ENVI 12
Geology of the National Parks Winter 2019

Cross-listed GEOS 12
This is not the current course catalog

A vicarious trip through a variety of national parks of the U.S. and Canada to appreciate the geological basis of their spectacular scenery. Areas will be selected to portray a wide range of geological processes (volcanism, desert and coastal erosion, mountain building, glaciation, etc.). We will meet most mornings during the first two weeks for highly illustrated classes supplemented by the interpretation of topographic and geologic maps and by out-of-class study of rock samples. Reading will be from a paperbound text (PARKS AND PLATES) and from short publications by the U.S. Geological Survey and by natural history associations linked to the parks. The second part of the month will involve independent meetings with the instructor to prepare an oral report about the geology of a park of the student’s choice. These reports during the last week will be comprehensive and well-illustrated, using PowerPoint and pertinent maps and samples. A detailed outline and bibliography will be distributed by the presenter at the time of the report.