CAUSE 2017: Impacts of Changing Hydrology on Ecosystem Services in Glacial Systems includes travel to two distinctly different regions where students will be able to explore the impact of climate change on the surrounding ecosystems and cultures that depend on the ecological functions and ecosystem services provided by glaciers, meltwater, and the adjacent wetlands in each landscape. Students will have the opportunity to explore the impacts of climate change from both a social and physical sciences perspective, and participate in fieldwork in the wetland systems of each region.
Course Website
Field Locations
- Peru, May 2017: Following the conclusion of finals week and Spring 2017 commencement, students will travel to Peru with planned stops in Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, and the high-altitude glacier-wetland systems of the Andes.
- Alaska, August 2017: Prior to the beginning of the Fall 2017 semester students will travel to Juneau Alaska with planned trips to locations along the Juneau road system and coastal mountains. Potential site visits include gold/silver mines, salmon hatchery, hydro-electric facility, Juneau Icefield and the coastal wetland systems of the Tongass National Forest.
When
- Spring 2017 (2 credits): Students registerfor EM SC 470W
- Summer 2017 (1 credit): Peru, May 2017 | Alaska, August 2017
- Fall 2017 (3 credits): Students registerfor EM SC 470W
Eligibility
- The course is open to all EMS undergraduate students who will be enrolled through December 2017
Cost
The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences financially supports the cost of student travel for CAUSE courses. As travel and lodging arrangements are finalized, updated student cost information will be discussed at the information sessions and throughout the application process.
CAUSE Deliverables
At the end of the 2017 CAUSE program, students will submit team research project posters and reports on a range of topics that could potentially highlight areas of research needs, identify points of conflict and suggest preemptive management strategies, or identify and propose preservation of critically sensitive areas where resources should be focused. Depending on the future plans of individual students, these reports could take the form of undergraduate research projects or graduate research proposals. Additionally, students will submit an individual digital story highlighting their most significant or influential topic or moment from the program.
Instructors
- Denice Wardrop: Senior Scientist and Director Penn State Sustainability Institute
- Kimberly (Del) Bright: Giles Writer-in-Residence, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences
- Michael Nassry: Research Hydrologist with Riparia, Department of Geography
Apply
Applications are now closed.