Colgate University undergraduates will conduct research on the geologic histories of the Taconic Fold/Thrust Belt, the Cambro- Ordovician Platform, the Adirondack Massif, and the Maine coastal volcanic province. This area has served as a foundation for the development of ideas relating plate teconic processes to the growth of mountain belts. While the general geologic history and major processes are known, there remain many second-order problems that require resolution. This project will examine a number of geological research projects that are both tractable to undergraduate juniors and seniors and are of significance in refining our understanding of the region. Students will also have the opportunity to work on problems related to aqueous geochemistry, clay mineralogy, paleontology and geomorphology. All proposed summer projects will be supervised by faculty at Colgate University, with additional fall-semester follow-up independent course work available at cooperating institutions. A six-week orientation field program will be run prior to the beginning of summer research projects as a requirement for all students who have not completed a geological field camp or related field experience. After the field course, students will select a supervisor and research project for the next eight weeks. Most projects will combine field and laboratory aspects. All students will be encouraged to continue their research following the summer program and to prepare their results for possible publication.
