GEOG 418 is taught in a field camp setting in West Virginia, August 12 - 22. The course counts for Fall 2018 credit (not summer). This course will meet every 2 weeks during the semester to work on data collected during the field camp. Students should have at least one upper division course in the environmental sciences. Enrollment is limited to 18 students and is by permission only.
Contact: Ralph Dubayah at dubayah@umd.edu if interested.
Course Description:
Geography 418 is an applied introduction to field methods. The class is built around
a two-week field trip (mid-August) with a base camp in the headwaters of the
Potomac River in the mountains of West Virginia. During the camp we cover the
following topics:
• GPS (global positioning system). We will learn state of the art GPS use for navigation
and topographic mapping, including interfaces with real-time map and GIS coverages.
• Stream hydrology measurements. We use surveying equipment to measure stream
slope, width, velocity, etc. and then use these data for understanding stream
development, mechanics and flow.
• Vegetation classification and ordination. Here we learn the basics of vegetation
sampling for a variety of uses. We lay out sample plots along elevational and other
environmental gradients and measure vegetation structure and biomass to understand
how these vary.
• Drone Mapping. We learn how to safely operate drones and use these for mapping
topography and vegetation.
• Soils. We will learn the basics of soil science and identification. We dig several large
soil pits and will identify elements of the soil profile.
• Stream Health and Quality. We use a rapid assessment protocol to evaluate
benthic and stream habitat.
• Remote Sensing and GIS. We learn about the use and validation of remotely sensed
and GIS data for environmental management. We also learn how to operate drones
and acquire data with them.
• Local Environmental Issues. We try to spend at least one day engaged with
important environmental issues affecting our area. Past classes have visited “green”
poultry farms and coal mining reclamation sites among others.
• Geomorphology and Paleohistory. West Virginia is famous for its striking
examples of geologic landforms. We visit some major geological structures and
spend time examining rock layers that often reveal a remarkable number of fossils.
• Natural and Cultural History. We take side trips to various sites of important
natural and cultural history, such as Seneca Rocks and the Dolly Sods Wilderness.
