Title
Sedimentology of the Astoria Formation at Beverly Beach
Date
5-30-2013 8:45 AM
Location
Health and Wellness Center (HWC) Room 105
Department
Earth Science
Session Chair
Jeff Myers
Session Title
Earth Science Senior Seminar Research: Geological Hazards Impacting US 101 at Beverly Beach, Oregon, and their Mitigation
Faculty Sponsor(s)
Jeff Myers
Presentation Type
Presentation
Abstract
The fine grained texture of the sandstones, siltstones, and claystones of the Miocene Astoria Formation near Beverly Beach, Oregon produce an unstable base for Highway 101, which has experienced numerous landslides. Previous studies have noted that the plagioclase feldspars in the rocks weather and turn to clay, producing an increasingly unstable foundation. By examining compositional and textural features of the Newport member of the Astoria Formation at Beverly Beach, I will assess the weaknesses of the layers of rock in this sequence to test the hypothesis that the clay layers at the top of the sequence pose the greatest potential for future landslides. An understanding of the structural stability of the sedimentary rocks underlying the busy Hwy 101 at Beverly Beach can help in future strategies to reduce the risk of catastrophic landslides.
Recommended Citation
Bulen, Carlie, "Sedimentology of the Astoria Formation at Beverly Beach" (2013). Academic Excellence Showcase Schedule. 2.
http://digitalcommons.wou.edu/aes_event/2013/es/2
Sedimentology of the Astoria Formation at Beverly Beach
Health and Wellness Center (HWC) Room 105
The fine grained texture of the sandstones, siltstones, and claystones of the Miocene Astoria Formation near Beverly Beach, Oregon produce an unstable base for Highway 101, which has experienced numerous landslides. Previous studies have noted that the plagioclase feldspars in the rocks weather and turn to clay, producing an increasingly unstable foundation. By examining compositional and textural features of the Newport member of the Astoria Formation at Beverly Beach, I will assess the weaknesses of the layers of rock in this sequence to test the hypothesis that the clay layers at the top of the sequence pose the greatest potential for future landslides. An understanding of the structural stability of the sedimentary rocks underlying the busy Hwy 101 at Beverly Beach can help in future strategies to reduce the risk of catastrophic landslides.