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Electronic Mapping

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Two units (8 semester hours)

June 12 - July 18, 2007

Enrollment is limited to 30 students. We anticipate that about 20-25 of these will be from schools other than Albion.

Experience in geologic mapping is the main goal of the course. We combine instruction in traditional field methods with modern electronic mapping techniques. Traditional mapping on topographic and aerial photo bases at a variety of scales is central to our instruction. Supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation, we are also able to introduce important emerging electronic technologies, giving hands-on experience with GPS, laser range finders, and supporting software. We illustrate the applicability of these tools to a variety of geological problems. Students also gain experience in measuring stratigraphic sections, drawing geologic cross sections, deciphering geologic structures and writing geologic reports.

We work with a wide variety of rock types and surficial deposits - including Precambrian schists, gneisses and granites; Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic strata; Tertiary volcanics; and Pleistocene glacial deposits. Our introductory mapping projects are in the starkly scenic Bighorn Basin. We then map glacial deposits in the Beartooth Range and work with the classic Heart Mountain structure, Paleozoic stratigraphy and Absaroka Volcanics near Pat O'Hara Mountain. The following field trip through Yellowstone National Park affords an opportunity to study, in beautiful surroundings, some spectacular silicic volcanic features, geologic structures and geomorphic features. In the Black Hills of South Dakota, we map deformed sediments around an intrusion, and study pegmatites and the geology of the Homestake Mining area in historic Deadwood. Our final mapping projects are in the metamorphic rocks of the southern Black Hills.

Prerequisites: Physical Geology, Structural Geology, Sedimentation and Stratigraphy, and Petrology (or their equivalents, or permission of instructor).

Fees: The fees for 2007 are $2750. They include tuition, round trip transportation between Albion and field camp and during the course, and room and board except for a few meals on days off and travel days. You must have a sleeping bag; bring a small tent if you have one.  

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For further information, write Dr. Carrie Menold, Geology Department, Albion College, Albion, MI 49224 or email her at cmenold@albion.edu.