Arctic REU Greenland
Opportunity Description:
This NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) is focused on developing skills in geologic mapping and field work in Precambrian rocks. Our work will integrate structural geology, metamorphic geology, and earthquake geodynamics in a remote, international setting.
The research goal is to better understand how earthquake ruptures propagate through bedrock in the deeper reaches of Earth's crust. To accomplish this, the REU students will map the distribution of pseudotachylyte – thin black veins that formed by frictional melting along faults during earthquakes. The faults are preserved in Archean, high-grade metamorphic rocks, and were probably active during early Proterozoic time at a depth of 10–15 km. They were later exhumed and uplifted to Earth's surface and are now well exposed in coastal outcrops in western Greenland.
Support includes a $4000 stipend with up to $1000 additional funding for field and camping gear, a passport, and an iPad for geologic mapping. Travel, lodging, and most meals are provided.
The expedition will depart from New York for Sisimiut, Greenland, via Kangerlusuaq (travel to NY also provided). We will camp 5 days/week on a remote island and spend 2 days/week in dormitory-style housing in Sisimiut. While camping, tents, meals, and cooking gear, will be provided.
Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants should be undergraduates who preferably will have completed a course in mineralogy, petrology, or Earth materials. Coursework in structural geology and/or field geology or field methods is useful. NSF requires REU participants to be US citizens or permanent residents.
Participants should have a planned date of graduation no earlier than December, 2022. Because of the late start time, students completing a geology field camp early in the summer might be able to attend this REU.
We encourage applications from first-generation college students and members of under-represented groups.
Application Process:
Submit your application here after reviewing the information below.
The above link will take you to an external application site called Submittable at Montana State University. Look for Arctic REU Greenland. You can save your application as a draft and continue later. Make sure to hit the "Apply" button at the end of the form when you are done!
The program has an inclusive application form that will prompt you to discuss your interests, whether your GPA accurately reflects your academic ability, how any disabilities you may have could be accommodated, what kind of experience you may or may not have had with people from different cultures or social backgrounds, and what socioeconomic or other hardships you have have faced or overcome.
You do not need reference letters for the application. The program will ask finalists for two names and their contact information.
The deadline for applications is usually sometime early to mid February.