Yellowstone Association Institute Press Releases

Yellowstone Association Institute Press Releases Index

The Yellowstone Volcano

December 20, 2005

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK – Explore the heart of the Yellowstone Volcano with the leading researchers who know the story. From Mammoth Hot Springs, you’ll travel by snowcoach to Old Faithful, stopping at key geologic features that reveal the wonders of the world’s largest active volcano. At Old Faithful, you’ll explore geyser basins, inspect steam vents and rock formations, study current research, and most important, answer "what’s in store for the future?"

The seminar, taught by Drs. Jake Lowenstern and Henry Heasler, begins on February 10, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. and ends on February 12, 2006 at 5:00 p.m. Dr. Lowenstern, a Research Geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, is the Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. He is a leading expert on volcanoes and geothermal systems and the gases and waters that emerge from them. In addition to Yellowstone, he has studied volcanoes in California, Alaska, Italy, Russia, Japan and the African nation of Eritrea.

Dr. Heasler is Supervisory Geologist for Yellowstone National Park. His areas of interest include geothermal systems, the geophysics of volcanic systems, terrestrial heat transport, and geologic mapping. He has published numerous articles on the geothermal systems of Wyoming and a geologic road guide to the area east of Yellowstone.

The program entails brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing with some steep, rugged, off-trail hiking or snowshoeing including breaking trail in variable snow conditions. Snowshoes or skis, which can be rented locally, are required.

The fee for the course is $320 (Yellowstone Association members get a $10 discount). Rooms have been set aside at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Old Faithful Snow Lodge. Call 307-344-5566 for hotel rates and reservations. At the conclusion of the course, you may elect to extend your stay at Old Faithful to explore on your own.

The Institute is a nonprofit field school operated by the National Park’s official educational partner, the Yellowstone Association. The Institute offers a variety of courses in ecology, wilderness skills, and natural history year-round in Yellowstone National Park.

To enroll in this or another field seminar, or to request a catalog that includes a full description of all summer and fall courses, please contact the Yellowstone Association Institute at PO Box 117, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 307-344-2294. Complete information is also available at www.YellowstoneAssociation.org.