Geology Field Experiences
Explore mountain tops to caves—and all the rocks and minerals in between
Regional Field Geology is a course designed to introduce Earth and Environmental Geosciences students to field methods, making observations and interpretations in field settings, and developing a synthetic understanding of the geologic history of Central Appalachia.
Geology students get plenty of outdoor experiences, but nothing compares to eight days in the field over spring break with your classmates, where you might find yourself climbing mountains, exploring caves, and studying rocks, minerals, or groundwater.
You’ll be studying evidence of mountain building, tectonic activity, and environmental change. You’ll make observations about igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks from 1.8 billion years old to only hundreds of years old while gaining observation and field analysis skills that will help prepare you for careers and graduate school.
Take this course up to 3 times, in 3 different places
You can take the 3-credit GOEL 4610 Regional Field Geology course that’s part of this experience up to three times, as locations rotate to a new natural laboratory each spring. This course also counts toward OHIO BRICKS: Learning and Doing.
Eligibility
Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors who have successfully completed GEOL 2550 and at least one GEOL 3000+ course.
Details
Timing
Spring
Academic Credit
For Credit
Cost & Scholarship Availability
Associated costs are provided on the program webpage linked below. Scholarships available, financial aid may be applied.
More Information
Testimonial
Climbing and Caving with your Classmates
On day 6 in 2022, students explored the Blue Ridge in Shenandoah National Park, from 1.6 billion-year-old Peddlar Gneissic granite to the 570 million year old Catoctin metabasalt. Hikes to mountain vistas and roadside outcrops made for a memorable day!
