Geology Field Camp

Taskesti Field Station

Study the spectacular geology and culture of the Tethys realm of Türkiye. Projects examine Jurassic and Cretaceous strata of the Sakarya microcontinent, Paleocene granite in Sivrihisar magmatic belt, Post-Tethyan Tertiary strata and structure of the Haymana basin, and the tectonics of contrasting terrains (metamorphic vs sedimentary) across the North Anatolian fault. The instructors have extensive experience related to the structural and economic geology of Turkey. Cultural and historicalexperiences include Sunday trips beaches on the Black sea coast, museums and shopping centers in Ankara and Istanbul, as well as local/regional cultural features.

Location: Taskesti town, located on North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ) in Abant Valley, approximately 200 km east of Istanbul.

Facilities: Lodging includes three weeks at the Taskesti field research station of the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (Earthquake Research Department), with ten 2-3 person rooms, each with bathroom and shower, a large conference room, kitchen, laundry facilities and dining hall. An experienced cook will provide meals. The research facility at Taskesti has been occupied by international scientists for more than twenty years. The locals are very much accustomed to tourists. Nearby Lake Abant and Kartalkaya Resort (30 miles to Taskesti) are premium winter sports center and summer getaway for many Turks and Europeans. One week will be spent at the Cayirhan area, and one week in Sivrihisar area.

Course Content : The course includes preparation of stratigraphic columns, structural cross sections, and geologic maps, and completion of formal reports. Successive projects involve greater geologic complexity, and some may emphasize geologic hazard or mineral resource assessment. Practical applications to environment-related problems, earthquake hazards, landslides, and hydrogeology may be included.

Physical Demands: Field work will involve working in rugged and steep terrain. Some projects may include demanding hikes of considerable length and elevation gain. Students are expected to be physically and mentally prepared to work in these conditions.

Field Equipment: Geologic rock hammer and hammer holder, Hand lens (10x), Mechanical and colored pencils (#2 lead (or harder) and variety of colors), (2) Pilot extra fine (0.5) black RT pens, Field notebook(s), Daypack and/or field vest for carrying field supplies, H₂O bottles, Clip/map board, Protractor and straight edge, Pocket knife (good for a lot of things as well as a scratch test tool), Grain-size chart, Dilute HCl (provided), Safety glasses, Calculator, Good quality digital camera (with downloading capabilities), Laptop computer, Sunscreen, Lip balm, Sunglasses

Field clothing: Sturdy hiking boots (mandatory),Rain jacket, Fleece jacket (idea is to dress in thin, light, and breathable layers that can be added or subtracted according to conditions), Light-weight leather work gloves, Field hat (full brim), Swimsuit (for Black Sea).

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND COSTS

Prerequisites include: completion of Physical Geology, Mineralogy, Petrology, Stratigraphy/Sedimentation, and Structural Geology, or consent of the Director.
The cost (including food, travel and lodging, while at the course) is $3,895 (Does not include airfare, which ranges from $700 to $1200 depending on departure point and time of travel).
Lodging for the duration of the course will be at a field research facility located 200 kilometers east of Istanbul.
There is a course limit of 20 persons for each session.
In addition to standard Brunton compasses, students will utilize GPS units for detailed mapping.
Eight-hour days are expected in the field with reports and maps completed during evening hours, Fridays and Saturdays.
Each week comprises six days of work with Sundays free for individual activities. Some optional Sunday field/sight-seeing trips planned and included in the cost.

Application and deposit of US$300 online. Note: BHNSFS reserves the right to cancel the camp if the minimum enrollment is not reached. The full deposit will be refunded in this case, and applicants will be notified by email by March 1, 2023