Geology Field Camp - Lost River Field Station

Idaho State University, Department of Geosciences

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Field Camp Dates . . . May 28 to July 1, 2013 . . . . Applications must be received by . . . February 15th

Program - The ISU Department of Geosciences offers a five-week, 6-credit capstone course in field geology near the central Idaho town of Mackay. The "Lost River Field Station" is located on the big Lost River, in a region with scenic, steep, and rugged mountains with folded and thrusted sedimentary rocks, metamorphic and volcanic rocks, and a metamorphic core complex. Our field camp features a low student/faculty ratio and high standards. The scenic mountain country is steep and rugged where we study folded and thrusted sedimentary rocks, high grade metamorphic rocks, intrusive and extrusive rocks, environmental geology, and tectonic geomorphology.

Exercises involve detailed rock descriptions and geologic mapping using air photos, topographic maps, remote sensing and GPS computer applications. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on developing an individual's ability to observe, record, and interpret field relationships. Students then prepare several complete geologic reports including digital data and maps.

Students - Students are from across the United States. Their diverse backgrounds contribute to the learning experience. Since the country is rugged and the pace intense, students must be in strong physical condition and be willing to push themselves in a cooperative group learning environment.

Location - Camp is taught in the mountains of south-central Idaho. We study Proterozoic and Paleozoic sedimentary rocks, Cretaceous granitic intrusions, Eocene plutonic and volcanic rocks, Neogene-Quaternary Snake River Plain bimodal volcanic rocks and active faults. We study a cross section of the Cordilleran fold and thrust belt, from the frontal folds and thrusts to the Pioneer Mountains metamorphic core complex and Idaho batholith. Quaternary geology studied includes glacial cirques and till, basalt flows at Craters of the Moon National Monument, and the 1983 Borah Peak fault scarp.

Facilities - The camp is located at Lost River Field Station, a facility near Mackay, Idaho, directly in front of Borah Peak, the highest mountain in Idaho. The Big Lost River runs past the Field Station. Amenities include showers, washer and dryer, computers with internet access, a hot tub, and an excellent camp cook. The resort town of Sun Valley is nearby, as are the Sawtooth, Pioneer, and White Cloud Mountains. Cost will be approximately $4250. [[Please check with office staff before sending any fees]]. This includes a fee for 6 credits ($304 per credit for undergraduates or $358 per credit for graduates; plus the field camp fee of $2400). The cost includes lodging, meals, and transportation from Pocatello.

Faculty: Paul Link- Field Camp Director, Glenn Thackray- Department Chair, David Rodgers- Associate Dean College of Science & Engineering, Mike McCurry, Nancy Glenn, Leif Tapanila, Ben Crosby, Shannon Kobs-Nawotniak, Sarah Godsey, Carrie Bottenberg, Dave Pearson; all from Idaho State University.

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Applications must be received by February 15th of every year

Download Application Here

or

call for an application: 208-282-3235