Quaternary Geomorphology and Paleoenvironment Field School
Dates: May 18 to 24, 2026
The Scablands Field School is based in the Channeled Scablands, Washington, USA. This field school is comprised of a 7-day long course from May 18th-24th, 2026. Students must be available for a mandatory classroom component in early May (date TBD) and to meet on campus at 4:00am on May 18th to begin travel.
This field-based course introduces students to the Channeled Scablands & Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument of Eastern Washington, one of the most distinctive geologic landscapes in North America. Over one week, we will uncover how ice-age floods, glaciers, and volcanic activity shaped the region during the Quaternary period (the last 2.6 million years).
Sites visited include Leavenworth, Moses Coulee, Sun Lakes – Dry Falls State Park, Frenchman Coulee, Zillah, Columbia Hills State Park, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, and Hood River.
Course description
Course is worth 1.5 credits.
Geog 491 –Geomorphology and Paleoenvironment Field School
Instructor: Sophie Norris
This field-based course introduces students to the Channeled Scablands of Eastern Washington, one of the most distinctive geologic landscapes in North America. Over one week, we will explore how ice-age floods, glaciers, and volcanic activity shaped the region during the Quaternary period (the last 2.6 million years).
Through visits to state parks, nationally significant geologic sites, and active research sites, students will examine stratigraphic, geomorphic, and paleoenvironmental evidence that helps scientists understand how national phenomena shaped this region. Along the way, we will meet with regional experts and community members who contribute to ongoing research and land stewardship.
This course emphasizes hands-on learning, observation, mapping, sedimentological analysis, and hypothesis-making and testing. Students will gain practical field skills while developing a deeper understanding of the dynamic processes that have formed—and continue to influence—this unique landscape.
Eligibility
- Open to all UVic students who have a minimum of fourth-year standing.
- Preference will be given to students who have completed GEOG 276 (Introduction to Geomorphology), GEOG 376 (Process Geomorphology) or EOS 450 (Quaternary Geology).
- This field school is primarily outdoors and will be physically demanding. Applicants must mention if they have any accessibility needs that may affect their ability to participate in these activities.
- A valid passport (with a 6 month+ expiry date at the date of the field school), visa or alternative travel document required to enter the United States.
How to apply
Applications, waivers, and deposists are due by 4pm on January 29, 2026- ideally submitted via email.
Contact geography@uvic.ca or sophienorris@uvic.ca if you have any questions.
Fees
Students pay regular UVic tuition plus field school fees. Field school fees can be paid by cheque, money order or cash only. Cheques and money orders should be made payable to the 樱花影视.
Payment can be dropped off at the geography main office (David Turpin B203) or mailed (cheques and money orders only; do not mail cash).
Field school fees
- $300 deposit due with application and waiver by 4pm on January 29, 2026
- $800 paid by 4pm on February 26, 2026
Field school fees include:
- Accommodation (booked campsites)
- Group meals
- Transportation to/from field sites (including Port Angeles ferry)
- State Park Passes
- Printed field guidebook
Field school fees do not include:
- Tuition
- Some excluded dinner/lunch meals (~3)
- Other expenses such as any personal gear
The field school fees have been subsidized by the Faculty of Social Sciences. There may be additional funding through scholarships and financial aid or the International Centre for Students.