Science Pub: The Yellowstone Hotspot

In Search of Ancient Yellowstone: How the Yellowstone Hotspot Crafted the Pacific Northwest's Landscapes with Ellen Bishop, PhD, Geologist, Photographer and Writer

The Yellowstone hotspot 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 American's collision and interaction with the Yellowstone hotspot is one of geology's newest 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 hotspot also produced all of the Columbia River basalts and much, much more enroute to creating our nation's first national park.

Is today's Yellowstone poised to erupt again soon? And will we repeat the scenario of colliding with a seamount and ridge someday?  This photography-rich talk will introduce you to the Yellowstone hotspot's past, present, and possible future, and the astonishing landscapes it's created.

Science Pubs are a casual lecture series located in fun venues across the region, recommended for ages 10 and over.

Tickets: $8 suggested donation | Advance tickets recommended

Zoom Option: If you are unable to join us in person, you can watch on Zoom. You must register in advance. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.