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Faculty of Science

School of Geography, Environment & Earth Sciences (SGEES)

ESCI-349/449: EARTH SCIENCES - INTERNATIONAL

FIELD COURSE ESCI-349: CRN-23186, 20 points

ESCI-449: CRN-23187, 15 points

Trimester 3, 2015

Field-trip to southern Chile & Argentina November 14th – December 3rd, 2015

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This international field course is an intensive 20-day field-based overview to key overseas earth science

locations where academic staff have familiarity, experience and research knowledge. The course location

is likely to vary from year-to-year depending on the availability of staff and student interest. This course

will offer a variable but unique insight, understanding and experience of earth sciences in the field beyond

that which already exists in New Zealand.

The topic and location of this 2015 course will be “southern Andean geology with special emphasis on

glaciated landforms & deposits as well as the products and effects of the recent volcanic eruptions (i.e.

2011 Puyehue & 2008 Chaiten eruptions) in southern Chile and Argentina”, led by Assoc. Prof. Brent

Alloway.

Important dates

Trimester dates: 16th November to 15th February 2016

Teaching dates: 14th November to 3rd December 2015

Study/Examination period: THERE IS NO FINAL EXAMINATION

Withdrawal dates: Refer to www.victoria.ac.nz/home/admisenrol/payments/withdrawalsrefunds

If you cannot complete an assignment or sit a test or examination (aegrotats), refer to

www.victoria.ac.nz/home/study/exams-and-assessments/aegrotat

Names and contact details:

A/Prof Brent Alloway (BVA) - Course coordinator

CO-205, 463-5844; brent.alloway@vuw.ac.nz

Communication of additional information

Any notices relevant to the course will be announced in lectures and posted on Blackboard. It is the

responsibility of students to ensure that they are aware of due dates, timetables (and any changes therein)

etc. General enquiries should be directed to the School’s Administrative Office on the 3rd floor of Cotton.

Queries regarding the course should be directed to A/Prof. Brent Alloway.

If you experience problems please see Brent Alloway in the first instance. If this does not resolve your

concerns, you should approach the ESCI-Programme Director (Professor Tim Stern, CO-519; Phone 463-

5112) or the Associate Dean of Students for the Science Faculty (Shona de Sain) depending on the nature

of the problem. A volunteer class representative will be sought.

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Prescription

This international field course in earth sciences aims to examine key geographical, geological and/or

geophysical localities. The course will offer a variable but unique insight, understanding and experience

of earth sciences in the field beyond that which already exists in New Zealand.

Course content

This course is an intensive 18-day field-based overview to key overseas earth science locations where

academic staff have familiarity, experience and research knowledge. The course location is likely to vary

from year-to-year depending on the availability of staff and student interest. The students will be expected

to perform a number of field-based exercises – which will be internally assessed. Differential UG & PG

research reports (also internally assessed) will be directly related to the course location and associated

field-trip.

Course learning objectives (CLO’s):

Students who pass this course will / should be able to:

1 develop a sound understanding of landforms, subaerial/subsurface structure, resources and deposits as

well as, contemporary and past natural hazard events and deposits.

2 refine techniques that enhance description and recognition of key geographical and subaerial/subsurface

geological features in the field.

3 understand the importance of integrating these variable features to provide a history of an area and be

able to compare these features to the NZ context.

4 independently research for journal articles and related supplementary material - to ensure that the student

clearly develops the skills and techniques required for successful scientific research in Earth Science.

5 independently research for journal articles and related supplementary material - to ensure that the student

clearly demonstrates active engagement with the skills and techniques required for successful scientific

research in Earth Science.

Field trip arrangements

FLIGHTS to and from CHILE - Student Responsibility and Cost (can be organised through STA)

(NOTE: International flights must coincide and connect with pre-booked internal LAN flights)

INTERNAL FLIGHTS SATURDAY 14 November

Lan Chile flight LA 285 Santiago to Puerto Montt

Departs: 1.30pm Arrives: 3.05pm

THURSDAY 03 December

Lan Chile flight LA 280 Puerto Montt to Santiago

Departs: 12.55pm Arrives: 2.45pm

PROPOSED ITINERARY

Saturday 14th November

DAY-1

Arrive to Puerto Montt

Airport 3.05 pm from flight

LA285 from Santiago

5 nights in Frutillar, Chile (Hotel Frutillar)

Sunday 15th

DAY-2

Day trip around Lago

Llanquique via Puerto Varas,

Ensenada, Puerto Octay

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Monday 16th

DAY-3

Day trip to Osorno Volcano via

Puerto Varas, Ensenada

Tuesday 17th

DAY-4

Day trip to Castro, Chile via

Pargua-Chacao Ferry

Number of stops along route.

