Field Trips
 Most earth system science disciplines require fieldwork, which for most of us means a chance to get outdoors instead of being stuck behind the desk. Someone has to measure something, collect samples, and record observations. After that, work in the lab or in front of a computer can begin.
At MSU most of our sophomore to senior level courses include local or regional field trips and many require field projects. We are racking up the miles on our van, which was purchased and is maintained by funds donated by alumni and faculty who contributed to our Geowheels endowment. We also offer Special Topics field trips (ESS 399 and 499), most about two weeks long. Destinations over the last few years include Big Bend National Park, Nova Scotia, and the Galapagos Islands. In the summer of 2007 we went to Calgary, Alberta and many points in between. And in 2008, we went back to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. When economic conditions improve, we hope to take a trip to Scotland and Ireland.
Field Trip Slideshows (requires Flash Player )
There’s no such thing as a virtual field trip. Short of being there, however, the images below capture a sense of what it was like to be on some recent trips. We are wading through hundreds of images taken by students on recent trips, looking for favorites that capture the sense of adventure and discovery we all share on these trips. We'll post them as soon as possible. (Note: Except for those on external links, images on this web site were taken by MSU faculty and students while on field trips, doing fieldwork, or on vacation.)
Newfoundland/Nova Scotia
Equador/Galapagos Islands
NM/Big Bend National Park
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