Geology Summer Field School

Field Hydrogeology

Hydrogeology and Ecohydrology

GLY 4947 Hydrology Field School (2 credits)

Instructors

Dr. Mark Rains
Dr. Kai Rains

Goals

Central and south Florida provide numerous unique opportunities to study complex interactions between surface water and groundwater and the roles that those interactions play in supporting Florida's economic and environmental well being. Students will be introduced to a wide range of problems and practical field and laboratory solutions during field exercises at a variety of locations. Students will conduct field exercises locally, then take short field trips to karst features, springs, and streams in central Florida and the Everglades in south Florida. 

Why

Because hydrogeology and ecohydrology are geology in central and south Florida!

Who

Geology majors with 12 credit hours of upper-level Geology courses, preferably from the core courses.

What to Expect

Some of the field exercises will be difficult and physically demanding. Most of the field exercises will be conducted in hot, humid, wet, and buggy environments. You will sweat, get wet and get bit, and learn more about the practical aspects of hydrogeology and ecohydrology in two weeks than in all of your previous coursework combined. Some of the field trips will be less taxing, and will simply provide opportunities to sample Florida's diversity of hydrogeological and ecohydrological environments while networking closely with instructors and students.

Grading

Grades in the course will be based on your performance on the several small projects that you will complete and on your participation in the field.

Required Supplies

• Field notebook
• Hand lens (provided by department)
• Brunton compass (provided by department)
• Field clothes for wet and sunny conditions
• Hat
• Sunscreen