The Yellowstone hot spot powers one of the world’s most explosive volcanoes. Today, it steams restively in Wyoming. But 60 million years ago, it erupted as seamounts off Oregon’s coast.
The story of North America’s collision and interaction with the Yellowstone hot spot is one of geology’s developing paradigms. Yellowstone crafted much of the Northwest’s landscapes. It created Oregon and Washington’s coast ranges, including the Olympic Mountains. In Washington, it melted the crust beneath the North Cascades and uplifted the Okanogan and Kettle Ranges. In Oregon, the Yellowstone hotspot produced explosive volcanic features, including Smith Rock and the Owyhees. The Yellowstone hot spot also produced all of the Columbia River basalts and much, much more en route to creating our nation’s first national park.
Is today’s Yellowstone poised to erupt again soon? And will the scenario of colliding with a seamount and a ridge repeat someday? This photography-rich talk will introduce you to the Yellowstone hot spot’s past, present, and possible future, and the astonishing landscapes it’s created.
With Ellen Bishop, PhD, Geologist, Photographer and Writer
Science Pubs are a casual lecture series located in fun venues across the region, recommended for ages 10 and over.