Michigan Tech
EAST AFRICA FIELD CAMP
Antenna 2010 Field Camp v 1.03 ceu
WELCOME ...
... to the Michigan Technological University East Africa Field Camp.
This field program is intended to:
(1) provide an opportunity for students to take a geology field camp in East Africa,
(2) give students a hands-on experience with the geology of the East African Rift Valley, and,
(3) to provide instruction in modern geologic mapping using GIS, LandSat mage and mapping software.
WHAT IS THE EAST AFRICAN RIFT?
The East Africa Rift is an classic example of a basic geologic process, the initial rifting of continental lithospehere prior to formation of a spreading center and a new plate. Students will gain a new appreciation of geology and geologic processes with the additional advantage of being exposed to a different culture and working in a foreign country.
PROGRAM DATES
The timing of this program, in the early spring, is intended to allow students for finish in time for other summer activities. We generally finish the first week in June, and while some choose to remain for add-on excursions, others can leave in time for summer jobs and internships.
FIELD CAMP COSTS
The cost of Geology Field Camp is an important consideration for many students. A recent survey of field camps in the US shows that the average cost for a 5-6 credit state-side camp is about $4000, including tuition and program fees (room, board, in-county transportation, etc.) but excluding travel to camp.
In an effort to get the costs for our African camp in line with this average stateside cost we have inaugurated a CEU (Continuing Education Unit) option for 2010 that significantly reduces costs for students whose departments will accept CEU's rather than academic credits. (Click here for a discussion of CEU's and click here for costs.) The CEU and academic credit programs are identical but students receive a certificate rather than credits. For many students this is an attractive option.
Note on Packing
ROOM IN THE VEHICLES IS LIMITED. There will be enough space if you bring what is needed but NOT if you seriously over-pack. So in packing your gear, please avoid hard-sided suitcases. Soft-sided luggage, such as a duffel bag (without wheels), is highly recommended because it packs into the carryalls much more easily. Nowadays you can usually check two 50 lb bags on most international flights but check with your carrier but you should be able to pack in one duffel bag. I recommend you pack lightly going in as you will undoubtedly have samples and “stuff” you will want to bring back. You should carry-on your laptop and camera in a padded case and bring a small shoulder bag for passports and necessities on the plane and for road trips.
Another thing: please DO NOT bring a pack with a frame unless you plan to stay on after the course and do things like climb Kilimanjaro where you will need pretty good equipment. Check out some websites by people who have been recently for reccomendations.
2010 Dates
Field Camp (5 weeks)
May 5 - June 9
Field Camp (4 weeks)
May 5 - June 2
Contact: jrw@mtu.edu
Steam fumerol at Lake Bororia, Kenya. Click here to link to photo album of previous field camps.
Panoramic view of rift blocks in the Kenya Rift near Magadi. Soda Lake Magadi is visible in foreground with salt (white) in background. Steam rises from the Magadi Soda Works in the far background.