Introduction

"Geology is a translation of the Earth's history into our language," Kenneth Hsu wrote, "and geologists are interpreters, expressing in words or figures the history stored in the rocks."

In addition to interpreting Earth's history, however, geoscientists serve society by locating water and mineral resources and by evaluating the hazards associated with geologic phenomena such as earthquakes and floods. Whether you are interested in learning about the Earth sciences to broaden your general education or as a potential career, College of the Siskiyous offers a choice of semester-length courses that will give you a solid introduction to the field. The College also offers a number of short-term courses that will introduce you to the spectacular geology of the Siskiyou County region.

2007-2008 Courses

The geology courses that are being offered during the 2008-2009 academic year are listed below. Click on any of the thumbnails to learn more about that course, or on the "Courses" link at left to see all of the College's geology offerings. In addition, Astronomy (ASTR 1) and Physical Geography (GEOG 1) are being offered during the 2008-2009 academic year as part of the larger Earth and Space Science program.

Fall 2008	Spring 2009
	Geology of the Klamath River Canyon (GEOL 76)

What's new?

College of the Siskiyous Hosts Volcanism Short-course ... For the past three summers COS has hosted faculty members from colleges and universities across the United States for four-day short courses on volcanism and volcanic hazards in the southern Cascades. These courses are part the National Science Foundation's Chautauqua short-course program and are offered through the University of Washington field center. In 2004 and 2005, participants explored volcanic features on Mount Shasta and the Medicine Lake volcano, and discussed topics ranging from the tectonic setting of the southern Cascades to the development of exercises that can help students learn about the nature of volcanic activity and the hazards it poses. In 2006 the short-course focused on the "deaths" of two very different volcanoes: Mount Mazama, which collapsed 7,700 years ago to form the Crater Lake caldera, and Mount Tehama, whose deeply-altered core is the centerpiece of Lassen Volcanic National Park. This summer, short-course participants will again have the opportunity to visit Crater Lake and Lassen Volcanic National Parks and learn how the two superficially similar volcanic systems have evolved into two very different modern landscapes.

Chautauqua short-course #40 participants at the foot of Mount Shasta; July 2004.

Mount Shasta viewed from the northwest.	COS Home  ~  Course Home Pages  ~  Staff Home Pages
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	Last updated 19-Aug-2008.