Ray Wells Scott E.K. Bennett Charles M. Cannon Lydia M. Staisch James L Anderson Anthony Francis Pivarunas Gabriel Wells Gordon Richard J. Blakely Mark E. Stelten Russell C. Evarts Jim E. O'Connor 2021 <p><span>The Columbia River Gorge is the Columbia River’s long-held yet evolving passage through the volcanic arc of the Cascade Range. The globally unique setting of a continental-scale river bisecting an active volcanic arc at the leading edge of a major plate boundary creates a remarkable setting where dynamic volcanic and tectonic processes interact with diverse and energetic fluvial processes. This three-day field trip explores several elements of the gorge and its remarkable geologic history—cast here as a contest between regional tectonic and volcanic processes building and displacing landscapes, and the relentless power of the Columbia River striving to maintain a smooth passage to the sea.</span></p> application/pdf 10.1130/2021.0062(05) en Geological Society of America Arc versus river: The geology of the Columbia River Gorge chapter