At SUNY Oneonta, geology students don’t just learn about plate boundaries—they stand on them.
For two weeks during winter break, 13 students traded winter coats for desert boots as part of an upper-division field course focused on geologic mapping, gaining hands-on experience in one of the most geologically complex landscapes in North America.
Led by Associate Professor Keith Brunstad and designed for Geology majors in the Earth & Atmospheric Sciences Department, the course focuses on describing rock types, measuring structural features, and interpreting how tectonic forces have shaped the Earth over time, mirroring the work of professional geologists.
The expedition brought students to Death Valley National Park and surrounding points of geologic interest in southern California. After flying into Las Vegas, the group rented vehicles and established a base camp at Furnace Creek, California, within the park. From there, students explored sites offering exceptional exposures of faults, folds, volcanic features, sedimentary deposits and geomorphic landforms.
Fieldwork was immersive and demanding. Students took detailed field notes and sketches, measured rock orientations, created geologic maps and cross sections, and worked collaboratively to interpret the region’s complex geologic history. They experienced strong desert winds at night, a challenge when camping in lightweight tents, as well as intense days in the desert sun.
“We experienced fantastic lighting over the desert mountains, were serenaded by coyotes every night, pondered the stories told by the rocks, and witnessed stars without number in the evenings,” said Associate Professor Les Hasbargen, who also went on the trip. “I'm sure all of the participants are still trying to get the dust out of their clothes, hair and ears! It's not easy for the desert to let go of those who visit.”
Students returned to campus with extensive field data that they will continue to analyze during the spring semester, transforming observations into polished maps, cross sections and written interpretations. They also came back with deepened connections with classmates.
This trip was a really great way to get to know some of the other geology majors and make some great friends...
“This trip was a really great way to get to know some of the other geology majors and make some great friends much better than I could’ve in a regular classroom setting,” said Tom Amalfitano, a senior from Sound Beach, NY. “Overall, I would say the most rewarding part about this experience was learning just how much I don’t know…being in the field is much different than the classroom!”