Fieldwork is essential for the majority of geology research.  Albion College Geology Dept. faculty have recently conducted fieldwork in Antarctica, western China, northwestern Wyoming, eastern California, western South Dakota, as well as locally in southern Michigan. Students conduct research projects regularly conduct fieldwork as well.  Recent student field research projects included three separate Antarctic research projects on glacial-volcanic contacts, analyses of a tuff-ring complex, and a study of sea-floor basalt deposits, paleontological studies in Wyoming, analyses of climate change impacts on plants along the California-Nevada border.  Additionally, many geology courses at all levels include student field research.