ERS410: Sea-to-Sky Experience
Many critical processes in the Earth and climate sciences occur at interfaces among the atmosphere, cryosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, oceans, solid earth, and society. Using an interdisciplinary systems-based approach, as well as the ability to make direct observations, are essential to understanding these processes. ERS410 will visit a region where a wide range of environments - everything from open ocean (“sea”) to glaciers and atmospheric processes (“sky”) - can be experienced. During this travel study course we will focus on a range of professional and practical skills, including global impact/local relevance research, proposal development, science planning and logistics, risk assessment and mitigation, safety, group dynamics and collaboration, field-based and remote observations, cultural knowledge, and science communication.
Where Will You Go?
What Will You Do?
Where Will You Stay?
The Sea-to-Sky Field Experience will stay in scenic Juneau, Alaska surrounded by mountains, lakes, and the coast; in Whitehorse, Canada; and in Kluane Lake Research Station, Canada.
Who Can Take the Course?
This course can be taken as (1) the capstone requirement for ECS majors with ERS401 section 0870, or (2) the capstone requirement for non-ECS majors with program approval with ERS410 section 0871. Because the course is the culmination of the ECS undergraduate curriculum, all students must have a solid background in Earth system science, data collection, analysis, and interpretation, and communication (including pre-reqs ERS200 and 201, and instructor permission).
How Much Does it Cost?
ERS410 is a travel study course run through the Division of Lifelong Learning (DLL). Like any DLL international travel study course, there is a course fee that covers costs associated with transportation, lodging, food, and materials. We anticipate that the standard course fee for ERS410 will be ~$6000. This fee is comparable to other DLL international travel study courses and with Earth science field camps offered by other institutions. In addition to this fee, students will need a valid passport and the equipment listed in the attachment. We will provide any other specialized equipment. ~$4500 of this cost will be covered for ECS majors by a generous donor and students can also apply for field camp scholarships to reduce costs.
Physical Fitness
ERS410 involves a moderate amount of outdoor physical activity. You should be comfortable doing a day hike of ~6 miles that includes ~20 lb. backpack. We will be camping on and traveling across a glacier in the St. Elias Mountains. We will teach you all the skills you need and we will be in a safe environment, so no expedition experience is necessary. A flexible mindset and willingness to try, experience, and learn in a small group setting are critical. In addition to required DLL forms, you will need to complete a medical and diet questionnaire. Our intent is to make sure the trip is safe and as accessible as possible given the course objectives.
How To Get Involved
Get in touch with Dr. Karl Kreutz (Director, School of Earth and Climate Sciences) or Dr. Alice Doughty (Golden Undergraduate Coordinator, School of Earth and Climate Sciences) for more information!