N/A

Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, Arusha

Indiana University
College of Arts and Sciences,
Bloomington, IN

6

For more information about program cost see http://geology.indiana.edu/njau/tanzania/costs.html

This program offers exciting six-week study abroad experience in Tanzania at the world’s most famous archaeological site. During this intensive field course students will learn fundamentals of geological processes and develop skills in fossil and archaeological exploration by receiving first-hand field experience. The course will emphasize field observations, data recording and interpretation with the goal of understanding physical and biological processes of site formation and human evolution. Students will have the opportunity to conduct field experiments such as measuring stratigraphic sections, stone knapping and bone taphonomy. Students will work closely with the instructors and prominent scientists currently doing research at the Olduvai site to develop and carry out independent research projects.

The program includes two multiple-day field trips and two single-day field trips to spectacular geological and archaeological destinations that serve the dual purpose of providing important instruction in localities near Olduvai Gorge. This includes excursions to Ol Doinyo Lengai (one of the most famous volcano in the world), Ngorongoro Crater and Embagai Craters. Students will study the impressive fault escarpment that marks the western boundary of the East Africa Rift Zone as well as understand the implication of the continental rifting and associated volcanism to evolution of early humans in East Africa. Students will visit nearby paleoathropological sites at Laetoli (3.5 million years old hominin footprint site) and Peninj that provide an important contrast to those studied in the Olduvai sites.

Field instruction will also take students to Serengeti National Park where its diverse savanna ecosystem provides important modern analogs for understanding the Plio-Pleistocene evolution of African vertebrates (including hominins) as well as evolution of grass plains. Serengeti and Ngorongoro are world famous Safari destinations and students will have the opportunity to experience this lifetime ecological and study safari.

Geoarchaeology

2.0 million years old site

The Olduvai Gorge campsite is about 240 km northwest of Arusha city (approximately 6 hours drive). The site is located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area a World Heritage Site famous for its wildlife, geological and cultural resources.

The program will provide transport from and to the airport and throughout the field study.

Field work sites will be accessed by cars. The program use couple of four-wheel drive Toyota Land cruisers throughout the field study. Usually, students are driven closer closer to study outcrops or sites with the goal of minimizing long distance walks. However, The field terrain varies from flat grass plains to steep outcrops. Field instructions will include hiking down and up the slippery outcrops, requiring rugged boots with deep treads for a good grip and to protect against the acacia tree thorns. Occasional long distance walks (approximately 20 minutes) will be involved depending on the accessibility of particular study sites. Dust is prevalent so precautions should be taken such as using bandanas.

Monday-Saturday.

N/A

Dr. Jackson Njau
Dr. James Brophy

- Lithics identification
- Stone knapping
- Faunal analysis
- Excavation and fossil hunting field techniques
- Rock identification
- Rock deformation associated with extensional tectonics
- Pre-Cambrian crystalline geology

There is field lab at basecamp where students will be learning and do rock and faunal analysis

The program includes two multiple-day field trips and two single-day field trips to spectacular geological and archaeological destinations that serve the dual purpose of providing important instruction in localities near Olduvai Gorge. This includes excursions to Ol Doinyo Lengai (one of the most famous volcano in the world), Ngorongoro Crater and Embagai Craters. Students will study the impressive fault escarpment that marks the western boundary of the East Africa Rift Zone as well as understand the implication of the continental rifting and associated volcanism to evolution of early humans in East Africa. Students will visit nearby paleoathropological sites at Laetoli (3.5 million years old hominin footprint site) and Peninj that provide an important contrast to those studied in the Olduvai sites.

Field studies will be preceded by evening or morning lectures

Not restricted

Jackson Njau
Department of Geological Sciences,
1001 E. Tenth Street, Bloomington, IN 47405