By Andrea Calcagno
 
March 6, 2009
 
CRATER LAKE, Ore. - Two Southern Oregon University geology students are challenging a popular scientific theory concerning the formation of a famous rock structure within Crater Lake.
 
The unique structure, known as Phantom Ship, is located near the south rim of the lake. Phantom Ship is widely thought to have formed by magma traveling up and cooling into the current shape.
 
However, after two years of research, Nicholas Brettner and Levi McKay say the rock formation was within the volcano prior to the eruption that caused Crater Lake. They say that when Mt. Mazama erupted, Phantom Ship was left remaining, while much of the surrounding rock collapsed around it. Phantom Ship's unique shape is the result of years of erosion.
 
"Anybody that's been around the lake has been informed, or it's just kind of assumed, that it's always been this structure that was part of a magma body that came up, cooled, and remained. And it wasn't only until recently that somebody suggested it might be something else," says McKay.
 
The students presented their findings at the Oregon Academy of Sciences at Western Oregon University last weekend. They say their research has been well received by other geologists studying Crater Lake.