CLASSROOM EARTH
to make it back to Reykjavik and the airport. The jökulhlaups that occur in the south can reach to a height that is above Ring Road, the one main paved road that circumnavigates the country, and the outburst of water can flood parts of the road for hours to days. Although being stuck, or stranded, on this North Atlantic polar “paradise” for a few extra days does not sound so bad.
Overall, the sensory experiences I gained from Iceland have stayed with
me. Iceland’s beauty is appealing enough in itself to interest any traveler or vaca- tioner. Yet, I strongly recommend that those of us who have studied geology, and who therefore could gain a huge appreci- ation for such a unique landmass, should set out to investigate this lonely island in the North Atlantic. Iceland’s presence and geological history can reveal a great deal of knowledge to better understand and acknowledge the Earth’s processes
as a whole as well as our connection with the Earth itself.
To quote Hume once more: “The advantages found in history seem to be of three kinds; as it amuses the fancy, as it improves the understanding, and as it strengthens virtue.” By experienc- ing firsthand what the Earth itself has to offer to the human senses leads to a spiritual awakening in us that influ- ences the meaningful aspects of our lives.
(Un)Traditional Field Camp with (Un)Traditional Outcomes
Alexander C. Reimers - B.S. Geology: North Dakota State University ‘18 HFC Family: Western Michigan University ‘18 M.S. Hydrogeology: Clemson University ‘19
The Western Michigan University Hydrogeology Field Course (HFC) based in Kalamazoo Michigan, was nothing short of an adventure. From babysitting a 48 hour aquifer pump test, to analyz- ing the water quality of beautiful Lake Michigan on a research vessel, I found myself constantly surprised by the broad field experiences and skills developed and taught by enthusiastic faculty from across the United States.
HAZWOPER Training spill simulation.
one like family but also held us to high expectations, which I found extremely conducive to learning.
Students learning to hand auger.
Like all traditional geology field camps, the HFC at WMU is an inten- sive 6 week program designed to inte- grate many aspects of geology into an all-encompassing capstone experience. However, the HFC uses state-of-the- art equipment, technology, computer software programs, and field and labo- ratory techniques illustrated in figures 2-4, that industry professionals seek in entry-level candidates’ skill sets within the environmental sector. The director of the HFC, Thomas Howe, treated every-
www.aipg.org
Overall, my experience during the HFC at WMU was excellent. I am currently in a Master’s program in Hydrogeology at Clemson University and continue to boast about my experi- ences and learned skills at WMU HFC to my undergraduate professors, gradu- ate professors, fellow geology students, and anyone who is interested in gaining industry wanted skills in environmental geology. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me (
alexander.c.reimers@
gmail.com) if you would like a more detailed anecdote.
“It is the mark of the instructed mind to rest satisfied with the degree of precision which the subject permits... and not to seek an exactness where only an approximation of the truth is possible.” - Aristotle
Alexander Reimers at Monitor Well #3.
Collecting a water_sample.
Jan.Feb.Mar 2019 • TPG 17
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