GEL 1550 - Geology of the Great Sand Dunes National Monument

2(2 + 0)

Prerequisite: GEL 1010 recommended

This course emphasizes the processes and landforms associated with the eolian (wind) and desert environments at the Great Sand Dunes National Monument, located in the San Luis Valley between the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Investigations of the dune fields allow students to identify various types of dunes, as well as damage related to desertification. The relationships of sand source areas, cross-bedding, and transport directions are investigated.Note: Students cannot take both GEL 1550 and GEL 3550 for credit.