January 11 – Guagua Pichincha volcano and exam #2

Today we visited Guagua Pichincha, a volcano right outside Quito.  We began the ascent of the mountain in two small buses.  We then stopped at a small village and transferred to two small jeeps and one cattle truck.  I rode in the back of the cattle truck with five other students.  While the ride was bumpy, we had a spectacular view of the mountain.  It was as if we were sailing through the clouds.  The only downside to this panoramic view was the dust we encountered- most of us looked like chimney sweepers with raccoon eyes from our sunglasses by the end.

Unfortunately, we encountered a landslide which inhibited us from reaching the planned hiking path. We investigated the landslide, which was a slump or dry avalanche.  We concluded it occurred around two weeks ago due to accumulated moisture and over-steepened slopes created by the man-made road.  Over the past week I have seen how humans have influenced, and in many cases, ravaged the natural environment.  The road exacerbated the naturally wet soil and caused the landslide of material. 

On our journey back to Hotel Cumbaya, we made a few stops to examine geologic features.   We saw a large loess deposit that resembled a sand dune.  Loess is dust and small particles that crumble when you rub it between your fingers.  It was transported by a glacier to the base of Guagua Pichincha.  We also saw noded horse tail plants, which contain fitolyths (silicate, glassy shards in the stem) to prevent animals from eating them.  Indigenous people have used this plant for cleaning because its texture resembles that of a brillo pad. It is so interesting to learn about the various adaptions that plants have acquired to improve their chance of survival.  I have always considered plants to be pretty passive and subject to their environment.  But plants such as the noded horse tail and species we encountered in the paramos of the Andes have exhibited adaptations which enable them to battle a harsh climate and altitude.

When we arrived back at the hotel, I showered and studied for our second exam of the course.  After the exam I went to a little Italian restaurant around the corner from the hotel and began packing my duffel with warm weather clothes for the Galapagos! I can’t wait for sunshine and warm weather!