Wednesday 18th

DAY-5

Day Trip to Petrohue-Ralun-

Puelo, Ferry from Puelche to La

Arena- Puerto Montt- Frutillar

Thursday 19th

DAY-6

Depart Frutillar early

morning travel to Antillanca

2 nights in Antillanca, Chile

Friday 20rh

DAY-7

Day trip to Antillanca VC (dry)

or Termas del Puyehue (wet)

Saturday 21st

DAY-8

Travel to Angostura, ARG

Number of stops along route

within Parque Nacional

Puyehue.

BORDER CROSSING

1 night in Angostura, ARG

(Hosteria La Posada)

Sunday 22nd

DAY-9

Depart Angostura to

Bariloche, ARG

Number of stops along route.

2 nights in Bariloche, ARG (Hotel Tres Reyes)

Monday 23rd

DAY-10

Day trip to Volcan Tronodor

via Lake Mascardi.

Tuesday 24th

DAY-11

Depart Bariloche to Esquel via El Bolson-Lago Rivadavia-

Villa Futalaufquen (Parque

Nacional Los Alerces). Number

of stops along route.

2 nights in Esquel, ARG

(Hotel Combres Blancas)

Wednesday 25th

DAY-12

Day trip to La Zeta (A Laguna

la Zeta; <15 km from Esquel)

Thursday 26th

DAY-13

Depart Esquel to Chaiten,

Chile via Futaleufu & Villa

Santa Lucia.

Number of stops along route.

RAFTING - FUTULEUFU

RIVER (voluntary)

BORDER CROSSING

5 nights in Chaiten, Chile

(Hotel Mi Casa)

Friday, 27th

DAY-14

Day trip to around Chaiten and

to climb Chaiten

Saturday, 28th

DAY-15

Day trip to Caleta Gonzalo

Sunday, 29th

DAY-16

Day trip to Termas del

Amarillo

Monday 30th

DAY-17

Day trip to Ventisquero Yelcho

(12 km south of Puerto

Cardenas)

Tuesday, Dec. 1st

DAY-18

Ferry from Caleta Gonzalo to

Hornopiren 2 nights in Frutillar (Hotel

Frutillar)

Wednesday, Dec. 2nd Day trip to Parcela Taranaki

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DAY-19 (3km from Frutillar)

ASADO – Traditional

Patagonian Spit Barbeque

Thurs 3rd December

DAY-20

Depart from Puerto Montt

Airport 12.55 pm on flight

LA280 to Santiago

PLEASE NOTE: that some day trips will be interchangeable depending on weather conditions on the day.

FLIGHT NUMBERS & DEPARTURE TIMES – TO BE CONFIRMED

ALL ACCOMMODATION SUBJECT TO CONFIRMATION

Land Arrangements

20 days on disposal of 1 Minivan (including fuel and the permission to cross to Argentina and

return)

Ferry trip (Chaiten-Caleta Gonzalo-Hornopiren)

07 nights Twin/Triple Share accommodation in Hotel Frutillar, Frutillar

(http://www.hotelfrutillar.cl/)

05 nights Twin/Triple Share accommodation in MI Casa, Chaitén (see

http://www.nileguide.com/destination/chaiten-chile/hotels/hotel-mi-casa/830008)

01 nights Twin/Triple Share accommodation in Hotel Hosteria La Posada, Angostura

(http://www.hosterialaposada.com/)

02 nights Twin/Triple Share accommodation in Hotel Tres Reyes, Bariloche (see Trip advisor:

http://www.tripadvisor.ie/Hotel_Review-g312848-d305398-Reviews-Hotel_Tres_Reyes-

San_Carlos_de_Bariloche_Province_of_Rio_Negro_Patagonia.html)

02 nights Twin/Triple Share accommodation in Hotel Combres Blancas, Esquel (see

http://cumbresblancas.com.ar/)

02 nights Twin/Triple Share accommodation in Antillanca (to be confirmed).

