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LAVA

Products and Processes of Volcanism: Hawai'i

Test your field skills alongside Hawaiian lava flows!

Volcanism is of one of the most dynamic natural processes with long-term effects to the environment and has a fundamental role in the evolution of planetary systems. As with other geological processes, volcanism leaves characteristic records in the rocks that can be used to gain insights on eruption mechanisms and processes. Studying the distribution patterns of recent volcanic products and linking these patterns to known processes is critical for developing effective hazard mitigation strategies, and also gives us the ability to interpret similar features in the ancient rock record.

This field program provides a unique learning experience in characterizing processes and products of active volcanism (on active volcanoes!). Discussions include global volcanism, types of volcanoes, volcanic eruption types and products, volcanic edifices, pyroclastic fall and flow deposits, volcanic hazards and benefits, and the characterization of volcanic deposits. With the shield volcanoes in Hawai’i as a field location, the course includes a detailed examination of volcanic history of the Hawaiian Islands and the impact of volcanoes on Hawaiian traditional & contemporary society.

This program now offers course credit for students with non-geoscience backgrounds or who have only a general knowledge of geology. Recognizing that students from other academic disciplines may be interested in volcanism and honing their scientific observation skills, as well as the value of interdisciplinary learning, students from non-geoscience backgrounds are welcome to apply to this program!

Key information

Location

Language

English

Semester

Spring/Summer 2025

Program type

Group Study

Application information

Application status

Open October 1, 2024

Apply Now!

Application deadline

November 11, 2024

Eligibility requirements

This program is open to students from all majors. See the Eligibility section below for more details.

Info session

In-person session: October 24, from 3-4pm - Room: ES 136

Online session: November 5, from 12-1pm -

Student experience

Students doing field work

Have questions?

For program information, please contact Dr.Rajeev Nair: rnair@ucalgary.ca

For application and registration support, please contact the Group Study Team: group.study@ucalgary.ca

Other useful links:

2024 Products & Processes of Volcanism Info Session

Program details

Questions about these courses should be directed to the program instructor.

Please note: course descriptions are tentative and subject to change.

  1. Courses offered

    Students on this program are required to enroll in one course, either:

    GLGY 537:Advanced Field Methods: A case study in the Hawaiian Shield Volcanoes(3 units)

    Or:

    ERTH 309: Field Studies of Earth (3 units)

  2. Prerequisites

    GLGY 537 pre-req: GLGY 337and consent of the program instructor.

  1. Pre-departure

    May 9, 2025, Calgary:Full day preparation. Mandatory pre-departure orientationfacilitated by Group Study Programs, followed byan overview of program details from the Geoscience Department and your program instructor, including safety information, equipment distribution, and an introductory lecture on volcanology.

  2. In-field

    May 23, Calgary/Hilo:Travel to Hilo, Big Island, Hawai’i

    May 24, Hawai’i Volcano National Park (HVNP):DayTriptoHawaii VolcanoNationalPark (HVNP), OverviewofgeologyofKilauea,East Rift Zone,visittoHawaiiVolcano observatory

    May 25, HVNP:DaytriptoHVNP, KilaueaCaldera, KilaueaIkiFossilLavaLake, Devastation Trail

    May 26, HVNP:DaytriptoHVNP, Pre-historicexplosivevolcanicdeposits: field observations and measurements

    May 27, Mauna Loa: Day trip to Mahana Bay; stratigraphy of Green Sands Beach

    May 28, HVNP: Day trip to East Rift Zone, mapping of Mauna Ulu andMuliwai a Pele; view active lava flow; visit Nanawale littoral cones

    May 29, Mauna Kea: Day trip to Mauna Kea; visit the "saddle" between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea

    May 30, HVNP:Day trip to Kau Desert; mapping in the SW rift zone

    May 31, Hilo/Honolulu:Travel to Honolulu, O'ahu Island; visit Kaumana Caves

    June 1, Honolulu: East O'ahu; explore the rejuvenation volcanic deposits of O'ahu andKoko Crater

    June 2, Honolulu: East Waikiki; coastal mapping of Diamond Head cone

    June 3, Honolulu:Flex day. Optional activity:Koko Crater Hike and assignment completion.

    June 4, Honolulu/Calgary: All assignments due by noon. Depart for Calgary in the evening (or continue on independent travel)

    Note: Program might be adjusted to remain on the Big Island the whole trip (program dates would remain May 23 - June 4) based on logistics.

  3. Post-field

    June 20, Calgary:Final project presentations will be completed on campus in Calgary, approximately three weeks after the field program.

  1. Costs

    The estimated cost of theHawai'i Volcanism Group Study Program will include tuition, airfare, field trips, local transportation, accommodations and meals. The program cost is $5,410

    For the full cost breakdown and payment deadlines, please see the programStudent Cost Summary.

    Important information regarding deposit payments:Deposits are non-refundable. Deposits secure your space in the program and allows payment for logistical arrangements to be made in advance.

  2. Funding

    Our office administers several awards, including theGlobal Access Fund(based on a funding-first model where students apply prior to committing to a global learning program) and the(students apply after being accepted to a global learning program; the amount varies year-to-year as the money is split among chosen recipients). Students may only receive these awards once. Please see the for more information.

    IDEAS Funding: Students in the Faculty of Science are encouraged to apply for IDEAS funding. For more information, please click .

