Workshops
Upcoming Workshops
White Mountains Geology Workshop
Date: October 22, 2011 (rain or shine)
Learn all about the geology of the White Mountains at this popular Autumn Geology Workshop led by geologist Woody Thompson of the Maine Geological Survey. The workshop explores the glacial geology of the northern White Mountain region and the history of geological exploration and understanding of the area.
The workshop will begin with an informal classroom presentation and then proceed to sites of geological interest in the northern White Mountains region. Exact locations will be based on Thompson's ongoing geological explorations, but may include sites in Pinkham Notch, Shelburne, Gorham, Randolph, Twin Mountain, or other areas.
Thompson will introduce participants to the bedrock and especially to the glacial geology of the region, and will also share findings from his research about the early geological researchers of the White Mountains and surrounding areas. Both field techniques and laboratory follow-up will be considered, with a special emphasis on geological fieldwork.
Thompson has led this well-received workshop for several years. He has extensive practical and research familiarity with the region, especially with discerning the hidden clues about the glaciers which once covered the area, and the process of deglaciation which occurred several thousand years ago. Woody's teaching style is such that any interested layperson would benefit from the workshop; past participants have ranged from rockhounds to geological professionals, hikers to teachers.
Schedule
The workshop will commence at 8:30am and conclude at 4:30pm, beginning at the Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center, located at 2779 White Mountain Highway in North Conway, NH. Click here for directions.
Cost
The fee for members of the Observatory is $95 and $115 for non-members. The fee includes instruction and associated materials. The workshop fee is non-refundable after October 14.
Reservations
To reserve your spot, please contact Mount Washington Observatory Director of Education Michelle Cruz at (800) 706-0432, x225 or mcruz@mountwashington.org. Space is limited, so advance reservations are strongly encouraged.
Physical Requirements
No lengthy, strenuous hiking is involved, but participants should be in good physical condition and equipped with warm clothing, rain gear, sturdy footwear and a trail lunch.
Gear Requirements
Participants should dress for hiking, and come equipped with warm clothing, rain gear and sturdy footwear. Participants should also pack a trail lunch and water.
Transportation
Participants must provide their own transportation to and from the field locations.
Past workshops:
Land Navigation 101
Saturday, July 9, 2011
This introductory course will familiarize participants with the proper use of a map and compass when navigating in wilderness environments. Topics include reading topographic maps, using a compass, measuring and following bearings, creating trip plans, "improvised" navigation and more.
White Mountains Spring Geology Workshop
Saturday May 14, 2011
This workshop gives participants the opportunity to learn about the glacial geology of the northern White Mountain region, and about the history of geological exploration and understanding of the area.
White Mountains Autumn Geology Workshop
November 6, 2010
This reprise of our popular Autumn Geology Workshop will explore the glacial geology of the northern White Mountain region and the history of geological exploration and understanding of the area.
Hermit Lake: An Ecological Adventure
Saturday-Sunday, June 6-7, 2009
A unique exploration of the Hermit Lake area with biologist Scott Smyers of Oxbow Associates.
White Mountains Autumn Geology Workshop
Saturday October 25 - Sunday October 26, 2008
This workshop will provide an opportunity to learn more about the fascinating geology of the White Mountains "north of the Notches," and will feature a classroom orientation followed by extensive field time to areas of special geological interest - timed to enjoy the muted beauty of the North Country just after fall foliage has passed.
White Mountains Spring Geology Workshop
Saturday May 5 - Sunday May 6, 2007
This workshop gives participants the opportunity to learn about the glacial geology of the northern White Mountain region, and about the history of geological exploration and understanding of the area.
Readings in the Geology of the White Mountains
Past Workshop Photos
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| These ice sculpted rocks known as "whalebacks" show which direction the ice was flowing during the Pleistocene or Ice Age when large continental glaciers advanced and then retreated, in this case from left to right. Many mountains in the White Mountains have the same general shape. | "Woody" Thompson explaining the layering of clay-like sediments left at the bottom of an ancient glacier lake. As the glaciers melted, these lakes formed and reformed leaving tell-tale sediments in many locations in the White Mountains. |
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| Workshop members examining the complex nature of bedrock geology in a local gravel pit. Many interesting minerals were collected that highlighted the metamorphic and volcanic nature of much of the rock underlying the White Mountains. | Woody explains the differences between moraines, eskers, deltas, and glacial till. |
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