SMU IN TAOS CULTURAL INSTITUTE

CLASS DESCRIPTION Rio Grande Gorge, Taos, New Mexico

The Living Geology of Northern New Mexico: by Land and by Water

July 19-22, 2007

Explore the record of Earth’s past and learn about the rich geological history of northern New Mexico through road-, trail-, and riverside inspections of outcrops between Taos and the Jemez Caldera.  Under the expert guidance of your geological interpreters, you will learn how the rocks tell us that the face of the New Mexico landscape has changed through the eons from an ancient deep sea, to a shoreline, to the mountain range we see today. You will also gain an appreciation for why the modern landscape – including mountain ranges, river valleys and floodplains – looks the way that it does.  The first day of this experience will include inspection of road-side and trail-side outcrops between Taos and Jemez Caldera, whereas the second day will include a half-day raft trip down the Rio Grande River – a trip straight through the belly of the Rio Grande Rift and it’s violent volcanic past.

Neil Tabor received his Ph.D. in 2002 from the University of California, Davis. Currently an assistant professor of Geological Sciences at Southern Methodist University, his research interests include sedimentology, geochemistry and paleoclimate reconstruction. His research spans five continents and ~300 million years of Earth history. He currently teaches several courses in geology, including Introductory Geology, Sedimentology, Soil Pedology, and Records of Mass Extinctions.


 

Cost Information

The registration fee for this class includes course tuition, field trip entry fees and permits, materials costs, and designated meals.  Lodging and transportation to and from Taos are the responsibility of each participant.

     $650 if registration is received by May 1, 2007
     $750 if registration is received after May 1, 2007
 

 

Register Early!

We filled up very quickly this year, so don't miss out for next summer. Go to our online registration form now.

 

 

Cancellation Policy

Registrants may cancel by notifying the SMU-in-Taos Cultural Institute up to 30 days prior to the start date of the Institute. A handling fee of $50 will be withheld from your registration fee, and the balance will be refunded to you. Refunds for the first weekend will not be permitted after June 14th; refunds for the second weekend with not be permitted after June 21st. Should the SMU-in-Taos Cultural Institute cancel a course, a full refund will be made to the registrants of that course.

 

 

Accommodations

We are currently in the process of blocking rooms with special rates at various hotels and B&Bs in Taos.  Please check back with this website at the end of September for a listing of these accommodations.  Meanwhile, if you'd like to check out a few of our recommended options for lodging, restaurants, and points of interest, please click here to Download a map of downtown Taos.

 

 

Getting There

If you choose to fly, the nearest airport is the Albuquerque International Airport, from which you may rent a car or take a shuttle into Taos (about a 2-hour drive).  Download a map of the drive from Albuquerque to Taos, including driving directions and landmarks along the way.

If you choose to drive from Dallas to Taos, plan on approximately 11-12 hours.  Download maps of the drive from Dallas to Taos, including driving directions and landmarks along the way.

 

 

Please Note

The Taos area is at an elevation of 7,000 feet above sea level. Some fieldtrips will include walking trails and climbing moderate inclines at this altitude.

 

 

For more Information

Contact Allison Curran at: acurran@mail.smu.edu or 214-768-1303. 


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