Instructor(s): Linda Barnum

Description: Researchers and educators in the field of geoscience can benefit from guidance from the American Psychological and Psychiatric Society (APA) that is aimed to prepare psychologists, psychiatrists, and mental health providers to address the impact on mental health resulting from climate change. This course introduces the developing field of Climate Psychology to geoscience professionals while creating an interactive environment for participants to explore their own position on climatic change and how this informs their professional experience. Course objectives include an analysis of the APA’s position on how mental health professionals (as opposed to political activists) are addressing how climatic changes affect different populations. These resources are relevant to geoscience professionals involved in research and instruction to provide mental health support and guidance.

Participants will also have the unique opportunity to explore their experience from a systemic understanding of the psychological and societal forces intersecting with a geoscience perspective that informs their understanding of the issue. It is hoped this course provides valuable feedback to the psychological community as part of a collaborative experience between the two disciplines.

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Instructor(s): David Dryden

Description: Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a technology that uses radio waves to image into the subsurface to detect buried objects and boundaries. It has found widespread use in geology for more than 40 years for mapping geological structure and stratigraphy as well as groundwater and mineral exploration. GPR systems were once complicated to use but newer systems have simpler designs and user interfaces that allow users from many diverse communities to adopt the technology for their particular problems and challenges.

This course covers basic GPR theory, data interpretation, hands-on field work and case studies. The field portion takes the class outside to practice collecting GPR data, including GPR cross sections integrated with GPS. Afterward, we will return to the classroom, and the instructor will transfer the data from the GPR system to the computer and process in the software. GPS integration and displaying data in Google Earth is also covered. A few case studies are presented to expose students to data from other application areas.

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Instructor(s): Keith Kelson, Amy LeFebvre, Bryan Freymuth

Description: The course goal is to reenforce concepts that assist interpretation of extreme pre-historic floods in assessments of infrastructure risk. Development of robust flood chronologies requires collaboration among the inter-related technical disciplines of fluvial geomorphology, Holocene geochronology, archaeology, hydraulic modeling, and statistical hydrology, and this course will show that multi-disciplinary teams are needed to develop defensible extreme-flood chronologies.

The course will include justification and common applications of extreme-flood analyses, which will be followed by geomorphologic, geochronologic, and hydraulic concepts needed for documenting extreme-flood chronologies. Field-based exercises will demonstrate how to identify and interpret typical extreme-flood geomorphic features and develop defensible interpretations about the occurrence (or non-occurrence), magnitude, and timing of extreme floods. Coursework will include collaborative problem-solving exercises and examples from recent dam-safety risk assessments. Last, the course will include discussions about using long-term flood chronologies and associated uncertainties in risk assessments dams, levees, and other floodplain infrastructure.

Considerations: The second day will take participants into the field in enchanting northern New Mexico, at three locations along the Rio Chama between Abiquiu and Chamita. The stops will strive to explain primary concepts of high-stage extreme flood geomorphology, which will require moderate walking over steep and uneven terrain. Coffee, snacks, water, and lunch will be provided during this field day in the gorgeous New Mexico spring weather. In the evening, participants will discuss field results perhaps around a campfire, with appropriate snacks and libations, as true field geomorphologists do. The final morning, to be spent in a classroom setting at Abiquiu Ghost Ranch, will allow participants to compile active geologic, geomorphic, geochronologic, and hydrologic data, and develop relevant conclusions. As guided by course leaders, this final session will help participants better understand the implications of prehistoric and historic extreme flood records to flow-frequency analyses of critical infrastructure, to long-term meteorologic events (big storms), and to baseline information available for interpretations of changing climate patterns.

Please note: Transportation and lodging are not included in the course fee, to allow flexibility and keep costs to a minimum. As needed, carpooling opportunities can be coordinated prior to the meeting. Lodging arrangements should be made on your own at the Abiquiu Inn, Abiquiu Ghost Ranch, or elsewhere; these venues have a full range of geologist-appropriate lodging, from true "ghost camping" to luxurious hotel suites. There will be a few rooms available in blocks at the Abiquiu Inn and at Ghost Ranch.

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