Explore the geological evolution of the West Coast, the Sierra Nevada, the Basin and Range, the San Andreas Fault, the Southern Cascades, and the Coast Ranges.

 

Quick Facts

 

Where:  California: West Coast, the Sierra Nevada, the Basin and Range, the San Andreas Fault, the Southern Cascades, and the Coast Ranges.

When: May 25, 2025 - June 15, 2025

Who: Everyone is Welcome! Student do not need to be Geology majors to apply; the course is open to any student interested in earth or environmental science. 

What: Geology of the Western United States will give students the opportunity to explore and experience the incredible diversity landscapes, environments, and solid earth features of California firsthand. Students will receive a broad survey of geologic and environmental systems by visiting landscapes bound by active tectonics and shaped by desert processes, as well as investigating emergent coastlines and volcanoes, young mountains and growth forests. Students will be responsible for preparing reports on and synthesizing scientific literature on topics related to the sites explored on the course and presenting the information they have assembled to their peers. They will keep detailed field notebooks over the three weeks of the course and will learn to make detailed and incisive qualitative observations and interpretations about geologic features from the field. Finally, students will collect, analyze, and interpret geologic data in the field.

Cost: $3,700* (Non-Sewanee students pay a $300 deposit in addition to this $3700) Deposit Link

Trip Leader: Max Dahlquist, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Geology for the University of the South

Contact for Additional Information: global@sewanee.edu

How to Apply: Set up an account and apply through VIA

Program Overview

 

Academics

Students will earn the following class credit:

  • GEOL 323     Geology of the Western United States Field Trip  (4 credits) - Taught by Max Dahlquist

This three-week travel course around California focuses on the geological evolution of the West Cost, thte Sierra Nevada, the Basin and Range, the San Andreas Fault, the Southern Cascades, and the Coast Ranges. Additional focus is placed on geologic issues and society, and the impact of geology on the living environment. It will involve some collection and analysis of field data and extensive use of geologic maps and periodicals. Prerequisite: Only open to students who have completed GEOL 322 and been admitted to the Geology of the Western U.S. Field Trip program. 

Housing

Participants will stay at established campsites, rent camping gear or staying in bunkhouses/cabins. 

Student Support
  • Airport pick-up
  • On-site orientation
  • 24/7 emergency support
  • Crisis-management preparedness
  • Fully-trained on-site staff
2025 Program Itinerary