Geology of New Zealand (frontiersabroad.com)
Geology Field Camp + Semester Programs
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Field Camp consists of a series of interlinked modules that explore the stratigraphy, mountain building, and tectonics of the South Island, and the volcanology and geothermal geology of the North Island. Due to COVID-19, 4 weeks of field camp will occur before the semester starts, while the final capstone mapping week will occur during mid-semester break.
While at the University of Canterbury, students can enroll in four courses, one of which can be a research methods course offered only to FA students.
Field Camp Spring & Spring Semester:
For 4/5 weeks, students will travel throughout the North and South Islands, deciphering the geologic evolution of New Zealand from a series of linked field modules. Our goal is to provide students with a skill base of field-focused techniques that will enable them to understand the fundamental causes and timescales of geologic processes. Field work is complemented by map preparation and exercises in the evenings, as well as lectures that highlight a wide variety of our staff’s field and laboratory-based studies.
The final module of field camp will advance your field mapping skills on the tectonically-active Kaikoura Peninsula (the shore platform was uplifted 1 metre in the 2016 earthquake). Building on your field mapping skills you will map the Kaikoura Peninsula, including the compilation of a detailed stratigraphic column, geologic map with contacts, key structures, surficial deposits, geomorphic features, and cross section of Late Cretaceous to Tertiary (Miocene) deformed sedimentary rocks. You will develop an understanding of both the structural, tectonic and geomorphic evolution of the Kaikoura Peninsula, and interpretations of depositional processes and environments.
During the semester students may take up to 4 courses.
The required Semester Courses are:
- GEOL 356 Field Focused Research methods. (Please note: on the transcript you receive from Skidmore college this courses will be JNGE351D – Research Methods in Geology
- One course within the Department of Geological Sciences (any course starting with GEOL).
- To view geology courses (Semester 1 is USA-Spring semester equivalent): (click on these links – they take you to the UofC website with course descriptions and syllabi)
In addition, you may take up to 2 elective courses. Popular Courses at UofC (based upon past student enrollment):
- CHCH 101 - Strengthening communities through social innovation
- Hist 243 - Kiwi Culture
- Maor 107 - Aotearoa: introduction to Traditional Maori Society
- Maor 212 - Maori and indigenous development
- Watr 201: Water Resource Management
Information on the Environmental Sciences (Earth Systems Science) field camp and following semester aboard is given on this link:
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Undergraduate majors have an opportunity to undertake a semester abroad in New Zealand with either a geological and/or environmental focus.
- Part of this semester abroad is participation in a 5-6 week field camp. While many other Earth and Environmental Science major students undertake semester abroad in other locations, only the semester abroad in New Zealand offers an included field experience.
- Note that a field-experience (6 credits) is required for the BS in Geology and is optional for other degrees.
- Note that a field-experience (6 credits) is required for the BS in Geology and is optional for other degrees.
- Typically, this semester abroad in New Zealand will be undertaken in the spring semester (which is the New Zealand summer through their fall) with a field camp component that runs January through February.
- In addition to the field experience, students usually take 4 courses at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch New Zealand during the regular semester.
- One of those courses is a research methods course using data collected during the field experience. Students are therefore able to undertake research during their time in New Zealand. The other 3 courses can be earth science oriented, perhaps taking courses not offered at SU or other courses that will satisfy the liberal arts core.
More information is available from Frontiers Abroad and Syracuse Abroad. Several faculty in the department have participated in Frontiers Abroad and are available to help you.