Geology

Tyler Wallace, Division Chair
509.793.2150
tylerw@bigbend.edu

Geology courses may be taken as part of the Associate in Arts and Science DTA degree or as part of the Associate in Science-Transfer Track 1 degree. These courses may be used toward the Natural Science Breadth requirement or for Specified or General Elective credit. 

The field of geology studies the Earth and the processes that have shaped the Earth over its 4.6 billion-year history. Geologists study earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and floods. They study the rocks and minerals that make up the Earth’s crust as well as the slow movements of large pieces of crust and upper mantle called tectonic plates that account for mountain building, earthquake zones, and volcanic activity. The landscape of the Columbia Basin was shaped by ice age floods that repeatedly swept through and carved out our channeled basalt cliffs leaving behind Dry Falls. Geologists studied our unique area and gathered the evidence to help to explain what we see in our own backyard. Geologists may spend time in laboratories or out in the field; they may work for universities, government agencies, non-profit organizations, or natural resource companies.

Since programs differ at each college, students should consult program outlines published by the college or university to which they intend to transfer. Students should prepare their quarterly schedules with the assistance of an advisor knowledgeable in this transfer area.