Geology oftheSmithRiver
A VirtualTripThroughTheJosephineOphiolite.
(An example of a Geology field studies course at College of the Redwoods, Eureka)


The Virtual Professor's Seal of Approval

 

No trip through cyberspace can begin to communicate the thrill of actually being at the Smith River. This multimedia journey is intended to simply provide a glimpse of the river and share some of the spectacular outcrops we investigated during our field studies course. If you want to see the real thing, come take one of our earth sciences courses at College of the Redwoods! The Smith River, located approximately 75 miles north of College of the Redwoods, is one of California's most spectacular wild and scenic rivers. This river is undammed from the headwaters to the mouth.

This trip will take you through one of the world's best exposures of oceanic lithosphere (ophiolite). We will begin in the mantle (peridotite) and work our way upward to pillow basalts and overlying sediments. If you are unfamiliar with ophiolites, or if you want additional technical information about this location, click on the introduction listed below.

An Introduction To Ophiolites

 

All pictures (gifs) are clickable. Click to see the whole photograph.

 A map showing each stop is available by clicking on "GeoMap" below. Each stop can be accessed by clicking on one of the titles.

 Let's go see the Ophiolite. Watch your step, the rocks are slippery. Did you remember your hand lens?
 
 

Your Geology Guides:

·       David Bazard, Geology Instructor

·        Bob McPherson, Geology Instructor


Return to College of The Redwoods Science Pages:

o       College of the Redwoods Earth Sciences Page: Course Descriptions, Instructors, Virtual FieldTrips

o       College of the Redwoods, Science and Health Division Page

o       College of the Redwoods, Instructor Pages