Geology of National Parks - Field.

Catalog description

This course utilizes national parks, monuments, and forests to introduce students to geologic processes, cycles, and systems in a field context. Students will visit and directly observe the geology of national parks, monuments, and forests during extensive fieldwork. Potential field excursions include visits to Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Wind Cave, and Badlands National Parks as well as national monuments and forests, such as Mount Rushmore, Devils Tower, and Jewel Cave. Additionally, students will design and perform field experiments in analog systems within the Black Hills region and utilize Google Earth to collect geologic data directly for national parks. Students also have the opportunity to consider the historical, social, governmental policy, environmental management, and theological implications of wilderness and natural areas and to engage with claims about the age of the Earth. Offered at the Wheaton College Science Station.