The Geology of Northern New Mexico


Taos, New Mexico

Tentative - May 28 to July 5, 2006

Department of Geological Sciences

University of Alabama

 


Summer Field Geology Course: GEO 495

Essentials of Field Geology :  Outcrop description; Introduction to geologic mapping; Interpretation of Sedimentary, Metamorphic, & Igneous rocks; and Structural Analysis.
The first exercises teach the use of a compass, writing geological notes, use of topographic maps, map making, traversing, and an introduction to the geology of the Rio Grande Rift and Sangre de Cristo Mountains. A series of increasingly complex exercises follow: 1) mapping undeformed sedimentary strata, 2) measuring sections of Mesozoic sedimentary rocks, 3) mapping simply deformed Mesozoic sedimentary rocks, 4) mapping complexly folded and faulted Paleozoic sedimentary strata, and 5) mapping complexly deformed Precambrian metamorphic rocks. There will be excursions to examine Tertiary volcanic rocks in the Valles Caldera, Front Range faults of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, sand dunes in the San Luis Valley, and radial dikes at Spanish Peaks.

Mapping exercises incorporate global positioning system (GPS) for locations and digital mapping skills with geographic information system (GIS) software.

Course information:  GEO 495, six semester credits.  Prerequisites:  Igneous and metamorphic petrology; structural geology; and stratigraphy, sedimentology, or sedimentary petrology.

Fees:   Course fees and tuition total approximately $3,325 (Alabama resident) or $5,475 (nonresident).  Includes all transportation, round-trip from Tuscaloosa AL to Taos NM, accommodations and food in Taos, and tuition.  This amount does not include medical insurance (required) and food when away from Taos (14 days), field gear, and personal items.  Students who successfully complete the course will qualify for a scholarship of $1000.  A $100 nonrefundable deposit (checks to University of Alabama) must be paid to Debbie Frank at the Department of Geological Sciences by April 3.  Remaining course fees and tuition must be paid to University of Alabama Student Receivables in May.

Lodging:  The course is based at the Austing Haus & Amizette Inn, -- 9,000 elevation in the spectacular Taos Ski Valley.  About 14 days will be spent camping in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado.

 


Contact information:

 

Ms. Debbie Frank

Dept. of Geol. Sciences

Box 870338, 202 Bevill Building

University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

 

Dr, Harold Stowell

Field Course Director

205 348 5095

University of Alabama Student Receivables

Box 870120, 116 Rose Admin. Building

University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

205 348 5350


Field Course Syllabus

Field Course Admission Requirements

Field Course Application Form