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General Information about Geology 375
and H375
Field Study in the Bahamas
Course
Offering: Spring Semester 2011. We will be
in the Bahamas from March 19 through 26, 2011, which coincides with Spring
break. Registration for the course will begin during Fall Semester 2010.
Credits:
3
credit hours
Pre-requisite: GEOL 101 or
permission of instructor. The pre-requisite is usually satisfied by one
semester of any science. A biology or geology course is the most helpful to
have completed before taking GEOL 375.
Course
Instructor: Dr.
James W. Castle (jcastle@clemson.edu
or 864-656-5015), Department
of Environmental Engineering & Earth Sciences, Clemson University
Overview
Geology 375 emphasizes both science and culture through an international
field experience. Students learn about ocean processes by visiting marine
environments and about the culture and history of another country. The
third longest barrier reef in the world is examined. Students visit a
Bahamian village, observe traditional woodcarving, tour a local clothing
factory, and visit historical and cultural sites. Students spend one week
at Forfar Field Station on Andros Island in the
Bahamas. Specific sites visited may vary depending on weather and tides.
About Andros Island
Andros Island is 104 miles long and the largest island in the Bahamian
archipelago. The geology of Andros has been studied extensively as an
example of carbonate sedimentation. There are no cities, no American fast
food restaurants, and few distractions from the spectacular natural
features. The island is sparsely populated. Visibility in the waters off
the windward coast of Andros is seldom less than 80 feet and commonly exceeds
150 feet. Water temperature throughout the year ranges from approximately
72 to 78 degrees.
We
plan to visit the following marine environments on Andros Island:
Andros
Barrier Reef
is over 100 miles long along the eastern edge of Andros Island. It is the
third longest barrier reef in the world and one of the least disturbed.
Skeletal sands with localized patch reefs are present in a 2-mile wide
back-reef area.
Joulter’s Cay is a shoal
complex of agitated, clean ooid sands on the
windward-facing margin of Andros. A broad sand
flat penetrated by numerous tidal channels is present immediately behind
the active sand flat.
Andros Tidal Flats
are laterally extensive accumulations of carbonate mud along the western
edge of Andros in an area generally protected by the island from tidal
currents and prevailing winds. The tidal flats contain numerous lakes and
lagoons and are locally cut by tidal channels.
The following cultural and historic sites on Andros Island will be visited:
Red
Bays
is a friendly Bahamian village on the west side of Andros. Woodcarvers and basketmakers sell their products here.
Blanket
Sound School
is a traditional one-room Bahamian school that is being converted to a sustainable
habitat and cultural center. Environmentally acceptable and effective
methods of waste recycling and water reuse are demonstrated.
Morgan's
Bluff and Nichollstown are very interesting for their history and impact on the
Bahamian economy. Every day millions of gallons of freshwater are shipped
from this area to supply water needs of the tourist industry in Nassau,
which raises important issues concerning water use and sustainability.
There is interesting history about pirates at Morgans
Bluff. The Fossil reef is at Nichollstown.
Androsia Factory is one of the
most important industries on Andros. Cloth is dyed and sewn into clothing,
which is shipped to Nassau.
About
Forfar Field Station
Forfar Field Station,
which is situated on the beach on the windward side of Andros, has been
owned and operated for educational and research purposes since 1973 by International Field Studies (IFS).
Forfar provides room, board, van and boat
transportation, and other logistical support. Facilities include cabins
(with bathrooms) and a main building with kitchen, dining hall, classroom,
laboratory/library, lounge, office, and a small darkroom. Meals are
prepared and served by IFS staff; field-trip participants assist with
clean-up.
IFS is a non-profit,
educational, and scientific organization established to promote and assist
educators with field-study programs.
Other Information
Although not required, snorkeling on the field trip is recommended because
of the many features and processes that can be observed more closely. Each
participant who will be snorkeling needs to bring a mask, snorkel, and
fins. If you do not already have this equipment, you will need to borrow or
purchase it if you plan to snorkel. Prices for a snorkeling set
(including mask, snorkel, and fins) begin at about $32 at most major
sporting goods stores. Previous snorkeling experience is not required, but
it would be helpful if you first try out the equipment in a local pool or
lake before the field trip. The field station will provide a snorkeling
vest. Bringing an underwater disposable camera is also recommended.
Click
here for descriptions and photographs of some of the
places that will be visited.
If
you have any questions, please contact Dr. Jim Castle at jcastle@clemson.edu
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