Explore the natural forces that have shaped the Pacific Northwest coast and the Columbia River Estuary. This three-session course offers an introduction to the region’s geology and oceanography, including plate tectonics, geologic history, coastal landforms, and erosion. Participants may also examine coastal currents, upwelling, sediment transport, tsunamis, marine debris, and the ocean’s influence on weather and climate. Together, these topics provide a broader understanding of how land, water, and natural processes interact along our coast.