FIELD METHODS IN NEOTECTONICS AND PALEOSEISMOLOGY (May 26-June 8, 2008, residential)
NOTE: Pre-registration Deadline= April 28, 2008. See Application Form
Aims A hands-on, field-oriented course
emphasizing collection and analysis of geologic data related to Quaternary
geology and neotectonics, and as needed, geomorphology and soils. This field
course is taught at the upper-level undergraduate and graduate level, but young
professionals may find it useful. Familiarity with basic geologic field methods
is required. PROFESSIONALS WHO ONLY HAVE TIME TO TAKE
THE TRENCHING PART, MAY DO SO BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT.
The course couples “traditional” field work with digital data collection, analysis, and digital mapping. Because we will be using GPS positioning and GIS software throughout the course, familiarity with these and computer graphics software (vector, CorelDraw, Adobe Illustrator; raster, Corel PhotoPaint, Adobe Photoshop) would be helpful. The texts for the course are McCalpin’s Paleoseismology (Academic Press, 1996), and Birkeland's Soils and Geomorphology (Oxford Univ. Press, 1996). Registered participants should purchase these books before the course, and bring it with them. Often used copies or heavily discounted new copies can be purchased from on-line vendors auch as amazon.com. See Neotectonics Syllabus
Credit: 3 hours of graduate credit is available, with advance arrangement.
Instructors: Dr. James P. McCalpin, GEO-HAZ Consulting/Utah State University; Director, Crestone Science Center
Dr. James P. Evans, Utah State University
Dr. Susanne U. Janecke, Utah State University
Program The first week emphasizes photogeologic fault mapping, Quaternary geologic mapping, and tectonic geomorphology. We also cover GPS data collection and plotting georeferenced data in MapInfo GIS, georeferencing aerial photographs, registering field data with scanned base maps and airphotos. After 4 days of basic instruction, each participant performs a 3-day Mini-Project that involves large-scale mapping an area of the Sangre de Cristo fault zone near Crestone. This fault zone is a typical Neogene Basin-and-Range normal fault, and displays complex fault scarps in Quaternary alluvial fans and moraines at the base of the rugged 2000 m-high range front.
The second week emphasizes detailed site studies such as trenching, soil profile description, and sampling for various dating techniques. Participants will log the walls of backhoe trenches excavated across the Sangre de Cristo fault, and will learn the philosophy of trench siting, excavation logistics, shoring strategies, manual and digital logging techniques, as well as various schemes for defining trench mapping units. Trench logs will be digitized and then subjected to digital retrodeformation analysis.
Tuition and Fees The total fee for the 2-week course depends which of the lodging and meal options that you choose, and ranges from $1,880 (full room and board, with University credit) to $700 (Camp out, cook your own meals, without credit). See the Application Form for details.
Deadlines April 28, 2008, for submittal of Application Form, and payment of 25% of course fees(see option list on Application Form). Submit the Form in an e-mail, as an e-mail attachment, or via regular post to CSC. Remit 25% fee deposit by check, payable to Crestone Science Center, and mail to Crestone Science Center, P.O. Box 837, Crestone, CO 81131, USA. Balance of fee payment is due upon your arrival in Crestone.
Comments on the Course:
It's an experience I will
never forget…….The most thorough introduction to paleoseismology you could ever
ask for."----R. Heermance, graduate student.
"This course should be
considered mandatory for any student hoping to get a job in
geology."------ C. Nelson, consultant.
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For more information on the local area, see some of these Crestone Web pages: Here, or here.
If, after looking over the information above, you wish to apply, please fill out our Application Form. Return the form to us via e-mail (embedded or attachment) or Fax, to the address listed below.
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For a summary of Field Course results, see 2001 Field Course Results, 2002 Field Course Results, 2003 Field Course Results, 2004 Field Course Results.
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For more information, contact Crestone Science Center at the address below:
600 East Galena Ave.
P.O. Box 837
Crestone, CO 81131
Phone: (719) 256-5227
Fax: (719) 256-5228
E-mail: mccalpin@geohaz.comJames P. McCalpin(mccalpin@geohaz.com) Go back to CSC Home Page