Summer Quarter 2007-- Instructors:  Drs. Buchanan, Schwab and Thomson        (5 cr.) [10/23/06]

Objectives:An eight-day field trip to Hagerman Fossil Beds and Craters of the Moon National Monuments, and Yellowstone National Park, for the purpose of examining the geology and biology of the Snake River Plain in southern Idaho.  In this field class we will examine the volcanic geology in the wake of the Yellowstone hot spot as the North American plate moved westward during the last 20 million years. In addition, we will examine the vegetation of this geologically young landscape and discuss how limited soil development, and the long fire intervals, coupled with a semi-arid climate, shape plant communities. The biology of organisms that occupy extreme environments – extremophiles – will also be emphasized in relation to the geothermal features at Yellowstone N.P.

Dates:Field course meets 22 July through 29 July 2007.  We will depart Cheney on Sunday, 22 July at 7:00 am sharp from the parking lot above the EWU stadium, returning there late on 29 July.  Pack a lunch for the first day and have it with you in the van.

Pre-trip Meeting:A mandatory pre-trip meeting is scheduled for 16 July (Monday) at 6:00 pm in the Geology Department (SCI 135) on the Cheney campus.  It is critical (and expected) you attend this very important meeting!

Tentative Itinerary:

Sun          Jul 22      Depart EWU campus at 7 am sharp.  Drive to Bruneau Dunes State Park, explore dune field; camp at park.

Mon        Jul 23      Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, meet park paleontologist; Thousand springs; camp in local area.

Tue          Jul 24      Craters of the Moon National Monument, explore lava field, spatter cones, lava tubes; camp at monument.

Wed         Jul 25      Menan Buttes hike; Teton Dam site;  Island Park caldera; camp in local area.

Thr          Jul 26      Yellowstone National Park, various hikes and activities; camp at park.

Fri           Jul 27      Yellowstone National Park, various hikes and activities; camp at park.

Sat           Jul 28      Yellowstone National Park, various hikes and activities; camp at park.

Sun          Jul 29      Return drive to EWU campus at Cheney, WA.  Arrive early evening.

Text:Roadside Geology of Idaho by Alt and Hyndman, Roadside Geology of the Yellowstone Country by William J. Fritz and Sagebrush Country, a Wildflower Sanctuary by Ron Taylor are all required.  We encourage you to order them directly on-line or from your favorite book seller (they will NOT be available in the EWU bookstore.)  Some handouts will be provided. Bring some extra cash to purchase maps and trail guides along the way (strongly recommended).

Course Fees:There is a $172 course fee (in addition to tuition) which pays for university vans and trailer used for transportation, camping and park entry fees.  Students must provide their own camping gear and food during the trip.

Equipment:Students need to provide their own camping gear for the trip (a recommended equipment list is found on the reverse).  We will be camping at mostly state and national park campgrounds during the entire trip and preparing our meals in the field.  Grocery stops will be limited so plan accordingly.

Expectations:Attend the pre-trip meeting on 16 July (mandatory.)  Complete a set of pre-trip questions (both biology and geology) due at departure time, maintain a notebook with daily summaries of activities and a road log of the trip that clearly describes each stop with text and sketches, and answer a set of post-trip questions.  A short research paper is also required, to be completed during the two weeks following the field trip.  The notebook, term paper and post-trip questions are due no later than 13 August 2007.  Graduate students will make two special presentations in the field during the trip.  All park and campground rules shall be observed by all participants in this field trip.

Grading:Students taking this course for credit in partial fulfillment of their degree program must enroll for a grade.  All other “continuing education” students may take the Pass/Fail option if they so desire, but must complete the field notebook and pre-trip and post-trip questions.  Students must register for the appropriate grade option prior to the field class.

Rigor:Some extended hiking will be done and it is expected that students will be in very good physical condition.  Students must be able to carry out physical activity at high elevation and on rocky, rugged terrain.  Students with personal medical concerns must notify an instructor before participating in this field trip.

More information:Call Drs. Buchanan and Thomson in the Department of Geology at (509)359-2286, or Dr. Schwab in the Department of Biology at (509)359-2339, or consult: www.geology.ewu.edu/dept/sumtrp07.htm.