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Geological Wanderings on this trip: 1) Class at Yellowstone NP July 7-9 Geo-Ecosystem of Yellowstone 2) Travel southward to Grand Teton NP and then to Craters of the Moon National Monument ................................................................................................................................ Geo-ecosystem of Yellowstone Class taught through the Yellowstone Institute as part of the Yellowstone Association
Instructor: Prof. Paul Doss, Southern Indiana University This information below was gleaned from my notes and pictures taken in July 2003. This was a great class and I recommend it to anyone wanting to know more of the details and science basis of how Yellowstone "works". Any errors and mistakes are my own and not due to the class or other sources. I hope the mystery and excitement that make up Yellowstone are captured for you in at least parts of the sharing below. Yellowstone NP is the nexus of a large number of geological events which overlap each other in complex ways. The consequence of these events is to change the soils, the vegetation, and the animal life that can be supported. In this way, the ecosystem of Yellowstone NP is ultimately driven by the underlying geology and how those materials interact with climate and water flows to provide a home suitable for a wide range of life forms. As an active volcanic site, Yellowstone is dynamic and constantly changing. The observations contained herein as the current state of the Park will be changing due to natural forces. Some consequences might be beneficial to humans and some may not. By understanding and appreciating what mysteries and resources are ultimately in play in Yellowstone, one can hope to intellectually benefit from the knowledge, learn of new life forms that may have unexpected benefits to humans, and lastly we can hope to learn to co-exist in one of the truly beautiful and wild places of our world - the psychic benefits of visiting Yellowstone can be substantive for those needing a respite from their rushed urban world.
Following the Yellowstone NP section, a brief summary of what we learned in Grand Teton NP and a glimpse of Craters of the Moon National Monument. Under Construction |
