Location:

Kathmandu, Nepal

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Summer

Program Overview

Program Description:

Conduct Earth science fieldwork in the spectacular setting of the Nepal Himalaya. Witness a broad range of Earth processes and rock types. Gain experience with a variety of field observational methods. As the tallest mountain range in the world and home to diverse and vibrant cultures, the Himalaya are a preeminent place to study geoscience. The geological contrasts within the country of Nepal are dramatic and unequalled: from the flat Ganges River plain near sea level to the highest point on Earth—Mt. Everest. In this program, students will engage in classic field geologic skill development and innovative inquiry of human-Earth systems. The program focuses on field geoscience, geohazards, and environmental science in the context of human interactions and sustainable development in Nepal. Study how immense mountain ranges form and continually transform. Investigate the hazards and benefits of living in a dynamic natural environment. Conduct field research and acquire proficiency in geologic field techniques. Analyze human interaction with Earth systems. Examine how societal decisions affect the geohazard risks faced by human populations. Analyze steps for risk reduction that align with sustainable development practices. Fieldwork Students will explore a range of Nepal’s astonishingly varied landscapes: lowland hills, fertile valleys, deep gorges, rain-soaked jungles, towering icy peaks, arid steppes, and waterfalls. Students will witness the power of active tectonics that underpins the development of the tallest mountain range on Earth, the extremely varied climate zones within a small area, and the myriad geohazards that face the region. In-country resources The program draws on numerous resources within Nepal such as: Tribhuvan University, Nepal’s national university National Society for Earthquake Technology (NSET) International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) The Mountain Institute Throughout the program, students will interact with Nepali faculty, professionals, students, and local residents. Tribhuvan University geology students will join the program for the field portion. Students will have many opportunities to learn about Nepali culture and history. Students will spend the majority of the program conducting Earth science fieldwork in the High Himalaya and Middle Hills regions of central and western Nepal. The program begins and ends in Kathmandu.

The setting of the Himalaya provides an unparalleled opportunity to study the Earth sciences. Students will study classic Earth science field skills and gain the ability to apply geoscience observations to better understand how geohazards impact societies and what can be done to reduce risk. Coursework—listed below—will cover traditional geoscience field skill development (geologic history deduction, structural geology, stratigraphy, and mapping) and geohazard analysis and solutions in the context of Nepali society. Students will develop Earth science field skills as applied to understanding both the geological history and ongoing interactions between humans and Earth systems in the Himalaya.

Setting Description:

Following the initial orientation (approximately four days) in Kathmandu, students will spend approximately six weeks—the majority of the program—conducting Earth science fieldwork in the High Himalaya and Middle Hills regions of central and western Nepal. Himalayan traverse The program’s major excursion will be a traverse through a cross-section of the Himalaya along the Kali Gandaki River gorge. The program will travel overland to the west of Kathmandu, passing through a varied portion of the Middle Hills of Nepal (south of the Himalayan peaks). After a short stay in the famous city of Pokhara on the banks of Lake Fewa, students and instructors will start the approximately two-and-a-half-week trek in the Kali Gandaki gorge. The Kali Gandaki River is an ancient river that dates from before the development of the Himalaya—more than 50 million years ago. It cuts between two of the highest peaks in the world—Annapurna and Dhaulagiri—creating one of the deepest gorges on Earth. On th

Additional Program Information

Scholarships:

Yes

Scholarships Description:

Please see our website for more information.