Geology Talk on Haystack Rock

Haystack Rock, subject of Tom Horning's talk. Photo by Tiffany Boothe.

Geologist Tom Horning will discuss the geological origins of Cannon Beach’s iconic Haystack Rock in a talk sponsored by Friends of Haystack Rock (which supports the Haystack Rock Awareness Program of the city of Cannon Beach).  The event, part of the “World of Haystack Rock” lecture series, takes place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 12, at the Cannon Beach Library (131 N. Hemlock St.).  The talk is free and open to the public.

Horning will cover the erosional processes of the shoreline and the creation of Haystack Rock, the role of sea level change and mountain building processes, the geologic observations of the rock, and its relation to other sea stacks and mountain peaks in Clatsop County, its place at the west end of the Columbia River Basalt lave field, how it is related to the Yellowstone Hot Spot, and how it all comes together to create stunning vistas and habitat for birds and sea life along the northern Oregon Coast.  

Tom Horning is currently a licensed engineering geologist in both Oregon and Washington. He is also involved in a numerous non-profit groups including Oregon Coast Tsunami Advisory Group, Seaside Tsunami Advisory Group, Seaside Planning Commission, North Coast Land Conservancy and many others.