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Scientific Research

USGS volcanologist Charles Bacon gives Mount Mazama geologic history talk - July 8, 2009

On a beautiful and clear June 23rd evening, United States Geological Survey geologist Charles "Charlie" Bacon gave a lecture in the historic Community House at the Rim Village in Crater Lake National Park.

USGS volcanologist Charles Bacon receives award at Crater Lake National Park - July 8, 2009

On the night of June 23rd, at Crater Lake's Rim Village Community Center, Dr. Charles Bacon was recognized for his many years of work toward the "evolution of Mount Mazama," and presented with the Department of Interior's Superior Service Award.

Review: Geologic Map of Mount Mazama and Crater Lake Caldera, Oregon by Charles R. Bacon - July 7, 2009

Review of Geologic Map of Mount Mazama and Crater Lake Caldera, Oregon, 2008 by Charles R. Bacon; U.S. Geological Survey of the U.S. Department of the Interior; Scientific Investigations Map 2832 with descriptive pamphlet (45 pgs), ISBN 978-1-4113-1925-7, 4 sheets plus CD Database for the Geologic Maps; $19.00.

Lichen Survey Hits the Jackpot One-Day "BioBlitz" Uncovers 61 Species Not Previously Recorded at Crater Lake - Summer/Fall 2009

In the summer of 2008, 3 lichen experts and 39 volunteers teamed up for a one-day Lichen BioBlitz at Crater Lake National Park to raise awareness of these fascinating organisms arid to catalogue their diversity. On August 23rd, in the course of a 7-hour survey, the investigators nearly doubled the number of lichen species recorded in the park.

A Conversation with the Park's Chief of Terrestrial Ecology - Summer/Fall 2009

Laura Hudson is the park's new Chief of Terrestrial Ecology. Before coming to Crater Lake, she worked at many other national parks including Big Bend, Carlsbad Caverns, Mt. Rainier, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Rocky Mountain, Bighorn Canyon, Denali, and Mesa Verde.

Black Bear Census Set to Begin: Park to Estimate Population Using Hair Samples and DNA - Summer/Fall 2009

How many black bears live in Crater Lake National Park? Right now, your guess is as good as anyone's! This summer, however, the park's newly established wildlife program will attempt to answer this question by gathering samples of black bear hair from across the park and analyzing the DNA within the hair.

Beetle Outbreak Threatens Park Trees: Researchers Say Global Warming May be to Blame - Summer/Fall 2008

Take a walk through Rim Village this summer and you will notice several things: fantastic views, smiling park visitors, and-from one end of the village to the other--dead pine trees. The dead trees are obvious, but the cause of the death may not be. A tiny beetle, rarely seen, is responsible for most of the damage. Scientists indicate, however, that the real culprit may be our warming climate.

New USGS Geologic Map of Mount Mazama and Crater Lake Caldera, Oregon - November 24, 2008

A spectacular new map, years in the making, is now available from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Volcano Hazards Team of Menlo Park, CA.

Into the Deep: Crater Lake's ranking as one of the world's deepest lakes varies by how list is determined - November 29, 2007

Is Crater Lake the seventh deepest lake in the world, the eighth or the third? Depends on how it’s figured.

Crater Lake deep yields mysterious moss - September 15, 2007

Thick patches of moss grow in large, dense mats 100 feet below the surface of crystalline Crater Lake. Mysterious cylindrical holes spiral deep into sections of the mats....

Little-visited Sphagnum Bog a hotbed for botanists - August 6, 2007

Larry Powers led a group of nine through a section of bogs recently at Sphagnum Bog, a little-visited, remote research natural area near the northwest boundary of Crater Lake National Park.

Crater Lake's Mystery Moss - August 01, 2007

The soggy day of field work that Buktenica led July 18 is part of a broader research program to monitor the lake's health and explore its unique ecology. This summer, researchers are unleashing an arsenal of instruments on a complex underwater moss colony that thrives on a platform of submerged volcanic rock around Wizard Island on the lake's west side.

Unraveling the secret of Crater Lake's ... Deep Moss April 2, 2007

It's a huge colony of moss that has lived quietly in the depths of the clearest lake in the United States since somewhere between 4,000 and 7,700 years ago after Mount Mazama blew its top and created the hole that Crater Lake would fill.

Rainier third most dangerous U.S. volcano - February 28, 2007

Over the next two years, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) plans to increase the number of earthquake monitors from five to nine, ring the mountain with eight new global-positioning (GPS) units to monitor the mountain's movements and speckle it with 21 small metal discs to gauge whether the mountain changes shape.

Roving the Floor of Crater Lake - August 21, 2006

A remotely operated vehicle system will be used to gather video footage and test samples to determine how this natural community fits into the lake's ecosystem. The research is being carried out by representatives of Oregon State University, the National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey and Southern Oregon University.

