GES4460 - Field Studies: Silverton, Colorado

Who

GES' Brandon Vogt is the instructor of the course. The course fills with 11 to 12 UCCS juniors / seniors / graduate students. A few Silvertonians that are integral to the field experience include...


Fritz Klinke	Chris Landry, CSAS	Chris Schultz, USFS	Kevin deKay

What

A four credit hour, upper-level physical geography field course. The course is offered for undergraduate or graduate credit.

Where

In and around Silverton, Colorado (population ~500, elevation 9,318 ft.). Silverton is situated in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado.

When

The course runs the week before spring semester. Early on a Sunday morning, the group departs Colorado Springs for Silverton. The group departs Silverton the following Sunday morning before breakfast for an early afternoon return to Colorado Springs.

Learning Objectives

To instill a fundamental understanding of the science of snowpack dynamics and assessment as measured through snow density, structure (stratigraphy), stability, and microclimate;
to develop an appreciation of San Juan Mountain geomorphology, geology, ecology, climate, weather; and
to develop skills in field observation, data collection, and data interpretation.

Learning in Practice

For a week, students are immersed in Silverton's physical and cultural landscape. The course is full of opportunities to learn through different formats: observation, self-reflection, interactions with instructors and locals, readings, lectures, and hands-on field work. From these activities, students build background knowledge from which they answer a central research question.

Format

At breakfast, students are briefed of the day's events. These range from visits with local avalanche forecasters to a full day of data collection and field work. Each evening, students meet for dinner, which often includes or is followed by a guest speaker. Students will spend some time each day reading articles and writing daily observations in a field journal. Saturday is reserved for students to finish writing their essays and to prepare their oral presentations. Presentations are given to their instructor, fellow students, and usually to a few invited locals.

Evaluation and Point Distribution

Pre-trip: All students must earn a passing quiz grade on the online UCAR COMET Program module 'Snowpack and its Assessment.' Due: Before departure (this is a required portion of the course - all students MUST pass the module's quiz to pass the course).
Central Question Essay and Presentation (50%): Each student will answer their central question in 1) a 7-8 page handwritten essay and 2) a 5-7 minute oral presentation. Presentations will occur Saturday evening. Due: No later than 6:00 p.m. Saturday.
Field Journal (40%): Each daily entry will include field observations, definitions and interpretations from readings, notes from speakers, questions for speakers, and drawings/diagrams. Due: (for the 2012 group -- no later than 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, Feb 1.
Journal Article, Report, or Book Excerpt Synopsis (5%): Each student will spend ten minutes summarizing one-on-one with the instructor any paper from Section 1 of the course readings list. Due: Friday evening.
Class participation (5%): Students who actively participate, regularly ask questions, and who are well-involved in the group dynamic earn these points.

Meals and Lodging

Breakfasts and dinners are catered by Elevated Catering. Lunches can be prepared in the hotel or purchased from one of a handful of local restaurants. Lodging is provided by the Teller House Hotel.

Costs

In addition to regular UCCS tuition fees, the trip costs each student approximately $600.00. This estimate includes breakfasts and dinners (except for the first and last Sunday's breakfast), lodging, rental vehicles and fuel, speaker fees, lodging and catering tips, and course materials.

You'll need snowshoes

These can be rented from REI or from UCCS. To reserve yours from UCCS, contact Daniel Bowan at dbowan@uccs.edu or 255-3429.

Other Logistics

There are lots... Brandon will host a pre-trip meeting at his home in mid December.

Safety

Safety - especially when driving and when in vehicles - plays a large role in the course. Safety will be discussed pre-trip as well as throughout the week.

Physical Requirements

The field studies course involves extensive walking in/around town, snowshoeing in steep terrain across deep snow, and shoveling snow for extended periods. Participants must be able to exert themselves at high altitudes (10,000 to 12,000 ft.) in windy, snowy, sunny, cold to very cold conditions.

Weather

One morning in Jan. of 2011, the temperature in Silverton dropped to -34F. 2012 saw a -15F morning reading. During the week, expect several days of sunny skies and a few days of snow.


	Silverton field studies students on Red Mountain Pass