University of Miami - The Ibis Yearbook

“r o z All Geology majors are required to successfully complete a four to six week course in practical field work. Until 1974, Miami students had to enroll in one of several other universities which offered this specialty, mostly in the western regions of the United States. In May 1975 the UM Geology department inaugurated its own annual field course. Because UM specializes in Caribbean research, Guatemala was chosen as the training ground. It was a good choice. Within a reasonably small geographic area, almost all major geologic features are available for study — and they ' re active! In March 1976, 22,000 people were killed in a major earthquake generated by movement along the northern plate boundary. In the three weeks of field study, students are subjected to many experiences, language differences, climate change, physical discomfort and long hours. The effort, however, is rewarded with an intense variety of accomplishments, a few which are alluded to in the accompanying pictures. Live volcanoes, caverns, ancient lost cities, jungle reconnassance, and dyssentery filled the days of the student. II The Geology Department emphasizes research. The incorporation of complex and sophistocated laboratories distinguishes this department and gives the undergraduate an opportunity to research and teach in special programs. Included in the laboratories are isotopic and geochemical facilities to determine radioactive ages by radiocarbon and potassium-argon dating. Oxygen isotopic ratios allow the determination of paleo-temperatures (climates of past times and prediction of future climates.) The inclusion of undergraduates in special research courses and programs has evolved and expanded successfully over the past four years to the point of national recognition. ACADEMICS 13 ”