Environmental & Groundwater Hydrology Field Camp

Introduction

The Environmental and Groundwater Hydrology Field Camp provides an intensive two-to-three-week field and laboratory experience designed for students in geology, hydrology, and environmental science. Two enrollment options are available: a three-week session for three semester credits (May 18 – June 2) or an extended session for four semester credits (May 18 – June 7).

No camping is required. Students are housed in Rapid City with daily transportation to field sites included.

Topics Covered

• Groundwater sustainability and resource management
• Groundwater contamination and aquifer protection strategies
• Slope stability and environmental hazard assessment
• Environmental monitoring techniques
• Field sampling protocols and quality control
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Hydrogeologic mapping and cross-section construction
• Professional report writing

Prerequisites

Physical Geology, Mineralogy, and Petrology. Background in hydrology or environmental science is helpful but not required. Graduate students are welcome to enroll at the four-credit level.

Physical Demands

Field days involve walking and working across varied terrain. Good physical condition is recommended. See the Physical Preparation guide.

Field Camp Photos

Dark Canyon fieldwork (2017)

pH monitoring at South Fork

Streamflow gauging, Rhoads Fork

Environmental geology field site