| |
Our field course exposes students to a variety of geological settings and applications, integrating the latest technology
in field mapping. In our 2006 field course, we introduced the use of ruggedized tablet computers with wireless GPS receivers
for field mapping and data collection. The purpose of using digital technology is to enhance the basic skills necessary for
fieldwork while bringing students to the forefront of the digital revolution.
Field Camp Overview
Portable computers, Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) receivers, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are changing the
way field geology is done. In response to the changing demands on Geologists today, we have revised our field course curriculum
to integrate new technologies with traditional field methods. The course will teach students how GPS navigation and digital
mapping and data analysis using GIS can facilitate field work and improve the understanding of the geology. Working with sedimentary,
metamorphic, and igneous rocks, students learn how to make methodical observations, accurate recordings, and sound interpretations
of the geology seen in outcrop. Exercises include measuring and analysis of sedimentary sections, construction of geologic
maps, structural analysis of folds and faults, slope stability analysis, and environmental assessments. Students will learn
to use Brunton compasses, laptop and ruggedized tablet PC computers (Xplore Technologies), GPS receivers, aerial photographs,
topo maps, satellite images, and GIS databases in their projects. Field areas are in the Basin and Range, Colorado Plateau,
and Rocky Mountain provinces. Geologic features to be examined are folded and faulted sedimentary strata of Paleozoic and
Mesozoic age, regional metamorphic facies in Precambrian rocks, volcanic domes and pyroclastic rocks of Tertiary age, pegmatites
and plutonic rocks of Precambrian age, and Quaternary glacial deposits. Environmentally-related projects include slope stability
analysis and environmental site assessments. Work to be submitted for evaluation includes field notebooks, field maps, drafted
geologic maps and structure sections, and interpretative reports.
|
|
Students will be housed in the dormitories at Ft. Lewis College in Durango, Colorado for three weeks of the course and in
a private lodge in Nathrop, Colorado for one week. There will be one week of camping near Albuquerque and Jemez Mountains,
New Mexico. The course is rigorous, both physically and academically. Field work will be carried out in a variety of environments
ranging from desert to mountainous terrain at elevations up to 11,000 feet. Field work will normally be conducted six days
per week. Organized activities, such as mountain climbing, mineral collecting, a narrow-gauge train ride, and white-water
rafting are available on days off.
|
|
|
During our stay in New Mexico, we will be camping. Each student must provide his or her own tent, sleeping bag and air mattress
as well as personal items such as towels and soap. The field course provides stoves, coolers, lanterns, and utensils for cooking
and eating. In Nathrop, we will be staying in a private lodge which has sleeping mattresses, but you will need your sleeping
bag and towels. While at Ft. Lewis College, we will be staying in a campus dormitory. Linens and blankets will be furnished.
The campus is located within walking distance of the downtown area of Durango. On the drive out and back, motel accommodations
will be provided at no cost to the student.
|
|
|
All meals while at the field camp, except two dinners, are covered by the program fee. While camping and staying in Nathrop,
cooking and eating will be done on a communal basis. Everyone is expected to contribute his/her share of the chores such as
cooking, washing dishes, and keeping the camp clean. Most duties are assigned on a rotating basis. Each person will be responsible
for preparing his or her own lunch for the day. At Ft. Lewis, dinner will be taken in the campus cafeteria and a sack lunch
will be provided. Meals in Bowling Green and during travel to and from BGSU to the field camp are not covered.
|
|
|
will be in university-owned 15-passenger vans occupied by no more than 10 persons. At least one staff member or one graduate
assistant will be in each van at all times. University vans will be operated only by designated drivers cleared by the universities
risk management office. Students are permitted to bring their own cars to the field course, but use of student cars for transportation
to and from the field areas will not be permitted. Students will not be permitted to drive the vans for personal use for reasons
of cost, liability, and insurance. All routine transportation costs are included in the course fee.
|
Questions
|
Questions concerning the field course and paper copies of application and scholarship forms may be obtained from or addressed
to:
Dr. Jeff Snyder, Field Course Co-Director
Department of Geology
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OH 43403
(419) 372-0533
E-mail: jasnyd@bgsu.edu |
Dr. Kurt Panter, Field Course Co-Director
Department of Geology
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OH 43403
(419) 372-7337
E-mail: kpanter@bgsu.edu |
|
|
|
