Although field work is completed during the summer, credit for the course is granted during the Fall semester after a short post-field camp independent studies project is completed, unless you make prior arrangements to enroll for credit during the summer. The independent project will be completed at your own convenience and does not require your presence on campus in Athens. The course is centered on learning the basic skills used to interpret geology in the field and focuses on geologic mapping in the Sierra Nacimiento in northern New Mexico and in the Sawatch and Mosquito Ranges in central Colorado. You will learn how to use aerial photos and topographic maps to map the distribution of different types of geologic features in a wide variety of settings. Regional field trips to several national parks and monuments are scheduled between field exercises in order to provide an overview of the geological evolution of the Rocky Mountains and Colorado Plateau.
Lodging is at a mountain ranch in New Mexico and at new residence halls at a college in Colorado.
The trip will include a total of 5-6 days worth of camping during the trip out and back, as well as during two of the regional field trips. Enrollment by students outside of Concord College is welcome, but reservations should be made by May 1st at the latest. Preference will be given for applications prior to mid-March. If overnight lodging in Athens is required before departure, please contact the instructor. We will primarily be learning the basics of geologic field work and will map faulted and moderately folded Mesozoic sedimentary strata.