Geology in New Zealand

Prerequisites

Any 100 level and a minimum of one 200-level geology course.

Applicants should also 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 in an intense environment of learning geology, including experiencing the discomforts of outdoor fieldwork under a wide range of climatic conditions. Applicants should be prepared for long field days, evening data compilations and discussions, vigorous hiking, shipboard work, and rain.

Course of Study: 18 CREDITS

GEO 285: GEOLOGY OF THE NORTH ISLAND (6 Credits)

In this course, the students will study modern and ancient geologic systems in the North Island with a view to understanding the volcanic, sedimentary and geomorphologic history of New Zealand. The course may include projects and visits to sites such as volcanic systems-hot springs, modern marine-estuarine settings, and terraced fluvial-alluvial systems, among others.

Instructor: Mary Savina 

GEO 286: Topics in North Island Geology (3 Credits) S/CR/NC

This course is tied to the half of the program focusing on the Geology of the North Island. Readings and discussion will focus on a) risk and mitigation of flood, landslide, volcanic and seismic hazards in New Zealand  b) connections between the Gondwanan geologic heritage of New Zealand and its natural ecosystems and c) present environmental geology issues in New Zealand.

Instructor: Mary Savina

GEO 287: GEOLOGY OF THE SOUTH ISLAND (6 Credits)

In this course, students will study the tectonic evolution of the South Island. Participants will work in small teams to hone their field observation skills, make structural measurements, and develop their mapping skills in several field sites across the South Island. Visits to additional field sites such as glaciers, fjords, slivers of the mantle, and the Alpine fault are possible.

Instructor: Sarah Titus

GEO 288: TOPICS IN SOUTH ISLAND GEOLOGY (3 Credits) S/CR/NC

This course is tied to the half of the program focusing on the Geology of the South Island. Readings, exercises, and discussions will focus on the large-scale plate tectonic processes that resulted in the development and assembly of New Zealand.

Instructor: Sarah Titus