Geology 3700 students participated in an adventurous spring break field trip which consisted of several geologic field mapping exercises as well as what is referred to as “geology tourism”. The trip was led by Instructor Will Junkin. For the field exercises, students investigated rock units of the Mt. Rogers area, ultimately producing two geologic maps including a map of a syncline exposed at Skulls Gap in Smyth County, Virginia. Other stops included the Clemson Experimental Forest at Issaqueena; an eroded pluton at Stone Mountain, North Carolina; a tectonic window at Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina; an exposed thrust fault at Linville Falls, North Carolina; another tectonic window at White Oak Sink in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee; Fontana Dam, North Carolina; an ophiolite exposed at Winding Stair Gap, North Carolina; and structural geology at Woodall Shoals, Georgia.
Highlights included waterfalls, beautiful hikes up and down mountains, spectacular geology, and rare mineral collection.
The best field geologist is the one who has seen the most rocks, so most importantly, the trip was an opportunity for the students to travel within the region and see as many different outcrops and vistas as they could squeeze into 7 days. What an amazing way to apply their knowledge!!
Sampling the ophiolite at Shooting Creek Overlook, NC
Overlooking Linville Falls in NC
Posing before the Unicoi Sandstone, southwestern VA
Group photo at Fontana Dam, NC
Posing before a mylonitic shear zone at Grandfather Mountains, NC
Resting beside Whitetop Road, southwestern VA
