Geology in New Zealand

Program Dates

The Program will take place during winter term of 2010 and will roughly correspond to the Carleton term.

Faculty Director

Clint Cowan, Associate Professor of Geology

is a sedimentologist with interests in paleoclimate and paleooceanography. He has previously lead or co-lead Carleton programs to the Bahamas and Australia (from Tasmania to the Great Barrier Reef). His field work and research interests have taken him to places such as Belize, Maritime Canada, the Pyrenees and the tidal flats of the North Sea, both with students and with professional geologists. He is a PADI certified Divemaster, with global travel experience. The Program Director position alternates among the Geology Faculty, so subsequent programs may have different directors.

Introduction

New Zealand is an amazing place to study Geology. Plate tectonic processes are active and happening in real time. New Zealand also has a rich Gondwanan heritage. This program will travel throughout the North and South Islands, and visit a range of settings from mountains and glaciers, to terraced coastal plains and adjacent shoreline and shallow marine environments. We will stay and work out of rustic field stations and hostels. The academic program will largely be centered on directed learning modules and independent fieldwork; teamwork will be emphasized. Visits to cultural sites and interactions with New Zealand scientists will be important aspects of our studies.

Eligibility

Pre-requisites: Geology 110 or 120, and a minimum of one 200-level geology course.

Applicants should have a strong desire to explore a new country and to understand many different aspects of its geologic history. The program seeks students with the ability to get along well with classmates while living and working closely together and experiencing the discomforts of outdoor fieldwork under a wide range of climatic conditions. Applicants should be prepared for vigorous hiking, shipboard work, and rain.

Course of Study, 18 Credits

• GEOLOGY 281: PLATE TECTONIC EVOLUTION OF NEW ZEALAND (4 Credits)

  This course covers the overarching geology of New Zealand, and at various sites along the program route we will analyze field relationships and read the appropriate scientific literature (and discuss the geology with local experts) to piece together the tectonic evolution of New Zealand. Students will write a short paper that summarizes their understanding, focusing on how the sites visited on this program fit into the larger tectonic story.

• GEOLOGY 282: GEOLOGIC MAPPING AND FIELD OBSERVATIONS (4 Credits)

  In this course, we will focus on learning and applying geological field skills. We will map structured areas, log stratigraphic sections, and generally hone our skills of observation on a variety of field problems.

• GEOLOGY 283: MODERN GEOLOGICAL PROCESESSES AS ANALOGUES FOR THE ROCK RECORD (4 Credits)

  We will study modern systems with a view to understanding the volcanic, sedimentary and geomorphologic history of New Zealand. These may include various sites throughout the program, such as volcanic systems-hot springs, modern marine-estuarine settings, and terraced fluvial-alluvial systems.

• GEOLOGY 292: RESEARCH PROJECTS ON NEW ZEALAND GEOLOGY (4 Credits)

  Participants will work in small teams to develop and execute research projects related to various aspects of our investigations of New Zealand.

• GEOLOGY 284: CULTURAL STUDIES (2 Credits, S/CR/NC)

  This will include visits to cultural sites and museums, guest lectures, and an introductory lesson in Maori pronunciation.

Location and Lodging

The 2010 Geology seminar will use various sites across both the North and South Islands. Accommodation will range from rustic field stations to urban youth hostels. Some places we will cook as a group, and others may be catered. Travel days may include an allowance to be spent on finding your own meals.

Expenses

The cost of instruction, room, board, all program events, and group transportation within each country will be covered by the 2009-10 comprehensive fee. All major scientific equipment and supplies are provided. Students are responsible for the cost of round-trip transportation from the U.S. to New Zealand, and any personal travel during the midterm break within New Zealand. Participants are also responsible for purchase of books, personal items, independent travel during the mid-term break, and some personal field gear and clothing.

Applications

Application forms are available from the Office of Off-Campus Studies, Laird 131.

There will be two information meetings:

• ­ Thursday October 30, 2008 at 7pm, Mudd 73
• ­Thursday February 12, 2009 at 7pm, Mudd 73