March 31, 2023

Geological and Paleobiological Evolution of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

The course: GEOL 170 | Geological and Paleobiological Evolution of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

The experience: Twenty students from a variety of majors explored the coupled evolution of life and land in Ecuador. Led by David Sunderlin, associate professor and department head of geology, and Lawrence Malinconico, associate professor of geology and director of the Tech Clinic, this experience allowed students to study complex geological processes, witness atmospheric and oceanographic phenomena and patterns, and to see the results of biological evolution in diverse ecosystem settings—all directly in the field. 

Students and professors sit on the beach during a sunset.
Evening class above the coastal strandline on Isabela Island, Galapagos.
Students pose with a statue of Charles Darwin on San Cristóbal Island at the supposed site of HMS Beagle’s first landing on the Galapagos.
Posing with a statue of Charles Darwin on San Cristóbal Island at the supposed site of HMS Beagle’s first landing on the Galapagos.
Students appear in a line, small in the frame, in front of a large mountain.
Field study of a complex tephra deposit on the flanks of Chimborazo volcano in the Andes Mountains.
Students Exploring a lava tube on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos.
Exploring a lava tube on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos.
Students seen Snorkeling among sea lions and volcanic rocks off of León Dormido, Galapagos.
Snorkeling among sea lions and volcanic rocks off of León Dormido, Galapagos.
Students sit in a dimly lit classroom during a night class.
Evening class on volcanic hazards and their societal implications in Lloa, Ecuador.
The group seen Crossing over a suspension footbridge to examine the interaction of metamorphic basement and lava flows near Baños, Ecuador.
Crossing over a suspension footbridge to examine the interaction of metamorphic basement and lava flows near Baños, Ecuador.
Students seen At the terminus of a glacier above 16,000 feet elevation on the side of Cotopaxi volcano, Andes Mountains.
At the terminus of a glacier above 16,000 feet elevation on the side of Cotopaxi volcano, Andes Mountains.
Students enjoying Hiking in the high elevation páramo ecosystem at Cayambe-Coca National Park, Andes Mountains.
Hiking in the high elevation páramo ecosystem at Cayambe-Coca National Park, Andes Mountains.
Students sit and stand, listening to a professor during a lesson in Galapagos.
Discussing island biogeography and species dispersal on the side of El Junco volcanic maar, San Cristóbal, Galapagos.
Field study of rock/groundwater interactions in a volcanic landscape, Cotopaxi National Park.
Field study of rock/groundwater interactions in a volcanic landscape, Cotopaxi National Park.
Students smile in front of a mountain.
Catching our breath at the Refugio José Rivas in Cotopaxi National Park, Andes Mountains.

“There is nothing quite like feeling the warmth of the ground in a volcanically active area, getting windblown by the tropical easterly winds, and standing face to face with an iconic Galapagos tortoise,” shares Sunderlin. “For me, the most impactful moments on these field courses are in witnessing how students experience these amazing places, and how it all helps them see the world differently. Hiking up a volcano in orographic precipitation is humbling and empowering all at once. Swimming with sea lions reminds us of our unique humanity, but also our common ancestry with other life forms on Earth. And the shared experience of doing this all with great people is bonding, lasting, and where some lifelong memories are made,” Sunderlin continues. 

“The combined physical and intellectual nature of this course really challenges students. It is exciting to see them mature when they overcome both types of encounters,” adds Malinconico.

Categorized in: Faculty and Staff, Geology, News and Features, Study Abroad