Breakfasts included – all hotels

Mandatory course requirements

To pass this course you must in the first instance attend the field-trip (details below) and receive at least

50% of the total course marks. Additional information about course requirements are provided on

Blackboard (http://blackboard.vuw.ac.nz)

Workload

150 hours –200 hours; depends on the course workload as it varies with course level.

Assessment

Length % CLO(s)

Field-trip attendance & associated field exercises 20-days 50 1, 2, 3

Undergraduate research report (ESCI 349) 2500 words 50 4

Postgraduate research report (ESCI 449) 3500 words 50 5

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Submission and return of work

The Research Report must be handed in to A/Prof. Brent Alloway the day after your arrival to Chile

(Nov. 15th). You will receive the marked report prior to your departure on December 3rd.

Penalties

Late work will incur a penalty of 10% per day or part thereof. If you require an extension on medical

or compassionate grounds, you will need to show evidence to support your case. We do not accept the

excuse near the deadline that your computer crashed or the dog ate your assignment. Regularly back-up

your material and make sure you have something to submit by the due date.

Materials and equipment and/or additional expenses

Students must have a current passport and fulfil all visa requirements of the country intended to

be visited.

Students who enrol in field courses must be physically able and must have a good level of physical

fitness. Staff need to be informed in advance about any known health issues that might be of concern

in a field setting. Therefore, students are required to fill in, and submit, a confidential form

providing emergency contact and health information, prior to their full acceptance into any field

course.

Students enrolling in field courses at third year and PG level are expected to have purchased their

own appropriate geological equipment including geological compass, hand lens, write-in-the-rain

type field notebooks, and geological hammer. These can be ordered through the SGEES school

office. Students at this level are also expected to have appropriate personal gear including field

boots and high-visibility vest.

Medical & Travel Insurance: For those of you who are officially enrolled in 349/449 - while

engaged on this field-trip as well as in transit to, and from, (essentially Santiago to Santiago) you’ll

be covered by University insurance. Any other travel time outside of the FT – you’ll need to arrange

your own medical and travel insurance. For those few of you not enrolled in this course - you’ll need

to organise your own medical and travel insurance for the duration.

Research Report Topics (choose one of three topics)

Undergraduate research report (ESCI 349) – minimum 2500 words

Postgraduate research report (ESCI 449) – minimum 3500 words

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Topic 1: In the Andes of Chile there are more than 100 stratovolcanoes, as well as a large number of

volcanic fields and large caldera complexes, of which 60 have documented Holocene eruptive activity.

Andean volcanoes occur in four distinct segments called the Northern (NVZ; 2°N-5°S), Central (CVZ;

14-28°S), Southern (SVZ; 33-46°S) and Austral (AVZ; 49-55°S) volcanic zones. Describe the SVZ in

central-south Chile and outline some of the tectonic controls that accompany this magmatism.

Topic 2: The 2008 eruption of Chaiten was the first major rhyolitic eruption to occur within the last 100

years, and consequently, this event presented a very unique and rare opportunity to observe eruption-

related impacts on communities, infrastructure and agriculture. Outline these impacts as well as describe

attempts to mitigate/minimise these impacts.

Topic 3: Since the onset of the Quaternary the geomorphology of Chile has been strongly influenced by

climate along a broad latitudinal gradient. Describe the vegetation-climate linkages across Northern

Patagonia (39-41°S) for the interval from the Last Glacial Maxima (LGM) to the present.

Suggested reading associated with Research Report topics

MAGMATISM & VOLCANOLOGY

Alfano, F., Bonadonna, C., Volentik, A.C.M., Connor, C.B., Watt, S.F.L., Pyle, D.M., Connor, L.J. Tephra stratigraphy

and eruptive volume of the May, 2008, Chaitén eruption, Chile. Bulletin of Volcanology 73, 613–630.

Amigo, A., Lara, L.E., Smith, V.C. 2013. Holocene record of large explosive eruptions from Chaiten and

Michinmahuida Volcanoes, Chile. Andean Geology 40, 227-248.

