Field Trip to Mars

Introduction

The virtual tour takes you on several highways through Washington. For those that may take the trip in the real world, the trip mileage, the nearest mile marker and highway name is listed in brackets, see Tour Information below.

Look for Comments Along the Way by various geologists and tour guide, Jim Draggoo, Executive Director of Kid's Cosmos. See below for Finding Your Way Around to explore at random according to your interests.

To find out about all of the topics covered see the Site Map.

Note: All outside links open in a new window.
Just close the window to return to the tour.

Tour Information | Comments Along the Way | Finding Your Way Around

Ready? Begin Field Trip to Mars

Tour Information

The tour begins and ends in Spokane, Washington, and follows various state and federal highways. As the trip progresses, points of interest are pictured and explained. Some images have larger versions available when you click on them. Optional additional information on some subjects is included for more in-depth understanding. For those that may take the trip in the real world, the trip mileage, the nearest mile marker and highway name is listed in brackets. Your odometer may vary. See example below.

[1.3 MM 282 US 2]
As we travel the first mile we see colonnades of Columbia Plateau basalt in the road cuts. The peculiar columns are caused by crystallization of molten basalt lava as it cools and shrinks forming 5 to 7 sided columns. These columns are from 12 to 30 inches across.

Trip Mileage Mile Marker Highway

1.3 MM 282 US 2

Tour Information | Comments Along the Way | Finding Your Way Around | TOP

Comments Along the Way

The trip follows part of the route suggested by the Field Guide 2, Geology Department, Washington State University, by G. D. Webster, Victor R. Baker, and Carl Gustafson. Comments and additional material based on the Guide is included, also. The on-line tour was researched and written by Jim Draggoo.

Look for comments along the tour by Dr. John Buchanan from Eastern Washington University's Geology program. Dr. Buchanan, a professor of geology specializing in hydrogeology and sedimentology, is familiar with the geology of the central plateau and has conducted numerous field trips to the area with his classes. Dr. Buchanan is also an amateur astronomer with his own observatory which can be seen at his Lance Hill Observatory website.

Your tour guide is Jim Draggoo, Executive Director, Kid's Cosmos, and he adds his comments from a non-geologist's point of view.

	Comments along the tour will have this Comment Sign, followed by the author's name in brackets.	[Name]
	G. D. Webster, Victor R. Baker, and Carl Gustafson	[Field Guide 2]
	Dr. John Buchanan	[Buchanan]
	Jim Draggoo, Tour Guide	[Draggoo]
	This Stop Sign indicates a place to rest, lunch or explore further.
	A glossary is available from each page by using the Define Word Sign image.
	You may return to this page by using the Start Trip Sign image.
	You may view the Site Map by using the Site Map Sign image.

Tour Information | Comments Along the Way | Finding Your Way Around | TOP

Finding Your Way Around

Each page will allow you to go to any page or subject you want by using the Select your destination menu and clicking on "Go". You can also just click on the Back or Forward icons as shown below.

Ready? Begin Field Trip to Mars

Tour Information | Comments Along the Way | Finding Your Way Around | TOP

Kid's Cosmos...Expanding Minds Beyond the Limits of the Universe

Kid's Cosmos Site Links: Home | Programs | Student Center | Sponsors | Contact Us