The National Park System in the Western United States provides a unique opportunity to examine how geological processes shape the Earth. Visits to parks in Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, California, and Utah help students develop an understanding of these processes. Introductory geology topics are covered in an experiential field experience. In the canyon lands (Grand Canyon, Bryce, and Zion), students examine processes of sedimentation, igneous intrusion, and erosion. The record of life on Earth is studied in the fossil record on the rocks. In California, geological hazards are learned by studying the San Andreas Fault, mass-wasting in Pt Reyes National Seashore, and volcanism at Lassen volcano.
Instructor: Professor Malinconico & Sunderlin
May Term Trip