CLASSROOM EARTH
Pool near Northeast end of Canyon Lake Gorge (April 2016).
Fault scarp near Canyon Lake spillway, Canyon Lake Gorge, Texas.
in useful data and observations that have helped me to better understand geology. However, there is a difference between jotting down a few notes and listening to a guide, as opposed to completing a graded assignment while trying to comprehend relatively new concepts. The day’s rhythm and pace are also dif- ferent when you’re strolling along and looking around, versus having to stop frequently to take measurements, map, or take notes. I enjoyed this opportunity to return to the gorge and to simply listen and observe, as well as to spend time with other geologists and to hear their reactions and questions. It helps to look at things through the eyes of a group of professional geologists so I can see the same things from a different per- spective and gain new insights. As a result, think I got more out of the visit to the gorge the second time, because I had more experience and knowledge, could discuss observations with geologists with diverse experiences, and could see things through the more mature lens of a graduate.
Dinosaur track at Canyon Lake spillway (approximately 10 inches long).
beautiful, and it’s interesting to return to a location at a differ- ent time of year to see the effect of different seasons, weather, and precipitation. There was certainly a lot to see! Sedimentary structures include vugs, ripples, and cross bedding, and the rocks host a variety of fossils, including gastropods, bivalves, echinoids, and worm tubes.
Our school field trip was in April and was sunny, warm, and humid, while the January trip was overcast and cooler, mak- ing for a pleasant day hiking and being outside. I don’t mind a hard day’s work in the field, which has certainly resulted
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I usually have to spend all day behind my desk or computer at work and school, so I truly look forward to opportunities to spend time outside appreciating nature and geology. Due to experiences like these, I can’t wait to get back outside and go back to other places around San Antonio where I’ve been before on field trips and take second looks at them!
About the Author
Heidi Harwick is a graduate student at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) pursuing an M.S. in Geology and a graduate certificate in Geographic Information Science. While working full-time, she completed her B.S. in Geology at UTSA in 2018. Heidi joined the staff at UTSA in 2019 and currently works as a Program Specialist at the UTSA College of Engineering Student Success Center. Prior to UTSA, she worked at Educational Testing Service as a Proposal Production Specialist for 13 years. Before moving to San Antonio in 2004, Heidi worked and lived in Southern California and served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Jan.Feb.Mar 2021 • TPG 21
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