T183 Geoscience Field Education: The Implications of Research and Practice for Workforce Development

Tuesday, 21 October 2014
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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FROM FIELD MAPPING TO 3-D MODEL THROUGH FIELD MAPPING EDUCATION, STUDY ABROAD EXPERIENCE AND PUBLIC SERVICE AT THE TEXAS A&M SOLTIS CENTER FOR RESEARCH AND EDUCATION, SAN ISIDERO, COSTA RICA

Paper number: T183-5
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:50 AM – 9:05 AM

Authors

Abstract

In 2013, we instituted a geological study abroad experience in conjunction with the Central American School of Geology at the University of Costa Rica to provide our students with several opportunities: gain experience mapping geology in a tropical environment, experience working in a bi-national situation through collaboratively mapping in teams consisting of Texas A&M students and University of Costa Rica students, and have a real international experience interacting with native students rather than the typical study abroad experience of “tourist in residence”. Texas A&M has a 250-acre research and education center adjacent to the Children’s Eternal Rainforest and in close proximity to Arenal Volcano. The Center provides dormitories, cafeteria, classrooms and laboratories for the students. This summer we added three additional components to the international experience: study of an active volcano (Poas Volcano), study of a Turbidite complex in northwestern Costa Rica and a service project.

The students have mapped the geology of Soltis Center on 1: 10,000 topographic maps. Because of the dense canopy of the rainforest and extensive cloud cover, aerial photography is unusable. They mapped the surficial deposits. Units mapped included Andestic-Basalt Flows, Debris Flows, Breccia, Lahars, Tuffs, and Quaternary Deposits. The map is a refinement of a reconnaissance map of the geology of the property of the Center by Oviedo. The students began the project by becoming familiar with the various units and developing the field expertise to distinguish lava flows from pyroclastic debris flows, as well as other surficial deposits.

Once the field mapping was complete, the mapped units were transferred to a master sheet. This sheet was entered as a data layer in a Geospatial Information System (GIS), rectified and rubber-sheeted to a digital elevation model (DEM).

The service portion of the experience consisted of the creation of a physical model showing the geology of the Center property, as well as stratigraphic column, which are on display for future students and visitors to the Center to view. We are presently creating a brochure describing the geology of the Soltis Center property. These brochures will facilitate self-guided, geologic tours so students and visitors to the Center can become acquainted with the geology.