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GeoloGy and the ShapinG of the american SouthweStdr aviva J Sussman Los Alamos National Laboratory / University of New Mexico (US)

emily Schultz-fellenz Los Alamos National Laboratory / University of New Mexico (US)

Expedition Briefing 2011e v e r y t h i n G y o u n e e d t o k n o w b e f o r e y o u G o

TIMELINE AND CHECKLIST In preparing for your upcoming Earthwatch Expedition, please ensure that you:

* If you have signed up for an expedition within 90 days of the start date, you must return your fully completed Volunteer Forms as soon as possible.

Immediately: � Read this Expedition Briefing and all enclosed materials thoroughly � Book an appointment with your doctor; you’ll need him or her to sign your Health Form � Make sure you understand and agree to Earthwatch policies and participant responsibilities (see Appendix)

At least 90 days prior to your expedition start date: Complete and return your Volunteer Forms. Below are the specific forms required for this expedition:

� Personal Profile � Health Form

� Travel Details Form � Liability Release Form

European volunteers can download Volunteer Forms on: earthwatch.org/europe/volunteerforms US/North American volunteers can download Volunteer Forms at: earthwatch.org/volunteerforms Australian volunteers can download forms on earthwatch.org/australia/expeditions/volunteer_forms/ Japanese volunteers can download forms on www.earthwatch.jp/getinvolved/condition/formdownload-i.html

� Pay any outstanding balance on the minimum contribution for your expedition � Book travel arrangements (see the Rendezvous sections for details) � If you plan to purchase additional travel insurance, note that some policies require purchase when your

expedition is booked. (See the Insurance section for more information.) � If traveling internationally, make sure your passport is current and obtain a visa for your destination country

(if necessary) (see the Passports and Visas section for more details) � Make sure you have all the necessary vaccinations for your project site (see the Health Information section) � Purchase a guidebook for your destination country � Bring your level of fitness up to the standards required (see the Project Conditions section)

At least 60 days prior to your expedition start date:

� Review the packing list, ensuring you have all the clothing and any special equipment needed � Obtain any necessary prescription medications that will be needed for your travels

Up to 30 days before you leave for the Expedition:

� Read any required reading or websites recommended by the Earthwatch scientist for your expedition � Make sure you have enough personal funds for your expedition (See the Travel Planning section) � Leave the Earthwatch emergency contact number with a friend or relative (see Emergencies in the Field) � Leave a copy of your passport, visas, and airline tickets with a friend or relative � Confirm your travel arrangements

On the Expedition:

� Read any additional materials provided by the Earthwatch scientist � Take photos and or video and keep a research diary when and where appropriate (see the Earthwatch

Rights and Responsibilities in the Appendix). Those with photography and film skills are encouraged to share media from the expedition with Earthwatch.

� Talk to your teammates about other great expeditions

Within 30 days of the expedition’s conclusion:

� Please complete our online evaluation survey to help us improve. Your feedback is appreciated!

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GEOLOGY AND THE SHAPING OF THE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST

Table of Contents

GENERAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................................................................2 EMERGENCY CONTACTS .......................................................................................................................................2 THE RESEARCH .......................................................................................................................................................5

RESEARCH AREA ......................................................................................................................................................6 RESEARCH ACHIEVEMENTS .......................................................................................................................................8 PROJECT STAFF .......................................................................................................................................................9

DAILY LIFE IN THE FIELD ..................................................................................................................................... 10 VOLUNTEER TRAINING AND ASSIGNMENTS .............................................................................................................. 10 TEAM ITINERARY AND DAILY SCHEDULE .................................................................................................................. 11 ACCOMMODATIONS ................................................................................................................................................ 14 FOOD .................................................................................................................................................................... 15 PROJECT CONDITIONS ........................................................................................................................................... 16 POTENTIAL HAZARDS ............................................................................................................................................. 17 HEALTH INFORMATION ........................................................................................................................................... 18 MEDICAL CONDITIONS OF SPECIAL CONCERN ......................................................................................................... 18 EMERGENCIES IN THE FIELD ................................................................................................................................... 19 COMMUNICATIONS ................................................................................................................................................. 20

TRAVEL PLANNING............................................................................................................................................... 21 RENDEZVOUS ........................................................................................................................................................ 21 PASSPORTS AND VISAS .......................................................................................................................................... 21 INSURANCE ........................................................................................................................................................... 23 PACKING CONSIDERATIONS .................................................................................................................................... 24 ADDITIONAL TRAVEL INFORMATION ......................................................................................................................... 26 RECOMMENDED READING ...................................................................................................................................... 27 HELPFUL RESOURCES ........................................................................................................................................... 29

