Beginning with San Francisco, GeoJourney spent the a week learning about the environments, geology, and cultures of California.   Making several academic stops around San Francisco, students took part in their second geo-hazard project on earthquakes.  Along with a geo-hazard project, GeoJourney also payed visit to Muir Woods, a grove of coastal redwood trees, and learned …

GeoJourney has lucked out with some beautiful weather and awe-inspiring hikes as we travel along the west coast.  At the last posting, we were heading towards Glacier National Park, Montana. Skies were clear, and the air, cool and crisp, reminding us that fall is on its way.  After a lecture on the world-famous geology of …

The last several days have been very busy for all of us on GeoJourney.  After spending some time in Yellowstone National Park, the students became very familiar with the ecosystems and hydrothermal features that make up America’s first national park.  After leaving the park through the scenic west entrance, the GeoJourney caravan made its way …

We are off again, now for the Fall 2011 semester and the students’ enthusiasm has never been higher. Beginning in Badlands National Park, students got their first taste of what field stops will consist of as they learned about the interesting geology and paleontology surrounding Badlands National Park.  After a short hike where students actually …

On July 27th, GeoJourney students spent the day exploring the ways that copper mining in and around Butte, Montana have changed the water quality of several of the region’s streams. With a visit to the Berkeley Pit, the nation’s largest Super Fund site, we viewed firsthand, how massive-scale, copper mining, milling, and smelting have managed …

On Friday, GeoJourney students took part in their third geo-hazard project that focused on the volcanic threat that Mount Rainier poses to Orting, Washington. Starting our day off at the base of Mount Rainier, we had a great opportunity to see what makes this volcano so dangerous: an immense amount of water stored in the …

On July 14th, GeoJourney arrived at Gray Whale Cove State Beach to begin our Geo-hazards day in and around San Francisco.  Students visited several different sites including the location of the midcentury Mussel Rock Landslide, Fort Point’s serpentinite outcrop, and the Marina District to see firsthand, the geologic, cultural, and economic impacts that earthquakes had …

Tuesday, GeoJourney visited Yosemite National Park, CA where we were awed by the immense amount of water freshly melted from the top of the High Sierras.  Bridalveil, Yosemite, Vernal, and Nevada Falls could be heard roaring from our view at Glacier Point.  Students learned about the numerous glacial features that could be seen from the …

Beginning Sunday morning, GeoJourney drove from our campsite near Mammoth Lakes, California and headed across the Owens Valley up into the White Mountains.  In the midst of Inyo National Forest, we explored the ancient forest of bristlecone pines that thrive in the dolomite-rich substrate.  Using dendrochronology, or tree-ring dating, these trees have been very useful …

GeoJourney celebrated Fourth of July by taking part in a service-learning project in the Grand Canyon to contribute with efforts to help protect the endangered California condor that inhabits the canyon. We were provided pickers and safety vests and were guided by Wanda Tinkman to pick up trash in several different parts of the South …