Earth 131 - Geologic Field Studies of Eastern Sierra Nevada

OCT 9-13, 2024

Earth 131 is a five-day/four-night field course to study the geology and geologic history of the Eastern Sierra Nevada, California. The Sierra contains some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere, including the highest point in the contiguous United States. The Sierra is also geologically spectacular; here the rocks reveal the geologic history of the western United States over the last 500 million years. By studying the rocks and the processes that formed them, we will be able to piece together this history. In addition we will see numerous examples of the geologic and hydrologic processes such as earthquakes, volcanoes, glaciers, and rivers that are actively shaping the mountains today.

Earth 131 is a 2-unit academic course which will require your active participation both during the day and in the evening. You will be expected to take neat and complete field notes, and to prepare for quizzes each morning. You will also need to know the Geologic Time Scale before you depart on the field trip.

Depart - Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2024 at 5:45 am

Return - Sunday, Oct. 19, 2024 between 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Cost - $104 plus unit fees

Mandatory Pre-trip meetings - All students participating on the field trip must attend an orientation meeting on one of the following dates below. At these meetings we will go over trip logistics in detail. If you do not attend one of the meetings, you will be dropped from the course. See Stephanie Mendes prior to the meeting if you have an unalterable schedule conflict.

Tuesday, Oct. 1, 1:00-2:00 pm in EBS 115

Tuesday, Oct. 1, 5:30-6:30 pm in EBS 115

Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2:00-3:00 pm in EBS 123

Add the course on the campus portal (either CRN # 43318, 43846, or 43847), and pay registration fee and field course fee within 7 days. If you do not pay the fees within 7 days, you will be automatically dropped from the class. Additionally, if you have an outstanding balance of any other fees on your account and it is not paid within 7 days of registration, you will be dropped from the field course. Be sure to check your campus account! Remember, this class fills on a first come, first served basis, so register early to ensure your spot.

If applying for a scholarship, register as explained above and you will receive a credit to your account if you receive a scholarship. OR wait to register until after scholarships have been awarded and pay the balance of the course fee ($52). Scholarships are accepted and awarded on a rolling basis, but will not be accepted later than Sept. 27 at 5:00pm.

Transportation - SBCC bus (no private vehicles).

Food - Meals are prepared in our field kitchen by staff with student help.

Camping - Camping in large undeveloped areas with no or rustic restrooms or shower facilities. Be prepared to adapt.

Scholarship Information - There is a limited amount of scholarship money available to qualified students. Scholarships are based on need and merit. See your instructor if you wish to apply for aid or stop by EBS 114 and find Libby. Scholarship applications are accepted on a rolling basis beginning immediately but no later than September 27, 2024.