Geomorphological Expedition to Annapurna, Himalaya, Nepal
2007 Exploration Seminar in Nepal

**THIS PROGRAM IS FULL AND NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS**

Program Director: Jaakko Putkonen
Dates of Instruction: September 3 - 25, 2007

This expedition explores the geomorphology, glacial geology, and human induced environmental effects in Kathmandu and the Annapurna region in Nepalese Himalaya through hands on field investigations, on site lectures, hypotheses building and testing in the field. Geologically this is one of the most active areas in the world: the mountains in Himalaya are literally growing today. This growth is compensated by vigorous rockfalls and landsliding and swift rivers that carry the sediments away. At higher altitudes the glaciers are effectively grinding the rock into regolith that is deposited on large heaps at the melting zone. We will trek past and see many of the worlds tallest mountains on narrow foot paths cut into sheer cliffs and on suspension bridges over raging rivers (over 26,000 ft: Manaslu, Annapurna I, Mt Everest/Sagarmatha).

Walking is the primary mode of locomotion in the poor developing country that has no roads through much of the mountains. After several days of trekking past small terraced fields we will arrive at the base camp in the seldom visited part of the country close to the Tibetan border. At the altitude of 13,500 ft the shear walking will become a strenuous exercise because of the vanishing oxygen in the air. We will install sediment traps and study the erosion of the landscape that is caused by terracing and cultivation by humans. We will map deforestation due to extensive demand on fuel for cooking and heating, and we will map and measure the natural background erosion rates that slowly change the landscape in the absence of humans. We will attempt to answer questions like: how much the human presence affects the landscape, can we detect an erosional signature of agriculture? How much has the landscape changed naturally since the last ice age? Where are those sediments today that have been mobilized over time? Back in Kathmandu all the data and analyses will be collected into a final report.

The minimum physical requirement is that the participant can hike a maximum of eight hours a day with a small day pack. Most camp chores are done by porters and cooks which leaves the participants more time for field work. In Kathmandu and Besisahar we will sleep in hotels and teahouses, in the field we will be sleeping in sturdy expedition quality tents that are supplied by the organizer (including toilet tents). Participants need to bring their own boots, clothes, sleeping bag (can be rented in Kathmandu as well) and daypack. No special gear is required (beyond regular note taking, report making and simple mapping boards) or when needed it is supplied by organizer. Fulfilling and mostly vegetarian (most Hindus are vegetarian) meals are prepared by cooks three times daily. Through the field trip we have ample time to interact with Nepalese from all walks of life including village grade school teachers, government officers, Professors with Tribhuvan University, and most importantly the poor villagers; farmers and herders. We will visit ancient temples and monasteries both in Kathmandu and in villages and absorb the vibrant, everyday culture by observing and interacting. Some of the villages we visit do not have electricity. When one strolls between the stone walls of these ancient villages after sunset seeing only dim lights of candles and hearing quiet talk of sleepy villagers, no radio, no tv, no ipod, it is easy to see how little life has changed for centuries. No matter what part of the world they came from, our own ancestors must have lived like this a long time ago.

Although this expedition is challenging both physically and scientifically it will be very rewarding and requires no special background. Students will earn 5 credits in their choice of the following courses CHID 474 (I&S), or ESS 209.   Participants should also check with their academic advisors to determine how these credits may apply to major requirements.

Student costs:  
$2,550 Program Fee
$200 IPE Fee
Additional costs include: return airfare to Kathmandu, insurance, course materials, and personal expenses.

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