SAGE (Summer of Applied Geophysical Experience) is a multi-week, university-level research experience focused on modern geophysical exploration. In 6 years of operation since 1983, 163 undergraduate students (including 33 women) have participated in research using seismic reflection and refraction, gravity, magnetics, electrical resistivity, electromagnetics, and magnetotellurics. The SAGE field area in the Rio Grande rift near Sante Fe, New Mexico provides a stimulating tectonic research environment as well as an opportunity to study occurrences of groundwater and hydrocarbons. SAGE students participate in every phase of the field research from the collection and processing of data to its interpretation culminating with both an oral and written report. SAGE research is now focused on characterizing a classic rift accommodation zone. SAGE is sponsored by the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Branch of the Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics of the University of California and six universities who furnish faculty and over $2,000,000 worth of geophysical equipment. Students are accepted from any school. There is enthusiastic support from industry; for example, ARCO Oil and Gas Company donated an entire Vibroseis crew to the SAGE 89 effort.
