CLSTHES003 - The Nature and Geology of U.S. National Parks: From Crater Lake to the Everglades
Have you ever wondered how caves form, how mountains are made and eroded, or how volcanoes erupt? Have you ever wondered about what controls the diversity of life across North America, from roseate spoonbills in Florida to snowy owls in the Arctic tundra? Join Cin-Ty Lee, Ph.D., on a virtual tour of the geology and nature of some of America’s most beloved national parks. Vicariously immerse yourself in the wetlands of the Everglades, explore the subterranean world of Carlsbad Caverns, climb the peaks of Denali, wander through the forests of the Smoky Mountains and look into a volcano at Crater Lake.
Content was previously recorded by the instructor (originally released March 1, 2021).
You may also be interested in Dr. Lee’s in-person/on-campus course, The Art of Observation: Seeing and Sketching With a Naturalist, March 20–April 24, 2024, 10 a.m. to noon. Other prerecorded/on-demand courses in Dr. Lee's The Nature and Geology of U.S. National Parks series include: From Arches to White Sands, From Acadia to Zion and From Glacier to the Grand Canyon
Course Details
Cin-Ty Lee, Ph.D., is the Harry Carothers Wiess Professor of Geology in the Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences at Rice University. He received his Ph.D. from Harvard University and his B.A. from the University of California at Berkeley. His research focuses on volcanoes, continent formation and the making of ore deposits. Dr. Lee is also a lifelong naturalist and has written numerous articles on the field identification of birds. He dedicates his spare time to documenting the flora and fauna of Rice University, and has recorded 228 species of birds and over 500 species of insects since 2002.
- The Everglades: Swamps, coral reefs and flamingos
- Carlsbad Caverns: From ancient reefs to a subterranean world
- Denali National Park and Preserve: The roof of North America
- Great Smoky Mountains: Geology and wildlife along the Appalachian Mountains
- Crater Lake: Volcanism in the Pacific Northwest
Online: Pre-recorded / on demand
This course will be delivered in a pre-recorded/on-demand format. Registered participants will receive instructions to access the course page and may view the pre-recorded lectures in any order and as often as preferred. Check Section Notes for access availability.