The ability to infer and to infer correctly is the goal of training in field geology, for one's proficiency as a geologist is measured by one's skill at drawing safe and reasonable conclusions from observed phenomena.
Frederic H. Lahee, Ph.D.
Field Geology. 1916

Field camp builds competence and self-confidence in working outdoors, independently and in groups, drawing inferences and conclusions from evidence, and trusting your own judgment and reasoning. This capstone course is an outdoor laboratory for testing geologic concepts, interpret the rock and fossil record, visualize three dimensional geologic relationships, make and interpret geologic maps, and evaluate data used to make maps.

Geologic Skills

Rock Description
  • Describe and analyze sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks
  • Describe and name sedimentary rocks
  • Describe and interpret contacts between beds
  • Recognize and describe interbedding of various lithologies

Orienteering
  • Orienteering in the field with map and compass
  • Become proficient with the Brunton compass to take bearings and shoot angles
  • Locating ones self on a map and in the field
  • Read topographic contours
  • Correlate between ground truth and the contour patterns on the map.
Geologic Mapping
  • Drawing and interpreting maps and cross-sections with analog and computing methods
  • Practice traversing and traverse mapping
  • Practice establishing stratigraphy
  • Practice recognizing structural relations in field
  • Map the geometric complexities of folded terranes
  • Draw an accurate geologic cross-section
Topographic Mapping and Geomorphology
  • Read topographic contours
  • Correlate between ground truth and the contour patterns on the map.
  • Make a controlled base map using plane table, alidade and total station
  • Learn to contour set of points in the field
  • Observe how topography influences expression of geologic units on map
  • Distinguish bedrock and surficial units by their topographic expression.
Stratigraphic Sections
  • Description, interpretation, and correlation of stratigraphic sections
  • Describe and measure a sequence of rocks
  • Construct columnar stratigraphic section

Inference and Soft Skills

Visual Communication: Mapping and Notetaking
  • Develop completeness and clarity of the notetaking.
  • Improve illustration, sketching, and visual representation of information
3D spatial concepts and inference
  • Become proficient in spatial, three-dimensional concepts and inference
  • Understand the geometries of faulted rock bodies, and the geometric complexities that result from faulting.
  • Understand how faulting and folding are interrelated and affect each other.
  • Learn how to extrapolate/infer critical relations to large areas
Self-reliance and group work
  • Become competent, self-reliant, and able to routinely function outdoors in unfamiliar terrain
  • Gain and utilize intellectual independence and initiative
  • Maintaining drive and intellectual effort
  • Helping and cooperating on teams
  • Maintaining group morale and building an inclusive and safe social environment
  • Maintaining safe field practices
Applied Skills and Assessments

Previous Camps

group

2023

Participating Schools *In-person

California State University, Bakersfield

Case Western Reserve (OH)

Cedarville University (OH)

Fort Hays State University

Grand Valley State University (MI)

Indiana University Northwest

University of Arizona

University of Nebraska, Omaha

Wichita State University

Participating Schools *Virtual Minecraft

Georgia Southern University

Indiana University Northwest

Kansas State University

Midwestern State University (TX)

Morehead State University (KY)

University of Arizona

University of Lousiana

University of Michigan

University of Missouri

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2022

 

Participating Schools *In-person

California State University, Bakersfield

George Mason University (VA)

University of Missouri - Kansas City

University of Kentucky

Wichita State University

Participating Schools *Virtual Minecraft

California State University, Northridge

Colorado School of Mines

Eastern Michigan University

Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University

University of Arizona

University of Missouri

University of Missouri - Kansas City

University of Pittsburgh

University of Tennessee

University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

group

2021

 

Participating Schools *In-person

Temple University (PA)

University of Missouri - Kansas City

University of Tennessee

Wichita State University

 

Participating Schools *Virtual Minecraft

Angelo State University (TX)

Colorado School of Mines

Eastern Michigan University

Kansas State University

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Texas A&M University - Kingsville

University of Kansas

Wichita State University

minecraft camp

2020

 

COVID pandemic  
*In-Person camp not held
Participating Schools *Virtual Minecraft

Oklahoma State University

Texas A&M University - Kingsville

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

University of Houston

Wichita State University

Youngstown State University

 

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2019

 
Participating Schools  

California State University, Bakersfield

Drexel University (PA)

Grand Valley State University (MI)

Kansas State University

Middle Tennessee State University

Northwest Missouri State University

State University of New York (SUNY), Oswego

University of Texas at Arlington

Wichita State University

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2018

Participating Schools  

Drexel University (PA)

Grand Valley State University (MI)

New Mexico State University

Texas A&M University (TX)

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Wichita State University

 

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2017

Participating Schools  

Angelo State University (TX)

Clarion University of Pennsylvania

Franklin and Marshall College (PA)

Kansas State University

Midwestern State University (TX)

Texas A&M University (TX)

Whitman College (WA)

Wichita State University

Youngstown State University (OH)

University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

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2016

Participating Schools  

California State Univ., East Bay

Franklin and Marshall College (PA)

Kansas State University

Missouri State University

Virginia Tech

Wichita State University

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2015

Participating Schools  

Kansas State University

San Angelo State University (TX)

St. Louis University (MO)

Wichita State University

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2014

Participating Schools  

Boston College (MA)

Kansas State University

Virginia Tech

Wichita State University

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2013

Participating Schools  

Wichita State Univ.

We thank donations from alumni and friends that have helped offset costs associated with running the program. These savings are directly passed on to our students through reduction of fees. We would particularly like to thank:

Our ability to study the varied geology of the Bighorn Basin and greater Yellowstone area would not be possible without the permission of landowners and federal agencies. Thanks are extended to:

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