Friday - November 6, 2009 - A Hike to Remember
Teacher Argonaut Jennifer Peglow

Amazingly cold! Today was a bitter day for fieldwork - but Argos always persevere. Sleeting rain and fluffy snow pummeled our caravan as we crawled the sloping topography of Mount St. Helens.

The Argos; Dr. Virginia Dale, a research ecologist with Oak Ridge National Laboratory; and Dr. Crisafulli, a zoologist, found their way to Hummock Trail where we prepared for a 5-hour hike, investigation, and tour of the area to learn more about the geologic processes that shaped this area of Earth over time and space.

The wind howled and bit as we meandered through the newly growing forest area of Mount St. Helens. It was impressive to see so much vegetation! I expected to see nothing but black ash or barren landscape. Yet, Dr. Dale explained that primary succession happened rapidly after the eruption. The mudflows created 120 new ponds in the area, increasing the river flow and the opportunity to create new environments for soil development and bio-diverse communities. In turn, the aquatic life and biodiversity of the area has flourished in the past 29 years; yet, the forces of erosion continue to play a huge role in altering the topography of the area.

It was shocking to see how much erosion influenced the landscape of the North Toutle River, which, at one point, touched the sides of its banks - one flat expanse of land and river. Now a deep chasm contains the width of such a narrow river!

After a hike to the river in the driving rain, we worked with Dr. Dale and Dr. Crisafulli to analyze the soil in a couple different locations. We used a quadrat to examine and document the plants that were growing in region, and made inferences about the soil chemistry. Then, we collected samples, examining the different horizons of the soil as Argo Ben dug deeper into the earth. In February, we will be taking these samples back to Oak Ridge, Tennessee to further analyze the soil chemistry back in the lab using some cutting-edge technologies.

Using a quadrat with Dr. Dale.

Collecting soil samples for Oak Ridge National Lab.

Even though I wanted nothing more than my own personal heater, the experience was one that I will remember for years to come. The scenery around me was awe-inspiring. One of the most impressive aspects of the 1980 eruption is the presence of fallen trees still present in the blast site area after 29 years! New trees and other vegetation have prospered while the grim reminder of past events sits beside two-year-old trees.

Our time together ended with photos in front of "the mountain" and a playful snowball fight! Two Argos - Karina and Sachi - had not ever even been in the snow before.

A terrific experience filled with new knowledge and appreciation for the natural processes that continue to shape our planet.

That concludes this stage of our mission. Stay tuned for more Argo updates coming soon!

Ben digging up a soil sample for further analysis. Different soil horizons reveal interesting facts about the regional ecology and geology.	Teacher Argos Jen and Jodi, trying to stay warm.
What a Team! Argonauts with Dr. Dale and Dr. Crisafulli.