Yellowstone's Geoecosystem: The Geology of Ecology

Yellowstone’s Geoecosystem: The Geology of Ecology

$856 | Tuition

Dates:
July 4 - 7

Location:
Gardiner, Montana

Meals Included?:
No

Instructors:
Paul Doss, Ph.D.

Age:
18+

Program Type:
Field Seminars

Underlying geologic and climatic conditions form the foundation for every square inch of Earth's living space. In Yellowstone, that foundation is fertile and deadly...brutally cold and fatally hot...sweeping and green, and steep and rocky. In this seminar, you will illuminate the linkages among the solid, wet Earth, and the abundant, diverse life that not just lives in Yellowstone, but thrives in Yellowstone. In The Geology of Ecology, you get to see the magnificent, obvious, and inseparable ways that geology controls the biological elements of Yellowstone's ecosystem. Although every ecosystem on Earth is based upon a geological foundation, the tangible controls on biological diversity are magnificently displayed in Yellowstone National Park. From large landscapes to individual hot springs, from "Charismatic Megafauna" to microscopic plants and animals, the interplay among volcanic and hydrothermal processes, rock types, hydrogeology, and the distribution of plants and animals is intricate and remarkable.

About the instructor

Dr. Paul K. Doss has conducted geological & paleoclimate research, taught field geology, & completed geologic mapping for nearly 40 years in the Rocky Mtn Region and on the Yellowstone Plateau. He also teaches courses on National Parks, Environmental Geology, Global Change, & Hydrogeology in the Department of Geology and Physics at the University of Southern Indiana. He served as the Chief Geologist for Yellowstone National Park from 2000–2001 and was the 1st NPS Coordinating Scientist for the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. Doss has lead Yellowstone Association and Yellowstone Forever Field Seminars for over two decades, and he’s still trying to learn how to successfully fly-fish on the Yellowstone Plateau.

Testimonials

"Every single stop was amazing! Opened my eyes to all the geology around us that I was always blind to. I loved the activities as well - so interactive and engaging!" - Brittany, MT

"The overall experience of walking with an amazing geologist as he explains the whys and wherefors of this and that throughout the park. Plus the camaraderie of strangers becoming friends." - Deborah, TX

"Our van driver and course assistant was excellent. Hannah was a great driver and maneuvered the vehicle into spots that amazed us all. She was also a thoughtful and watchful assistant on the trails." - Mary Lea, CO

Download Program Information:

The Geology of Ecology Course Letter

More Information:

Lodging | Age Restriction Details

SUMMER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE

Be prepared to hike up to 1 mile per day, comfortably, through relatively flat terrain on maintained trails.

Be prepared to hike up to 3 miles per day, comfortably, with elevation gains up to 600 feet. Some off-trail hiking possible.

Be prepared to hike up to 5 miles per day, comfortably, with occasional elevation gains up to 1000 feet in undulating terrain.

Be prepared to hike up to 8 miles per day, at a brisk pace, comfortably, with climbs up to 1500 feet on dirt trails. Loose rocks, uneven footing, and off-trail hiking are possible. Good coordination is recommended.

Be prepared for brisk aerobic, destination-oriented hiking up to 12 miles a day. You should be physically conditioned to do these hikes comfortably. Elevation changes up to 2000 feet on dirt trails or off-trail. Loose rock, uneven footing, steep hillside traverses, and stream crossings are possible. Good coordination is required.

WINTER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE

Leisurely hikes up to 1 mile per day through relatively flat terrain on maintained or snow-packed trails.

Hikes on snow-packed trails, or snowshoe or ski trips, up to 3 miles per day with climbs up to 250 feet.

Brisk hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing up to 5 miles per day with climbs up to 500 feet, including some trail-breaking in snow.

Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 8 miles per day with climbs up to 1000 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.

Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 12 miles per day with climbs up to 1500 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.