Geology Talk with Ian Madin: The Birth of Cascadia
Stelo Arts
July 1st, 2025 | 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Join us for an expanded version of the ten geologic stories that accompany the music performance. Beginning with a watermelon demonstration of plate tectonics, we’ll journey through each story with opportunities for audience interaction.
About the Geologist
Ian Madin grew up spending many summers backpacking in California’s Sierra Nevada, and in later years rafting and kayaking rivers in California, Oregon and Idaho. His love of the outdoors led him to study geology, earning a BA from UC Berkeley in 1980. Ian received an MS in geology from Oregon State University in 1986, with a course of study that included field work in active tectonics in the Pakistani Himalaya and South Island of New Zealand. In 1987, Ian began a long career at the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) that included work on earthquake and landslide hazards, geologic mapping and mineral resources and lidar topographic imaging. Ian spent 13 of his 34 years at DOGAMI as the Chief Scientist, with stints as interim Director and Assistant Director, and retired in February of 2022. Along the way Ian was designated as the 2018 Oregon State University Alumni Fellow for the College of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, and was named a Fellow of the Geologic Society of America in 2019.
Ian has always enjoyed sharing his love of geology and landscapes with others, starting with his work as a river guide, and since 2013, as the ride-along geologist for Cycle Oregon. In 2018, Ian discovered a passion for stone carving and now spends way too much time in his studio, messing about with rocks that he collects from the wilds of Oregon.
About Oregon Origins
Oregon Origins Project in an arts/culture initiative which explores the ancient origins of the state of Oregon through creative expression. Our fall events are devoted to lifting up indigenous culture bearers, and the spring events present new artistic work of a wide range of styles/disciplines.