Pyrenees Field Camp — Spain

Introduction

The Pyrenees form an east-west trending, 200 km wide, 1,500 km long natural boundary between Spain and France, created by the collision of the Iberian and European plates. This intensive field camp takes students through the full structural evolution of an orogenic belt — from foreland deltaic deposits, through the fold-and-thrust belt, to the high-grade metamorphic rocks of the Pyrenean Axial Zone.

Program Structure

• Deltaic deposits and foreland basin stratigraphy
• Fold-and-thrust belt structural mapping
• Metamorphic rocks of the Pyrenean Axial Zone (elevations to 8,000 feet)
• Geologic map, cross-section, and report production

Prerequisites

Physical Geology, Mineralogy, Petrology, Stratigraphy, and Structural Geology are required.

Physical Demands

Extremely rugged and steep terrain with demanding hikes to elevations reaching 8,000 feet. This is one of the most physically demanding camps in the program. Excellent fitness and prior mountainous hiking experience are strongly recommended.

Required Equipment

Field notebooks, waterproof rain gear, waterproof hiking boots (mandatory), rock hammer, hand lens, laptop computer, and a European electrical adapter. A complete equipment list will be provided upon registration.

Field Camp Photos

Geological fieldwork, Pyrenees, Spain