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ERTH 137 and 138 - Introductory Field Geology and Geologic Field Camp

ERTH 137: June 29 - July 17, 2026

ERTH 137 - Introductory Field Geology is a 4.5 unit course offered in second half of summer session 1.  The first two weeks in Santa Barbara, and the last few days in the White-Inyo Mountains, near Bishop.  This course introduces the student to the tools and techniques for geologic mapping in the field.  No previous field mapping experience is required.  Techniques covered include:  Introductory Field Mapping with Brunton Compass and Tape, Stratigraphic Mapping Sections, Interpretation of Topographic Maps, Geologic Maps, Geologic Cross Sections.  The course is offered both in the lab and in the field.  Homework assignments are required.

ERTH 138: July 21 - August 9, 2026

ERTH 138 - Geologic Field Camp is a 4.5 unit course with the first two weeks in the field and the last few days in Santa Barbara, writing up your final projects.  This course, during summer session 2, requires a previous mapping course (ERTH 137 is acceptable) or consent of the instructor.  Geologic Mapping is done at a field camp near Mt. Abel at an elevation of 6200 feet, in the Cuyama Badlands, and the Ridge Basin near Gorman.  It is an intense field-mapping course using various geologic surveying tools and techniques learned in ERTH 137.


Interested? Sign up here!

'Summer field student. Summer Field student

Gain hands on experience in our Summer Field Program!

  • Students will learn how to use Brunton compasses, collect data from the field, construct topographical maps, stratigraphic columns, geologic maps, and cross sections, and learn other useful skills necessary for field work.
  • Field segments will be in the White-Inyo Mountains and the Cuyama Badlands in a camp-style setting.
  • Recommended for any students who have completed at least one geology lab course.
Course
Days and Times
Meets

ERTH 137 – Introductory Field Geology

    Lab Module: TBA

*class meetings the week of June 19 will be shifted one day due to the Juneteenth holiday on June 19. Classes will meet TU, W, and Sat.  8:30 am - 12:15 pm and TH 8-5 pm

        M, TU, F        8:30 am - 12:15 pm

        W         8 – 5 pm

EBS 115

ERTH 137 – Introductory Field Geology

 Field Module: TBA                                                            

 Projects due: TBA

Field project at Little Poleta, White-Inyo Mountains, California

Camp Noren
  1.     Assignments for each week will be due by noon each Friday, or earlier as announced.
  2.     Homework assignments might require you to stay longer in EBS 115 to use the geologic field equipment. 

   ERTH 138 - Geology Field Camp

   TBA

  TBA

Daily routine:  Reveille at 6 am, Breakfast at 6:30 am, Full day of field mapping, Dinner at 7 pm, Evening work until 10 pm

Students work on campus, final projects due Aug. 2

Camp Condor

SBCC

 
  1. Everyone assists in camp cleanliness and KP duties.
  2. Living quarters are tents and evening work is in a school classroom with electricity, internet, work benches and light tables.

 ERTH 137 & 138 SYLLABUS

ERTH 137 – The costs for food and transportation is $129 plus enrollment fees for 4.5 units*; scholarship help is available.  Additional costs for the Field Geology text (optional), colored pencils, pens, field workbooks, calculator, and field boots. 

ERTH 138 - The cost for food and transportation is $324 plus enrollment fees for 4.5 units*; scholarship help is available.

*for CA residents, the enrollment fee is $46/unit; for non CA residents, the enrollment fee is $383/unit

We recommend that students have a lecture and lab course such as Dynamic Earth, although extensive background (Mineralogy, Petrology, etc.) is not required. These courses are recommended for any geology major who wants to get a head start in advanced field courses offered at major colleges and universities.  In fact, some universities allow this course to transfer for credit toward introductory field geology mapping courses.  Both of these courses are transferable as electives for the geology program.
These courses move fast and a lot of work is required in both classes.  It is going to be HOT with numerous bugs and flies, a lot of hiking and climbing, and you need to be focused!  To take these courses you need to be physically fit, mentally alert, able to work in teams, and emotionally stable!
ERTH 133 - Geology of Colorado Plateau is offered each summer while ERTH 137 and ERTH 138 are only offered every other summer. 

Please contact Bill Dinklage for scholarship forms.

See below for informational materials:

Questions? 

Bill Dinklage - wsdinklage@pipeline.sbcc.edu or (805-730-4114)