Living on the Edge involves the study of earthquakes, volcanoes, and other hazards where tectonic plates collide. Field studies focus on understanding the science behind natural hazards that lead to catastrophic events and subsequent loss of life. Fieldwork is aimed at recognizing hazards and understanding the processes behind the hazards. We will also see the role society plays in mitigating hazards.

Alaska offers an exciting and varied landscape that is perfect for studying natural hazards. The course convenes in Anchorage, and we will travel to several study sites in the state. Travel will be by van, and we plan to do extended field work on Kodiak Island, Kenai Peninsula, Cordova, and the Central Alaska Range. We study the catastrophic earthquake damage from the 1964 earthquake, tsunami deposits, landslides, and a number of glacial and periglacial processes.

Students learn to identify aspects of landscapes formed in this active environment. One of the most important aspects of the course is to learn to identify and understand the spatial distribution of landforms. We will focus on mapping deposits from landslides, slumps, volcanic activity, and glaciers. By mapping these deposits they will learn about the processes and then ways to mitigate the hazards. We will meet with local Alaskans to discuss the engineering and social aspects of living in a hazardous land.

This is a rough outdoors experience, so students need to be prepared for working in the cold rainy mountains. We will be camping for the majority of the time, and we will be hiking and working in the field constantly, regardless of conditions, so proper equipment is essential. Students will be required to have a warm sleeping bag, rain gear (pants and coat), proper hiking boots, and other outdoor equipment. Specific rules will be in place for bear safety, and students must agree to abide by these to be considered for the trip.

In previous offerings the trip has had a blog, which can be found here (2007) and here (2008). Both have loads of pictures.h

A PDF of a Union College Magazine article about this experience is here (3.1 Mb).

Next offering: 19 June-11 July 2009,
APPLICATION DEADLINE 3 February, 2009.

TECHNICAL ITEMS:

Geology Field Fund application for Financial support throught the Geology Department.

Suggested Field Gear List is here

Required Student Contract related to safety, communication, and prohibition of alcohol.

The Current Schedule of daily activities for the upcoming trip is here.

Term Abroad application and Instructions for writing an effective essay are here.

You might also be interesting in reading about the mini-term course in Peru that is focussed on understaning climate change.

For other details email: Garverj @union.edu and/or Cockburj @union.edu (remove space in email address).