where lava flow is under the surface.

There are many that think this volcano could erupt in the coming years. Mt. Rainier is an active volcano and as such, the terrain and landscape is ever changing. Mudslides and glaciers are not uncommon to be aware of when visiting. In order to visit at this volcano, it is wise to be aware of the possibilities of dangers associated with this changing area. The locals have in place an evacuation plan but it only allows a 40 minute time frame from volcanic mudflow and the arrival (Sisson. 1995).With 150,000 people to evacuate, this is what makes Mount Rainier the most dangerous of volcanoes in the Cascade Range. Volcanic mudflow can happen at any time and with little time to respond to emergencies.

Northwest American Indians used to call this volcano Takhoma, Tahoma or Ta-co-bet; they stand for big mountain or snowy peak. The volcano was named Mount Rainier after Rear Admiral Peter Rainier by Captain George Vancouver or the British Royal Navy on May 8, 1792 (Catton. 1996.). There are many stories associated with the past of this mountain in relationship to Native Americans and Caucasians in the early years of the United States. There is one story of an Indian guide and a party of white men that has been debated over on the participants for centuries. After settlers came to the area they found that the Indians who inhabited the area were leery of going too high up into the mountains. They feared retribution and death as people went too far.

Mount Rainier is a wonderful place to start off a tour of volcanoes. Rock climbing, trails for hiking, pastures of wildflowers and snow covered peaks are what makes this special place worth seeing. The history adds a certain mystic around the area as well as the changing landscape. Armed with the knowledge of dangers and what to do in emergency situations here, it is no wonder people visit this area of Washington entirely for the view.

As we continue on our journey, we now come to South Dakota and make a stop in the Black Hills. More often than not, the Black Hills are known for the sculptures of four Presidents faces. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt make up the side of a mountain known as Mount Rushmore. However, Mount Rushmore is just one of the attractions in the Black Hills. There are many plants and animals that rely on this diverse area for protection, water and food. Ground water is a key factor for the many plants and animals living in the Black Hills. The weather for winter brings heavy snowfall in this area. With the heavy snowfall in winter comes fresh ground water for spring. The runoff from snow provides much of the ground water for the area. The water table is charged by precipitation which is around 18 inches (National Park Service. 2006). Ground cover, the melting of snow to form ground water, an extensive tree and plant cover all work together to form this ecosystem. The main water carrying rock formation is mica schist. Trees and plants cover control runoff, encouraging filtration into the broken and fractured rock and the groundcover of plants and trees help to hold back runoff and offer temperature control (NPS. 2006).

Future predictions for activity in the Black Hills are everything from tourism to helping wildlife. It is a concern that the aquifers will dry up from over use, increased population and resource development. They try to educate people about how they can help and encourage people to get involved with their communities and officials.

Our last stop on the geological tour