Bertrand, S., Castiaux, J., and Juvigne, E. 2008. Tephrostratigraphy of the late glacial and Holocene sediments of

Puyehue Lake (Southern Volcanic Zone, Chile, 40°S). Quaternary Research 70, 343-357.

Castro, J. M. and Dingwell, D. B. 2009. Rapid ascent of rhyolitic magma at Chaitén volcano, Chile. Nature 461, 780–

784.

Cembrano, J. & Lara, L. 2009. The link between volcanism and tectonics in the southern volcanic zone of the Chilean

Andes: a review. Tectonophysics 471, 96–113.

Collini, E., Osores, M.S., Folch, A., Viramonte, J.G. , Villarosa, G., Salmuni, G. 2013. Volcanic ash forecast during the

June 2011 Cordón Caulle eruption. Natural Hazards 66, 89-412.

Daga R., Ribeiro Guevara. S., Sanchez M. L. and Arribere M. 2010. Tephrochronology of recent events in the Andean

Range (northern Patagonia): spatial distribution and provenance of lacustrine ash layers in the Nahuel Huapi

National Park. Journal of Quaternary Science 25, 1113–1123.

Gerlach, D.C., Frey, F.A., Moreno-Roa, H. and Lopez-Escobar, L. 1988. Recent Volcanism in the Puyehue—Cordon

Caulle Region, Southern Andes, Chile (40·5°S): Petrogenesis of Evolved Lavas. Journal of Petrology 29, 333-

382. doi: 10.1093/petrology/29.2.333.

Kilian, R. and Lopez-Escobar, L. 1992. Petrology of the Southern South Andean Volcanic Zone (41–46°S) with

emphasis on the Michinmáhuida–Chaitén complex (43°S). Zbl. Geol. Paläont. 1693–1708.

Naranjo, J.A. and Stern, C.R. 2004. Holocene tephrochronology of the southernmost part (42° 30’-45°S) of the Andean

Volcanic Zone. Revista Geologica de Chile 31, 225-240.

Parada, M.A., Lopez-Escobar, L., Oliveros, V., Fuentes, F., Morata, D., Calderon, M., Aguirre, L., Feraud, G.,

Espinoza, F., Moreno, H., Figueroa, O., Munoz-Bravo, J., Troncoso-Vasquez, R. and Stern, C. R. 2007. Andean

Magmatism. In: Moreno, T., & Gibbons, W., (eds) The Geology of Chile. The Geological Society, London, 115-

146.

Raga, G.B., Baumgardner, D., Ulke, A.G., Torres Brizuela, M., Kucienska, B., 2013. The environmental impact of the

Puyehue-Cordon Caulle 2011 volcanic eruption on Buenos Aires. Natural Hazards and Earth Systems Science 13,

2319-2330.

Singer, B.S., Jicha, B.R., Harper, M.A., Naranjo, J.A., Lara, L.E., and Moreno-Roa, H. 2008. Eruptive history,

geochronology, and magmatic evolution of the Puyehue-Cordón Caulle volcanic complex, Chile. Geological

Society of America Bulletin 120, 599-618.

Stern, C.R. 2008. Holocene tephrochronology record of large explosive eruption in the southernmost Patagonian Andes.

Bulletin of Volcanology 70, 435-454.

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Stern, C.R., Moreno, H., Lopez-Escobar, L., Clavero, J.E., Lara, L.E., Naranjo, J.A., Parada, M.A. and Skewes, M.A.

2007. Chilean Volcanoes. In: Moreno, T., & Gibbons, W., (eds) The Geology of Chile. The Geological Society,

London, 147-178.

Watt, S.F.L., Pyle, D.M., Mather, T.A., Martin, R.S., Matthews, N.E. 2009. Fallout and distribution of volcanic ash

over Argentina following the May 2008 explosive eruption of Chaiten, Chile. Journal of Geophysical Research

114, (B04207). Doi: 10.1029/2008JB006219.

Watt, S.F.L., Pyle, D.M., and Mather, T.A. 2013. Evidence of mid- to late Holocene explosive rhyolitic eruptions from

Chaiten Volcano, Chile. Andean Geology 40, 216-226

Wicks, C., de la Llera, J.C., Lara, L., Lowenstern, J. 2011. The role of dyking and fault control in the rapid onset of eruption at

Chaitén volcano, Chile. Nature 478, 374–377 (20 October 2011) doi:10.1038/nature10541.

