The purpose of this course is to acquaint the student not only with the history of the interrelationship between these academic specialties but also to document and illustrate the range of geological techniques which are useful to the contemporary archaeologist. More specifically, via lectures and laboratory work, this course will detail how geological methods may be employed in the location, excavation, and interpretation of archaeological sites and materials. Regions may be selected from the Appalachian Mountains, Northern Rockies, Southern Rockies, the Southwest, and the Canadian Shield. Students will spend one week on campus and three weeks in the field. Science majors complete an approved independent study of their choice.
Scuba diving is available for certified divers.
The course is offered concurrently with Tropical Marine Biology. Geol 198. 1 credit. Special emphasis will be upon igneous and metamorphic rocks. A study of the texture and composition of rocks, both hand specimens and thin sections. Laboratory work will include the preparation of thin sections.