National Parks of the Western United States Credit Hours: 3 Geological features of selected national parks used as type examples for understanding rock forming processes (igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic) and orogenic processes. Exploitation of mineral resources in and around national parks and conflicts that ensue. May also be taught as part of domestic field study programs or Study Abroad. Relevant field observations, discussions and projects are combined with the traditional content. The National Parks and National Monuments of the U.S. include some of the most spectacular and unique geological features in the world. In this class students will capitalize on this fact and use the National Parks as a way of enhancing their understanding of how the Earth works. Because most National Parks are easily accessible, students will have many opportunities to visit them, and will be able to have a solid understanding of geological concepts even if they are not geology majors. Evaluation will be by means of writtent tests and preparation and presentation of a research paper. Semester Offered: Spring Summer Level: Undergraduate
