Journals 2007/2008

Louise McMinn
Scofield Magnet Middle School, Stamford, CT

"St. Elias Erosion/Tectonics Project (STEEP)" July 10 - July 20, 2007

Journal Index: July 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17        18 - 19 - 20 Additional Resources

July 15, 2007
Back to the Ridges

Today I went back out in the mountains to work with Mike. He was continuing to map the outcroppings in the ridges. On the way out, we stopped to pick up a survival pack that was left two days before. It was quickly located, but was found with a few rips. A curious bear had to examine it!

Mike continued to measure the dip and strikes of the outcroppings. If one thinks of the early formation of Earth, all of the continental crust was horizontal. Largely due to plate movement and gravity, and the resultant forces, layers were created. These constructive and destructive forces create the land forms we see today. It is up to the geologists to determine what forces impacted the area.

Mike is checking the orientation of the outcropping using a compass.

The sun was shining and it became quite warm up on the ridge. It was absolutely beautiful! We stayed in the same area until early afternoon, and then Terry and Dr. George Plafker flew out to meet us. We hiked along the ridge, examining the outcroppings. George had worked in the area for over forty years, and gave a lot of insight of past expeditions.

I am getting better at hopping in and out of the helicopter quickly. Generally Merlin will not shut the copter down, we just run up, stow the gear, and get in. He was able to land in very small clearings.

Terry and I posing on the mountaintop with the pilot. Transportation by helicopter helped the geologists explore a vast territory.