Wilson, T.M., Cole, J.W., Stewart, C., Cronin, S.J., Johnston, D.M. 2011. Ash storms: impacts of wind mobilised

volcanic ash on rural communities and agriculture following the 1991 Hudson eruption, southern Patagonia, Chile.

Bulletin of Volcanology 73, 223-239.

LATE QUATERNARY CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT

Abarzúa, A.M., Villagran, C. and Moreno, P.I. 2004. Deglacial and postglacial climate history in east-central Isla

Grande de Chiloe, southern Chile (43°S) Quaternary Research 62, 49– 59.

Abarzúa, A.M., Moreno, P.I. 2008. Changing fire regimes in the temperate rainforest region of southern Chile over the

last 16,000 yr. Quaternary Research 69, 62–71.

Bertrand, S., Charlet, F., Charlier, B., Renson, V. and Fagel, N. (2008). Climate variability of southern Chile since the

Last Glacial Maximum: A continuous sedimentological record from Lago Puyehue (40°S). Journal of

Paleolimnology, 39, 179-195.

De Batist, M. Fagel, N., Loutre, M-F., Chapron, E. 2008. A 17,900-year multi-proxy lacustrine record of Lago Puyehue

(Chilean Lake District): introduction. Journal of Paleoliminology 39, 151-161.

Denton G.H., Lowell T.V., Moreno P.I., Andersen B.G., Schluchter C. 1999. Geomorphology, stratigraphy, and

radiocarbon chronology of Llanquihue Drift in the area of the Southern Lake District, Seno Reloncavı, and Isla

Grande de Chiloe, Chile. Geografiska Annaler Series A—Physical Geography 81, 167–229.

Haberle, S.G. and Lumley, S.H. 1998. Age and origin of tephra recorded in postglacial lake sediments to the west of the

southern Andes, 44°S to 47°S. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research 84, 239-256.

Heusser C.J. 1974. Vegetation and climate of the southern Chilean lake district during and since the last Interglaciation.

Quaternary Research 4, 190–315.

Heusser C.J. 1984. Late-glacial–Holocene climate of the Lake District of Chile. Quaternary Research 22, 77–90.

Heusser C.J., Heusser L.E., Lowell T.V. 1999. Paleoecology of the southern Chilean Lake District-Isla Grande de

Chiloe during middle-Late Llanquihue glaciation and deglaciation. Geografiska Annaler Series A—Physical

Geography 81, 231–284.

Iglesias, V., Whitlock, C., Bianchi, M.M., Villarosa, G., Outes, V. 2012. Holocene climate variability and

environmental history at the Patagonianforest/steppe ecotone: Lago Mosquito (42°29’37.89”S, 71°24’14.57”W)

and Laguna del Condor (42°20’47.22”S, 71°17’07.62”W). Holocene 22, 1297-1307.

Jara, I.A. and Moreno, P.I. 2012. Temperate rainforest response to climate change and disturbance agents in

northwestern Patagonia (41°S) over the last 2600 years. Quaternary Research 77, 235-244.

Lamy, F, Kaiser, J., Ninnemann, U., Hebbeln, D., Arz, H.W., and Stoner, J. 2004. Antarctic Timing of Surface Water

Changes off Chile and Patagonian Ice Sheet Response. Science 304, 1959-1962.

Latorre, C., Moreno, P.I., Vargas, G., Maldonaldo, A., Villa-Martinez, R., Armesto, J.J., Villagran, C., Pino, M., Nunez,

L., and Grosjean, M. 2007. Late Quaternary environments and paleoclimate. In: Moreno, T., & Gibbons, W., (eds)

The Geology of Chile. The Geological Society, London, 309-328.

Lliboutry, L.: Glaciers of Chile and Argentina. Satellite image atlas of glaciers of the world, South America, edited by:

Williams, R. S. and Ferrigno, J. G., USGS, Denver, USA, 1386-I, 1999.

Massaferro, J.I., Moreno, P.I., Denton, G.H., Vandergoes, M., Dieffenbacher-Krall, A. 2009. Chironomid and pollen

evidence for climate fluctuations during the Last Glacial Termination in NW Patagonia. Quaternary Science

Reviews 28, 517–525.

