GeoHostel

Geologic Excursions in South-Central Montana

9-14 July 2005

There is still limited space available on this GeoHostel.

Best Western Yellowstone Inn
Livingston, Montana

 Scientific Leader

Robert C. Thomas and Sheila M. Roberts
University of Montana - Western

Rob Thomas is a professor of geology in the Department of Environmental Sciences at Western, where he teaches his courses in the natural lab that is southwest Montana. Western is the experiential learning campus of the University of Montana, and is the first public university in the United States to offer semester courses one at a time. Rob utilizes these field-based courses to incorporate undergraduate students as partners in his research. For example, he and his students have worked on sedimentary basins along the northern margin of the Yellowstone hot spot for the last ten years. In addition, he and his students have worked on Cambrian mass extinctions, the processes that form mixed carbonate-siliciclastic systems, and applied fluvial geomorphology. Rob has partnered for years with Sheila Roberts on the geology of the Lewis and Clark Trail, and together they have pursued innovation in geoscience education. His passion is to make geology accessible to the public.

Sheila Roberts has been a professor of geology and chemistry in the Department of Environmental Sciences at Western for nine years. By utilizing the department's field-based program, Sheila has incorporated all levels of undergraduate students in her research. Her Master's thesis was on Permian rocks in SW Montana (University of Montana-Missoula). She teaches regional geology at Western and has edited many publications about western Montana, including the 2000 Rocky Mountain Regional GSA guidebook. Sheila's current research is extremely diverse and includes aspects of Pleistocene climate change in SW Montana, the geology of the Lewis and Clark Trail in Montana, weathering rates of marble tombstones regionally, and the chemistry of natural waters in Beaverhead County.

 Description

The geology of south-central Montana is some of the most varied and interesting in the United States. From Archean basement to Quaternary glacial deposits, this area exposes enough geology to meet the needs of even the most discerning geologist. We will base our geological explorations in the vibrant, small town of Livingston, Montana. This artsy town is located along the banks of the Yellowstone River and provides an ideal location to explore the geology of the region. The trips will focus on the geology of two distinct geologic regions: (1) the frontal edge of the Cordilleran fold and thrust belt and associated igneous rocks north of Livingston, and (2) Archean to Quaternary geology north of the Yellowstone caldera in the Paradise Valley and surrounding mountain ranges. We will also take a trip into Yellowstone National Park to see the travertine deposits of Mammoth Hot Springs and tour the geology of the Lamar River Valley. In addition, we will visit the world-famous dinosaur exhibits located at the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Montana.

 Cost

$1,350 for GSA members, $1,400 for spouses, $1,450 for nonmembers.

A $200 deposit is due with your reservation and is refundable through June 1, less a $20 processing fee. Total balance is due June 1, 2005. Min.: 25; max.: 36.

Included: Classroom programs and materials, field trip transportation, lodging for six nights (single occupancy or double for couples), breakfast and lunch daily, and welcoming and farewell events.

Not included: Transportation to and from Livingston, Montana, transportation during hours outside field trips, alcoholic beverages, and other expenses not specifically included.

 Reservations

To register for this GeoHostel, please fill out and return the GeoVentures Registration Form.

Form is PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader.

return to top

Professionals, Rockhounds and Friends

 2005 GeoClass

• Geology of Golden, CO
  Canceled

 2005 GeoHostel

• Excursions in South-Central Montana
  July 2005
  limited space available