The field course will consist of four segments spread over six weeks. The first segment is basically an overview of the course, Biosphere 2, and the natural history of the local surroundings. The second segment consists of a study of two watersheds near Biosphere 2, one with more human disturbance that the other. The geomorphology, geology, ecology, and biogeochemistry of these watersheds will be examined in detail by the students using state-of-the-art techniques, such as mapping by total station, GIS and GPS. Students will produce thematic maps which will be layered in a GIS. They will get hands on experience with the techniques employers need and fellow scientists are using today. The third part of the course will use the unique facilities available at Biosphere 2. This part of the course will be looking towards the future ‹ a world with human induced high levels of atmospheric CO2. Finally the last week will be a tour in northern Arizona where we will look at a variety of sites such as the Grand Canyon, Meteor Crater, and the Anasazi ruins at Sunset Crater all in an environmental and geological context.
€ Biosphere II, Sonoran Desert MuseumWeek 2 Watershed Project con't
€ Local geology
€ Introduction to the Comparative Watershed Project
Week 3 Watershed Project con't
Week 4 Watershed Project con't
€ Watershed Project Wrap up and PresentationsWeek 5 Biosphere 2 - Enhanced CO2 World
€ Enhanced CO2 and Global Change - Biosphere IIWeek 6 Overview and Wrap up Field Trips
€ Monitoring Cycles; Photosynthetic Effects; Species Interactions; Agricultural Implications; Implications for studied watersheds;
€ Public Education and the Media
€ Geological Records - Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, Monument Valley
€ Sources and Sinks for Biogeochemical Cycles - Granite, Basalt, Limestone, Coals, Evaporites
€ Tectonic Processes and Hazards - Sunset Crater, Meteor Crater, Pine Valley Half Graben
€ Climatic/Environmental Gradients - Phoenix to Flagstaff
€ Natural Resources and Waste Disposal - Mesa Verde Group Coals, Mammoth Mines
€ Human Environmental Crises - Anasazi habitations, Present use of Fossil Water, Air Pollution in Phoenix
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| Tentative Syllabus | Related Web Sites |
For more information, and to request an application form, just click this button to contact Dr. Debra Colodner, Director of Education at Biosphere 2
(make sure to include your full name, mailing address, and email):
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