Moreno, P.I. 1997. Vegetation and climate near Lago Llanquihue in the Chilean Lake District between 20 200 and 9500 14C yr BP. Journal of Quaternary Science 12, 485–500.

Moreno, P.I. and Leon, A.L. 2003. Abrupt vegetation changes during the last glacial to Holocene transition in mid-

latitude South America. Journal of Quaternary Science, 18, 787–800.

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Moreno, P.I. 2004. Millennial-scale climate variability in northwest Patagonia over the last 15 000 yr. Journal of

Quaternary Science 19, 35–47.

Moreno, P.I., Kaplan, M.R., François, J.P., Villa-Martínez, R., Moy, C.M., Stern, C.R., and Kubik, P.W., 2009.

Renewed glacial activity during the Antarctic cold reversal and persistence of cold conditions until 11.5 ka in

southwestern Patagonia. Geology 37, 375–378.

Whitlock, C., Bianchi, M.M., Bartlein, P.J., Markgraf, V., Marlon, J., Walsh, M., McCoy, N. 2006. Postglacial

vegetation, climate, and fire history along the east side of the Andes (lat 41–42.5°S), Argentina. Quaternary

Research 66, 187–201.

Class representative

The class representative provides a useful way to communicate feedback to the teaching staff during the

course. A class representative will be selected at the first lecture of the course. Students may like to write

the Class Rep’s name and details in this box:

Class Rep name and contact details:

Student feedback

Student feedback on University courses may be found at

www.cad.vuw.ac.nz/feedback/feedback_display.php.

Other important information

The information above is specific to this course. There is other important information that students must

familiarise themselves with, including:

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism: www.victoria.ac.nz/home/study/plagiarism

Aegrotats: www.victoria.ac.nz/home/study/exams-and-assessments/aegrotat

Academic Progress: www.victoria.ac.nz/home/study/academic-progress (including restrictions and

non-engagement)

Dates and deadlines: www.victoria.ac.nz/home/study/dates

Grades: www.victoria.ac.nz/home/study/exams-and-assessments/grades

Resolving academic issues: www.victoria.ac.nz/home/about/avcacademic/publications2#grievances

Special passes: www.victoria.ac.nz/home/about/avcacademic/publications2#specialpass

Statutes and policies including the Student Conduct Statute: www.victoria.ac.nz/home/about/policy

Student support: www.victoria.ac.nz/home/viclife/studentservice

Students with disabilities: www.victoria.ac.nz/st_services/disability

Student Charter: www.victoria.ac.nz/home/viclife/student-charter

Student Contract: www.victoria.ac.nz/home/admisenrol/enrol/studentcontract

Turnitin: www.cad.vuw.ac.nz/wiki/index.php/Turnitin

University structure: www.victoria.ac.nz/home/about

VUWSA: www.vuwsa.org.nz

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May 2008 Eruption of Volcan Chaitén, Chile

OFF-CAMPUS ACTIVITIES PERSONAL DISCLOSURE

Name: Student No.:

Phone and email: Date of Birth:

Address:

1. Name of emergency contact person:

Phone:

Address:

2. I have a current First Aid Certificate

Yes

No

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3. I have all the required personal equipment to participate in this off-campus activity Yes

No

If NO, I do not have……. (provide details)

4. Please tick if you have any of the following:

Migraine Epilepsy Asthma

Diabetes Travel sickness Fits of any type

Chronic nose bleeds Heart condition Dizzy spells

Colour blindness Other (please specify)

5. Are you currently taking medication

Yes

No

If Yes, please state ailments

Name of medications

Any other treatments

6. Have you had any major injuries (breaks or strains) or illnesses in the last six months that may limit full

participation in any activities

Yes

No

If YES please state the injury / illness _____________________________________________________

7. Are you allergic to any of the following:

Yes No Please specify

Prescription medication

Food types

Insect bites / stings

Other allergies

What treatment is required:

8. Outline any dietary requirements

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9. While attending the course field-trip I consent to my photo being taken and potentially used for School/course publicity purposes

Yes

No

The above information is true to the best of my knowledge

_______________________ ______________

Signature Date