NDSU students examining foresetted Ginkgo basalt flow, near Vantage, Washington. (Photo by D.P. Schwert)

In Spring, 2011, the NDSU Departments of Geosciences will offer a 2-credit, field experience course. This 8-day, "spring break" course will center on the geology of eastern and central Washington State. Our central goals will include studying the Columbia Plateau flood basalt province and the dramatic late Pleistocene landscape modification of this region by the Lake Missoula Flood. A tour of the Hanford nuclear research facility is a possibility.

Travel to and from Fargo will be via Amtrak. The route of this train route includes the region of Glacier National Park --- and from there on to Spokane. Field travel out of Spokane will be in rental vans, and field accommodations are in tents (student-provided) at public or private campgrounds. Although the weather should be favorable for field studies, expect the unpredictablities of March travel: snow and cold might be encountered. In cases of weather-related emergencies, alternative accommodations in motels may be sought at extra cost. Provisions for meals will be the obligation of each participant.

Students will participate in a weekly class meeting on Wednesdays at 5:00 pm in Stevens 134; attendance required; no class meetings after field trip) and through contributions of a guidebook chapter and presentation of a detailed field talk during the field trip.

A field trip fee $380 will be applied to defer the expenses of this trip. (Note: the course is subsidized by alumni donations / departmental funds). Course registration forms will be posted on the homepage.

Watch this web site for continuous updates, as development of the travel plans progress. For further information, contact Bernhardt Saini-Eidukat (Geosciences).