Geology ClubGeology Research Initiative (GRI)

The purpose of the Geology Research Initiative (GRI) at Midland College is to provide an informal environment for students and faculty to discuss geologic topics, promote interaction, and expand opportunities for learning and experience through field trips and guest speakers. 

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Geology Club

Activities

Rules & Regulations

  • All participants should wear sturdy footwear - boots preferably but absolutely NO sandals

  • Be prepared for a variety of weather

  • All participants will be respectful to trip leaders and other participants

What to Bring

  • Long sleeve shirt/long pants
  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Water (One gallon per person)
  • Snacks/lunch
  • Sturdy shoes/boots
  • Notepad/pencils
  • Insect repellent

 

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK

  • Bordering Mexico, on the Rio Grande River
  • Elevation ranges from 1,800 to 8,000 feet
  • Canyons, desert, forested mountains

BIG BEND RANCH STATE PARK

  • At 311,000 acres, largest state park in Texas
  • 238 miles of multi-use trails
  • 70 miles of un-maintained roads for high-clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicles
  • Deep canyons, river lowlands, steep mountains
  • Been occupied off and on for 12,000 years
  • Chihuahuan Desert Bike Fest on every February

GUADALUPE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

  • Has three different ecosystems
  • One of the best exposures of fossil reef
  • Guadalupe Peak is the tallest mountain in Texas

PALO DURO CANYON STATE PARK

  • Second largest canyon in the USA
    30 miles of trails
  • Campsites with water and electricity, primitive drive-up sites, equestrian trails

CARLSBAD CAVERNS NATIONAL PARK

  • Cavern tours
  • Nightly bat flights (May-October)
  • Rattlesnake Springs oasis
  • Over 50 miles of back-country trails

ENCHANTED ROCK STATE NATURAL AREA

  • Pink (Town Mountain) Granite Batholith, 640 acres and 425 feet in elevation
  • Result of Llano Uplift (Precambrian)

LUBBOCK LAKE HISTORIC LANDMARK

  • A natural history preserve overseen by the Museum of Texas Tech University
  • Evidence of Paleo-Indians, and Pleistocene animals
  • Ongoing archaeological and paleontological digs

DINOSAUR VALLEY STATE PARK

Dinosaur trackways found in and around Paluxy River 20 miles of trails, including equestrian trails

CAPROCK CANYONS STATE PARK AND TRAILWAY

  • Has official bison herd of Texas started by Charles Goodnight
  • 13 trails, with six along the trailway (old railroad) in the rugged canyons
  • Clarity Tunnel (742-foot long) houses Mexican Free Tail Bats

MORE TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE INFORMATION

 

MORE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE INFORMATION

 

 

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