Found in the ashes - August 20, 2006

The eruption of Mount Mazama in the Oregon Cascades was the largest volcanic event to hit North America in at least 10,000 years. The ash rained down for days, burying a prehistoric camp that archaeologists are now working to uncover in western Montana.

Crater Lake due for odd visitor - August 18, 2006

Oregon icon - Scientists will use a submarine to explore what fields of green moss mean to the hidden ecosystem

Crater Lake Symposium Convenes Researchers - Fall/Winter 2006

A symposium of recent research in Crater Lake National Park was held at the 86th meeting of the Pacific Division of the American Association for the Advancement of Science on 15 June 2005. The meeting was held at Southern Oregon University, in Ashland, Oregon.

U.S. considers close watch on volcanoes - July 13, 2006

The nation's new secretary of the interior said Wednesday that plans are being considered for an expanded monitoring system to keep watch on hazardous U.S. volcanoes.

Rockin' in the Klamath Basin - September 26, 2005

Margi Jenks looks for water by studying rocks. She's not a mystic, she's a geologist. Or maybe she's both, and a whole lot more.

Seismic monitoring stations wanted at Crater Lake - September 17, 2005

But, yes, geologists with the U.S. Geologic Survey and Crater Lake National Park officials would like to install six to 10 seismic monitoring stations at and near the park.

Spending a night on Crater Lake's Wizard Island - September 04, 2005

For more than 30 years I've experienced Crater Lake National Park from many perspectives - as a writer, photographer, father of a park ranger, recreationalist and continually bedazzled tourist. My most recently learned lessons in Crater Lake trivia came as a member of the park's Natural History Association board of directors, during our group's annual summer outing.

Researchers delve into lake's clarity - September 15, 2003

Scott Girdner, a Crater Lake National Park biologist and boat pilot, held the wheel steady. He tried to minimize the bounce as the bow of the R/V Neuston alternately dipped into holes between waves and then tilted abruptly skyward as the swell passed underneath.

Geologist honored for Crater Lake work - August 19, 2003

A geological tour of Crater Lake National Park's Rim Drive area will be given Saturday by Dr. Charles "Charlie" Bacon, a volcanic geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey.

Geologist receives research award - July 22, 2003

Charles Bacon, a volcanic geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, will receive the Centennial Award for Excellence in Scientific Research at Crater Lake from the Crater Lake Institute's board of directors.

Crater Lake symposium broad as well as deep - October 07, 2002

Pack horses, fungi, submarines, Indian legends, bull trout, landscape photograph, raptors and geology were among diverse topics discussed during a three-day symposium celebrating the 100th anniversary of Crater Lake National Park.

Larson honored for Crater Lake work - August 18, 2002

Douglas Larson of Portland was awarded the Centennial Award for Excellence in Scientific Research at Crater Lake during ceremonies at Crater Lake National Park last Sunday.

Centennial Award goes to Crater Lake researcher - July 22, 2002

Douglas Larson of Portland has been awarded the Centennial Award for Excellence in Scientific Research at Crater Lake National Park by the Crater Institute board of directors.

New Maps/Report by USGS Scientists show underwater features of Crater Lake in unprecedented detail - June 1, 2001

New Maps/Report by USGS Scientists Show Underwater Features of Crater Lake in Unprecedented Detail Ancient lava flows, volcanic cones and landslides are some of the features below the surface of Crater Lake that are depicted and explained in a report available from the U.S. Geological Survey, Department of the Interior.

Researchers finish Crater Lake map - August 04, 2000

Ancient landslides and lava flows never before seen by humans have been revealed at the bottom of the nation’s deepest lake.

Lake's mapping stars on Web site - August 02, 2000

The shroud of mystery covering the bottom of Crater Lake is lifting and the results are a Web site near you.

Scientists finish mapping floor of Crater Lake - August 2000

Using the latest multibeam sidescan sonar technology, scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey and the University of New Hampshire finished mapping the bottom of Crater Lake, Oregon, in Crater Lake National Park.

Crater Lake can't hide its bottom - July 31, 2000

The spectacle of a helicopter lowering a boat called the "Surf Surveyor" into Crater Lake last week caught everyone's attention. But now, this science vessel will work hours on end for the next few days using brand-new sonar technology called multi-beam mapping, scanning the mysterious bottoms of one of the world's deepest lakes.

Military Saves the Day for Crater Lake Sonar Research - July 29, 2000

In 1886, while trying to map the bottom of Crater Lake for the first time, William Steel wrote in his journal, “How shall we launch the boat now that we have got it here?”

Crater Lake mapping boat gets a lift - July 29, 2000

A huge, olive-drab Chinook CH-47D helicopter with an Army reserve crew from Fort Lewis, Wash., transported the research vessel filled with sonar equipment from the rim of the lake onto the lake’s surface.

Getting to the bottom of things at Crater Lake - July 21, 2000

The bottom of Crater Lake, in Crater Lake National park, will get a thorough going over during the next two weeks, when scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey and the University of New Hampshire will map the lake’s bottom, using the latest multibeam sidescan sonar technology.

