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Individual Attention
At many large universities, the faculty may seem
preoccupied with graduate students and research, and many
of the courses may be taught by graduate student
assistants. At Humboldt our class size is small and we
consider that fine teaching does not end with the end of
lecture. In lecture, lab, field, and office, you'll get
the help you need to get the most out of your education.
At Humboldt, quality of teaching is considered as
important as research and professional activities in
hiring, tenure, and promotion decisions.
Humboldt is large enough to provide the stimulation
and facilities you need, but small enough that you won't
be lost in the crowd.
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Field Emphasis
Humboldt's Geology program is unusual in its strong
field emphasis. We consider field experience to be a most
critical part of your development as a geologist, for it
is there that you truly develop your ability to observe,
interpret, and reason.
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Geologic Setting
The Mendocino triple junction (where the Pacific,
North American, and Gorda plates meet) lies 110 km SW of
campus. Its northward migration has produced strong
compression and rapid rates of uplift (up to 3 meters per
1,000 years) in Humboldt County. Seismic activity,
still-growing Pleistocene folds, active faults, and
flights of raised marine and fluvial terraces are
products of this tectonism.
High uplift rates and weak rocks lead to rapid and
dramatic erosional processes, actively braiding and
shifting rivers, and rapid coastal erosion.
The Late Mesozoic Franciscan Complex of California has
come to be considered a type example of a subduction
complex, deformed in a subduction zone fronting the Great
Valley forearc basin and the Sierran-Klamath magmatic
arc. Excellent coastal exposures of Franciscan rocks in
the area offer an opportunity to study original tectures
and structures and a locally abundant assemblage of trace
fossils. The tremendous variety of Paleozoic and Mesozoic
rocks and structures in the Klamath Mountains and Coast
Range Provinces provide an excellent example of
accretionary tectonics.
Major Cascade volcanoes -- Mt.Lassen, Mt. Shasta,
Medicine Lake Caldera, and Crater Lake -- are within a
day's drive from campus.
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Student Involvement
One thing we're especially proud of at Humboldt is the
high level of student involvement in the department.
The Geology
Club -- run entirely by undergraduates -- sponsors a
variety of activities: visiting speakers, the annual
picnic, monthly parties, a yearly rock auction, student
grants, and student travel to national and regional
professional meetings.
The club has several fund-raising activities. These
have allowed it to purchase two computers for use by
geology students in preparing reports and senior
theses.
Undergraduates are also involved in a variety of
faculty and graduate student research activities,
including Quaternary stratigraphy, paleoseismology,
structural analysis of fault zone rocks, and volcanic and
glacial stratigraphy.
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Unspoiled Natural Setting
Humboldt students have one of California's most
beautiful areas for their backyard. Within an hour's
drive from campus are miles of rugged coastline... wild
rivers for canoeing, kayaking, or fishing... redwood
forests in Prairie Creek State Park and Redwood National
Park... areas for cross country skiing... opportunities
for hiking and backpacking... clean air and quiet. The
climate, though rainy in winter, is generally mild and
allows year-round outdoor activity.
The Arcata City Forest lies immediately behind campus.
Three lagoons 30 minutes nort of campus provide ideal
conditions for windsurfing and sailing. The Trinity Alps,
Marble Mountains, nad Yolla Bolly Wilderness area are
within an easy day's drive.
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