FA17 Geology of the Blue Ridge

Geology of the Blue Ridge
A FIVE-WEEK CLASS
Instructor: Steve Yurkovich
Tuesdays, September 5, 12, 19, 26; 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., October 3; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
$130 Member / $140 Non-Member
Limit: 16

Explore the geologic history of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Each weekly class builds on the previous week and leads to an understanding of mountain formation. The course will begin with a discussion of the earth’s interior and plate tectonics, then progress to a current model for formation of the Southern Appalachians. This will be followed by an overview of common earth materials and will conclude with a discussion of the surficial processes that have shaped these old mountains. The last meeting on October 3 will be a field trip. This class fulfills a core requirement for the Blue Ridge Naturalist Certificate.

Steve Yurkovich is professor emeritus at Western Carolina University. For 40 years he was an educator in the geosciences program and researcher in Appalachian geology. He has a Ph.D. from Brown University and is a licensed N.C. Professional Geologist. Steve has produced a number of research publications related to the geology of Western North Carolina. He has led geology classes and field trips for numerous professional and environmental groups, K-12 students, civic groups, and for the Arboretum.