A Member of the Texas State University System
Geology Field Course
Overlooking the Rio Grande
The excellent exposures of these outcrops in the often sparsely vegetated Chihuahuan desert makes this area (the Trans-Pecos and Big Bend regions) the best outdoor field geology laboratory in the U.S.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology was introduced into the course in 2000. In 2003, the use of handheld electronic mapping devices equipped with GPS were incorporated into field mapping exercises.
The geology field course has been offered at SRSU since the 1950s. A 5 week course is offered on even numbered years by Dr. Kevin Urbancyzk.
Why should you take our field course?
1) We offer the traditional methods of geologic mapping from topographic base maps and aerial photos integrated with the new technological methods using GPS data collection and GIS map production.
2) We conduct exercises examining outcrops located within a 160 mile radius of our campus in Alpine, Texas, including: a Precambrian metamorphic complex near Van Horn; the Paleozoic Ouachita orogenic belt near Marathon; the Permian Capitan Reef in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park; Cretaceous sedimentary rocks in the Big Bend National Park; Tertiary volcanic complexes in the Alpine area and Big Bend Ranch State Park, just to name a few.
3) We offer a 5 week course, so you have most of your summer to do as you choose.
4) We camp for 3 weeks in the most spectacular and scenic places in Texas, keeping the cost of the course low.
Resident Non-Resident Tuition/Fees (estimate) $1000.00 $2700.00 Field Course Fee (estimate) CALL CALL Board/Lodging Range $250-$600
$200 deposit required no later than May 9, 2008 (applies to Course Fee)
A limited number of out-of-state scholarships may be available, please inquire.
Students are responsible for their own board and lodging during the first week and last two days of the course while we are based in Alpine and for meals during scheduled "off times." Campus dorm rooms may be available. Lodging and board for the remainder of the course are covered by the Field Course fee. We will be camping throughout the most duration of this course at campgrounds such as: Van Horn (KOA), Carlsbad/White’s City, Big Bend National Park, and Big Bend Ranch State Park. Showers and laundry facilities will be available at some campgrounds.
Are there prerequisites for the course?
You are required to have taken a course in or equivalent to: Structural Geology, Stratigraphy/Sedimentology, or have permission from the Instructor.
How long will the course last?
Classes begin: June 2th Classes end: July 7th
The course is both academically and physically rigorous. This field course is designed with an emphasis on geologic mapping in a variety of terrains designed to improve field data collection, observation, analysis and interpretation skills, as well as communication skills (report writing).
The student will complete exercises including: a pace and compass map; geological mapping using a topographic base map and/or aerial photos; constructing cross sections (profiles); measuring stratigraphic sections; producing geologic maps both by hand and using GIS; and writing reports.
We will be camping and hiking in rugged terrain. The average elevation will be about 3000-4000 feet, with average vertical relief of about 1000 feet. The maximum elevation that we will encounter is approximately 7000 feet, with vertical relief of up to 2000 feet (on Permian Reef Trail). The temperatures in the Big Bend area could range from 80˚ to over 100˚ during the day and from 60˚ to 90˚ at night. You will want to be in good physical condition.
For non-Sul Ross students, you will need apply to Sul Ross with a "Transient summer student" classification. For this, we need:
1. Complete official transcripts from all schools attended (including TASP scores). Please mail this to:
Recruiting and Admissions, Box C-2, Sul Ross State University, Alpine, TX 79832; 432-837-8050.
2. You will need to fill out an application. Use the application form found at: https://www.applytexas.org
or we can mail one if necessary. Contact 432-837-8259 for this.
For Housing information during the first few days of the course: Contact Residential Living 432-837-8190 for temporary dorm rooms while we are in town.
Contact: Dr. Kevin Urbanczyk kevinu@sulross.edu
Phone: 432-837-8259
Non-Discrimination Statement
No person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under, any program or activity sponsored by Sul Ross State University on any basis prohibited by applicable law, including, but not limited to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.
Contact: Dr. Kevin Urbanczyk kevinu@sulross.edu
Phone: 432-837-8259
Cathedral Mountain
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Compaq/IPAQ w/GPS
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Laser Theodolite
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PERMIAN REEF
Guadalupe Mountains NP
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