    Student loans:Ifyou qualify for student loans, your programshouldqualify. We are able to provide you with a letter confirming your participation in the program for funding purposes. Please emailgroup.study@ucalgary.cato request a letter.

    Please note that eligibility for student loans is determined by your loans provider.

    for more info on funding opportunities!

Accommodations will be student-appropriate, safe, and clean. This program typically stays at hostel dormitories, whichinclude cooking facilities that allow students to reduce their food costs,select their own food, and participate in group meals together.

This program is open to undergraduate students in good academic standing from all faculties.

Applications will be considered after your application and unofficial transcript have been received in full.

Please read the sections below for information about what your application will include. The application is completed online. Because the online application will time out after 1 hour, we recommend writing out your answers to the application questions in a Word document and preparing any of the supplementary documents you may need in advance.

Once you are ready,.

  1. Written application questions

    All Group Study Programs have general questions about how the program will meet your goals (academic reasons, personal interest, career prospects, etc.), how you plan to finance your program, and coping skills for travelling abroad. These questions are designed to help narrow down your motivation for applying and why you should be selected.

    Note:Because the online application will time out after one hour, we recommend that you "save" your application, copy the questionsinto a Word document to compose your answers, check for spelling, grammarand word count, and then paste it into the online application.

  2. Unofficial transcript

    Download an unofficial transcript from your Student Centre.Click herefor a step-by-step guide to access your unofficial transcript.

    You will be asked to upload your transcript as a PDF in the online application.

Please ensure that you have read the Group Study Program General FAQs thoroughly before applying.

Program-Specific FAQs

Q: How physically demanding will this trip be?
A:Students will be required to hike through some difficult terrain, such as steep hills and uneven lava flows. A typical fieldday may last 7-8 hours and cover up to 15 km. Eruption conditions and wind patterns can make the air quality less than ideal and students with a history of respiratory illnesses may find their breathing affected. Additionally, Hawai'i has humid weather conditions that can range from extreme heat to sudden storms. You are welcome and encouraged to contact the instructor at any point before or after applying for this program if you wish to discuss concerns regarding your physical limits.

Q: Are there any medical conditions that would make this trip challenging?
A: Exposure to volcanic gases is unavoidable during the field work component of this trip. Generally, asthmatics or people with other respiratory illnesses will have trouble dealing with such conditions. Exposure to volcanic gases is also not recommended during pregnancy.

Q: What about equipment and safety?
A: The instructor will demonstrate proper techniques for any tools used (e.g. rock and masonry hammers). Protectiveeyewear will be required whenever there is risk of rock chips or dust; you may bring your own or use the eyewear provided. Note that field school participants are never asked nor allowed to work alone. Students will be required to stay in sight of their partners, which will not be difficult as most areas covered in this program are on open ground. A full safety orientationwill occur on campus prior to your departure from Calgary to go over other safety details, clothing requirements, etc.

Q: What kind of food will be available?
A: Students will have to arrange their own breakfast and lunch throughout the trip. While on the Big Island in Hilo, wewill form groups and prepare dinner for the whole group. We will be away from big grocery stores and so all purchases will need to be made during a couple of visits to the stores. During the Big Island part of the trip, eating at restaurants is usually not an option. Also, if you have strict dietary requirements, it may be tough to find these on the island. Please contact the instructor to discuss any dietary restrictions. During the Oahu part of the trip, there will be options to eat at restaurants.

Q: Will there be a lot of free time or leisureactivities during the trip?
A: The primary focus of the trip is learning volcanology. There will be some opportunities for"touristy" activities but it is not guaranteed. Students will also be required to work on field assignments back in camp. If you want to do a lot of leisurely activities, it is recommended that you extend your stay in Hawai'i after the program ends.


An incredible chance to learn geology like no one has before - walking around lava flows! It’s the hottest class ever offered. Pun intended.

Muzna

Past Participant


Getting started

Program-Specific Info Sessions

Info sessions are scheduled for every Group Study Program.Attending an info session is not required to apply, but strongly recommended as it will give you an opportunity to meet the instructor and learn more about the travel experience.

We also recommend watching Global Learning 101 for general information.

Global Learning Advising

If you have questions about this program, you can meet with one of our Global Learning Advisors by emailing group.study@ucalgary.ca or booking an appointment through the link below.

1. Select "Advising"
2. Select “Study Abroad”
3. Select “Book by Appointment Type”
4. Select your program advisor to view available times.

Academic Advising

Before applying to study abroad, you should ask your academic advisor how a Group Study Program might align with your degree.

After you are accepted, you should ask your academic advisor more specific questions about courses/credits. It’s also recommended to follow up with your advisor again once you return to Calgary.

Start your application

Once you have gathered everything you need, you can begin your application!

Please note:Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are submitted in full.

International travel presents challenges that may not be found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, emergency services, hospitals, accessibility issues and/or demands on the physical and the mental self, all of which can challenge individuals when away from their usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.

For this reason, it is imperative that you evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual condition against the rigors of the particular global learning program you are selecting. If you are unsure of whether or not this program is a good fit for you and/or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment of the program, please contact us. Our Global Learning Advisors will be happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arrange any supports or accommodations necessary to ensure your success.

If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your Global Learning Advisor to ensure that the option that you are seeking can support your needs.

Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.