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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 concurrent courses (Introductory and Advanced Field Geology). Exercises focus on the topical theme of the tectonic, stratigraphic-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. The prerequisites for EPS 420/520 are EPS 319 (or equivalent) and permission of instructor. EPS 420L/520L can be taken for graduate credit.

Many projects involve 4-10 day camping excursions. Students need to be able to cope with physically rigorous activities. Each student will need personal camping equipment (including tents). University vehicles are used for all travel. Hospitality for nights spent in Albuquerque will be arranged for non-UNM participants.

Part I

Introductory Field Geology

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

May 15 through June 4
(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)

On the Colorado River May 18 - June 13 (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, and tectonic geomorphology of the Grand Canyon region. This format introduces students to methods used in graduate programs and industry. The course fee includes the additional expenses (and food) associated with a Grand Canyon river trip.

Tentative Schedule:

The 2012 itineraries and field areas are subject to change, but the tentative schedule is shown below:

E&PS 319L

May 14: Introductory meeting for 319L.
First Project - 4 days (May 15 - 18): Mesozoic strata and Laramide-related deformation, San Ysidro, New Mexico. Based out of Albuquerque.
Second Project - 5 days (May 19 - May 22): Proterozoic to Quaternary geology and geomorphology at the Rio Grande Rift margin, Sandia Mountain front, New Mexico. Based out of Albuquerque.
Third Project - 11 days (May 23 - June 2): Mid-Cretaceous stratigraphy, Laramide-style deformation and Quaternary geology, Huerfano Park area, Colorado. Camping out.

E&PS 420/520

May 18: Introductory meeting for 420/520L at noon.
Project 1: Chuar Valley - Neoproterozoic rocks and stuctures - Eastern Grand canyon
Project 2: Basement rocks and shear zones of the Inner Granite Gorges of Grand Canyon
Project 3: Tectonic geomorphology of western Grand Canyon

All projects are due in the field.

June 12: 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. Grant Meyer 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) 277-5384 - Grant Meyer; gmeyer@unm.edu
(505) 277-4346 - Karl Karlstrom; kek1@unm.edu
(505) 277-4204 - Department Office Veins in Grand Canyon Metamorphics

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Updated November 28, 2011. Please send comment about (and suggested additions to) this page to connolly@unm.edu.

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