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Summer Field Geology Program Description

New Mexico is known for its diversity of geology, scenery and culture, as well as splendid climate. The UNM Field Program consists of two sequential courses (Introductory and Advanced Field Geology). Exercises focus on the topical theme of the tectonic, sedimentologic and geomorphic evolution of the Southern Rocky Mountains / Colorado Plateau region from Proterozoic to Cenozoic time. Both courses emphasize rigorous scientific observation, representation of geologic data on maps and cross sections, scientific report writing, and the solution of geologic problems in the field. Together they constitute a six week comprehensive field course (8 credit hours). The courses may also be taken separately. EPS 420/520 can be taken for graduate credit.

Each project involves 4-6 day camping excursions. Students need to be able to cope with physically rigorous activities. Each student will need personal camping equipment (including tents). Group cooking is encouraged. University vehicles are used for all travel. Hospitality for nights spent in Albuquerque will be arranged for non-UNM participants.

May 18 - July 1, 2008

Part I

Introductory Field Geology

(E&PS 319L -- 4 credit hours)

May 18 through June 8
(for Advanced Undergraduates)

Prerequisites: mineralogy, petrology, sedimentology/stratigraphy, structure.

The course emphasizes stratigraphy and structure of Mesozoic and Cenozoic sedimentary and volcanic rocks. Using localities in central New Mexico and southern Colorado, projects begin at a basic level, and expand in scope and geologic complexity as the course progresses.

Part II

Advanced Field Geology

(EPS 420L or 520L -- 4 credit hours)

June 9 through July 1 (for Graduate or Undergraduate Credit)

Prerequisites: EPS 319L or equivalent. This course may be taken for either undergraduate (420L) or graduate (520L) credit.

The course immerses students in specific research problems concerning the tectonic evolution of the Southwest, with emphasis on igneous and metamorphic rocks and structures. This format introduces students to methods used in graduate programs and industry. The first project involves a six-day whitewater raft trip in the Grand Canyon (Lower Granite Gorge section). The course fee includes includes the additional expenses (and food) associated with the river trip.

Tentative Schedule:

The 2008 itineraries and field areas are subject to change, but the tentative schedule is shown below:

E&PS 319L

• May 18: Introductory meeting for 319L.
• First Project - 3 days (May 19 - 21): Mesozoic strata and Laramide-related deformation, San Ysidro, New Mexico. Based out of Albuquerque.
• Second Project - 4 days (May 23 - May 26): Mid-Cenozoic pyroclastic volcanism and Rio Grande rift tectonics, Baca Canyon, New Mexico. Camping out.
• Third Project - 12 days (May 28 - June 8): Mid-Cretaceous stratigraphy, Laramide-style deformation and Quaternary geology, Huerfano Park area, Colorado. Camping out.

E&PS 420/520

• June 9: Introductory meeting for 420/520L at noon.
• Project 1: Grand Canyon river trip, June 10 - 18, float from Diamond Creek to Lake Mead. All projects due in the field.
• Project 2: Needle Mountains of Colorado, June 20 - 24. Mapping of Proterozoic rocks, structural studies and research on Proterozoic tectonics.
• Project 3: Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico, June 25 - 30. Ancient controls/modern landscapes. Needle Mountains II.
• July 1: Project wrap-up and meeting in Albuquerque. Done at Noon.

Photo Albums: Check out scenes from previous year's field camps!

(Note: There are lots of pictures on these pages, so be patient as they load. They are set up to load in a new blank web browser window so you can browse in this one while the pictures load.)

• For a photo album from Summer 2001 beginning field class, please click here.
• For a photo album from Summer 2001 advanced field class, please click here.
• For a photo album from the Summer 2000 beginning field class, please click here.
• For a photo album from the Summer 2000 advanced field class, please click here.
• For a photo album from Summer 2002 319L... please click here.

Comments/Questions:

For additional information please write or call:

Drs. John Geissman or Karl E. Karlstrom
Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences
Northrop Hall, Room 141, MSC 03-2040
1 The University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131

(505) 277-3433 - John Geissman; jgeiss@unm.edu
(505) 277-4346 - Karl Karlstrom; kek1@unm.edu
(505) 277-4204 - Department Office

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