Scientists say Crater Lake is clearer than ever - June 27, 1997

Scientists who monitor Crater Lake discovered Wednesday that they could see 43.3 meters (142 feet) into the deep blue waters. That's the clearest the lake has been since recording started in 1896, said Mark Buktenica, Crater Lake's aquatic ecologist.

Rare Flower Research - Fall 1996

The Mt. Mazama collomia is one of the most beautiful and rare wildflowers in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon. Concerns over its vulnerability and long-term viability prompted the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service to join with scientists....

10-Year Study of Crater Lake Underscores Need for Long-term Monitoring Program - Winter 1994

In the fall of 1982 Congress passed Public Law 97-250, which authorized and directed the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a l0 year limnological study of Crater Lake and to implement immediately such actions as may be necessary to retain the lake's natural pristine water quality.

Crater Lake Study Peer Review Panel Meets - Spring 1993

A technical report on Crater Lake Limnological Investigations, mandated by Congress in 1982, was presented Feb. 27, 1993 to a peer review panel at Oregon State University, chaired by Dr. Stanford L. Loeb of the University of Kansas Department of Systematics and Ecology.

Spotted Owl Survey in Crater Lake NP - Fall 1993

A 1992 survey of spotted owls in Crater Lake NP recorded a total of 29 owls in the park-an unexpectedly high number that included owls at an unexpectedly high elevation.

Scientific Symposium at Crater Lake National Park - Fall 1992

"Crater Lake NP: Still Beautiful at 90” is the title of the scientific symposium held at the park in May of this year, at which many scientists, who have been studying Crater Lake since a 1962 act of Congress boosted research efforts, reported on their work.

Crater Lake Final Report - Winter 1991

Limnological studies of Crater Lake were initiated by NPS in 1982 in response to the suggestion that characteristics of the lake were changing because of human activities around the lake. The final report of these studies is in the final stages of preparation under the direction of Gary Larson, a Research Scientist with the CPSU at Oregon State University.

Crater Lake Theories Face Peer Review - Summer 1989

A pear review panel of seven scientists is mulling the evidence for and against the proposition that hydrothermal features are responsible for some mysterious features at the bottom of Crater Lake.

Crater Lake NP Research Continues to Excite, Amaze - Fall 1989

In addition to water samples whose chemical analysis indicate that a connection with a deep mantle source still exists on the lake floor, one of the project’s two principal investigators has discovered a scattering of murky aqua blue pools on the lake bottom.

Crater Lake Accomplishes First Winter Water Quality Sampling - Winter 1987

Since the initiation of the Crater Lake NP (CRLA) Limnology program in 1982, the need has existed to monitor the lake water quality in winter. Winter logistics are extremely difficult, since the park receives over 500 inches of snowfall each year and the lake lies at the bottom of cliffs ranging in height from 606 to 2000 feet.

From Crater Lake: Water System Model - Spring 1984

Monitoring the production, distribution and usage of water supplies throughout Crater Lake NP has recently been improved by the development of a computer model.

Dwarf Nightshade at Crater Lake National Park - Summer 1983

On a recent autumn visit to the Crater Peak Burn of August 1978, Ron Mastrogiuseppe and John White confirmed the presence of colonies of dwarf nightshade, Chamaesaracha nana A. Gray in the portion of burn which crowned-out in Shasta red firs and exposed the volcanic substrate on the steep southwestern slope.

Crater Lake Limnology Update - Winter 1981

Sample analyses of 1990 phytoplankton samplings at Crater Lake are nearing completion at Beak Consultant Laboratories in Portland. Ore. The work is part of ongoing research by Doug Larson. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers limnologist. and Stan Geiger of Beak Consultants.

Federal Geologists Say Volcano Is Officially Extinct - March 12, 1946

The U. S. geological survey has found no evidence to support reports of renewed volcanic activity at ancient Crater Lake National Park in Oregon.

Oregon's famous Crater Lake not 1,000 years old - December 29, 1934

Blue Crater Lake, in the national park of that name, at last has divulged the secret of its age. Not all at once, however. A few facts it revealed to the geologist, a few more to the student of tree rings, others to the engineer. Putting two and two together, these various specialists have come to the conclusion that Crater Lake is young, not yet 1,000 years old.

Crater Lake National Park - May 11, 1911

As a pioneer in the field, the United States Geological Survey has made a careful topographic survey of the Crater Lake National Park.

Deep Water - September 9, 1886

A party sent out by the Geological Survey, under the command of Captain Clarence E. Dutton, U. S. A., has succeeded in reaching and making a complete survey of Crater Lake in Oregon, a body of water whose shores, with the possible exception of one point on the south, have never before been touched by the foot of white men.

Examination of Crater Lake - September 4, 1886

The examination of Crater Lake, in Oregon, gives scientific evidence of the appropriateness of its name, and shows it to be in the heart of a mountain hollowed but by volcanic action.