Geology of the Catalina and Tucson Mountains – Karen Gray

Description

This class will examine the dominant rocks of the Catalina and Tucson
Mountains, two very different types of events. The Catalinas are
described as metamorphic core complex; you will learn about the kinds
of rocks you find there, how they were formed and the timing of their
formation. The Tucson Mountains are all volcanic, the result of an
enormous eruption in the style of Mt. Saint Helens but much larger.
The initial eruption was explosive and quite rapid. The follow up
optional field trip will be through the Catalina State Park to look at
some of the rocks in place and examine some of the most recent
events.
Presenter: Karen Gray joined the U.S. Geological Survey in 1974 and
completed a master’s degree ending up as a research geologist. She
used a petrographic microscope and a scanning electron microscope to
learn about minerals and to understand the processes in the formation…

leading to the understanding of origin of ore deposits.
Karen is a regular and popular presenter with Saddlebrook’s ILR.
Two Tuesday afternoons: October 22 nd and 29 th at 2:00 p.m. in the
Activity Center’s Hopi Room with an optional field trip to Catalina State
Park.