Geology Students Get Down and Dirty
10/17/2007
Students at S.U.N.Y. New Paltz have the opportunity to understand the Earth from the inside out while enrolled in Introduction to Speleology taught by Dr. Bartholomew. This exciting class provides students with an overview of the geology of caves including the intricate processes of groundwater flow in cave-bearing bedrock, how caves are formed, cave life, and the record of climate change preserved in caves amongst other topics. A large part of the class is hands-on field experience where students are taught safe caving techniques through exploratory trips to a number of local caves. The students are currently learning how to accurately map a cave and will be taking part in a cave survey in southern Albany County later this term.
The Introduction to Speleology class after an exciting trip into Salamander Cave. Back row: Tom, Jackie, C.J., Jenai, Rosa, Mark. Front: Dr. Bartholomew.
Jenai and Tom survey a local cave. This survey will be used to draft a detailed map of the cave including passage orientation along with width and height.