EXPEDITION PACKING CHECKLIST.................................................................................................................... 33

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GENERAL INFORMATION Project title Geology and the Shaping of the American Southwest

Earthwatch scientist Aviva J. Sussman, Geophysicist, Los Alamos National Laboratory; University of New Mexico

Research site Valles Caldera National Preserve and Surrounding Area (Jemez Mountains, NM)

Expedition Dates Team 1: May 21, 2011 – May 30, 2011

Team 3: September 30 – October 9, 2011

Expedition length: 10 days

Team Size Max: 12 participants Minimum age of participation: 18 years of age*

*Note: It may be possible for 16- and 17-year-olds to participate on standard teams if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Contact Earthwatch for more information and see Volunteers Under 18 Years of Age in the Passports and Visas section for traveling advice for minors.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS Emergency contact number at Earthwatch headquarters in the US:

+1 978 461-0081

OR

(800) 776-0188

(Please note that the 800-number is toll-free only for calls placed

within the US.)

After business hours, leave your message with our live answering service. State that you have an emergency communication and leave a clear message with the name of the field program, your name, location from which you are calling, and if possible, a phone number where you can be reached. An Earthwatch staff person will be contacted and will respond to your call within one hour.

Emergency medical and evacuation assistance provider To contact International SOS in the event of an emergency, dial: • For assistance within the US: ISOS Philadelphia,

+1 215 942-8459 • For assistance outside the US: ISOS London,

+44 (0) 208 762 8550 • For assistance within Australia: ISOS Australasia,

+ 61 (0) 2 9372 2468

State that you are on an Earthwatch expedition. The following information must be provided:

1. The Insured Person’s name 2. The A ssured i s EARTHWATCH, t he C ertificate

No: GP 0010214 and SOS reference #14ACPA000075

3. The telephone nu mber and f acsimile nu mber where the Insured Person can be reached

4. The Insured Person's address abroad 5. The nature of the emergency

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Dear Earthwatcher,

Welcome to Earthwatch! We greatly appreciate your decision to contribute to hands-on environmental science and conservation. As an Earthwatch volunteer, you have the opportunity to create positive change. Each year we send thousands of people just like you into the field to understand and help an array of species, habitats, and cultures on approximately 65 research projects in more than 35 countries. These projects focus on: Climate Change, Cultural Heritage, Ecosystem Services, and Oceans. We place great importance on the health and safety of all those involved in our activities anywhere in the world. Although risk is an inherent part of the environments in which we work, careful risk management and diligent planning mean that all participants can have educational and inspirational Earthwatch experiences. We’ve been providing worldwide experiences for more than 35 years, so you’re in good hands. It is essential that you carefully read your Expedition Briefing and complete the Volunteer Forms so that you are fully prepared. Your Expedition Briefing includes important logistical information such as instructions for reaching the project site, what to pack, what immunizations you need, how to physically prepare for your expedition, and more. It also explains the research being conducted on the project, why it’s important, and what role you’ll play as an Earthwatch volunteer. Well prepared volunteers are better able to enjoy the unique and exciting experiences that an Earthwatch expedition offers and will be more helpful to the scientists’ important work. Open-mindedness, ability to work on a team, and a desire to learn are key to a successful and enjoyable Earthwatch experience. We hope this expedition will inspire you to get more involved in conservation and sustainable development priorities—not just out in the field but also when you return home. We encourage you to share your experiences with others, to transfer your skills and enthusiasm to environmental conservation efforts in your workplace, in your community, and at home. If you have questions as you prepare for your expedition, contact your Earthwatch office. Thank you for your support, and enjoy your expedition! Sincerely,

Anne T. Ogilvie International Director of Field Management

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Dear Earthwatch Volunteer, On behalf of the research team, welcome to our expedition! We strive to provide you with an educational, safe, and fun experience. It is our hope this expedition will be the beginning of good friendships and a love of field-based science. Our research site lies in northern New Mexico, a beautiful and still relatively unknown part of the intermountain west. Originally populated by numerous Native American tribes, Spanish explorers came to this region in the mid-16th century and founded Santa Fe as its capital (it remains the capital of the state of New Mexico). The American westward expansion movement helped lay the foundation of the blended cultures, which exist today in the region.

As you will read in this Expedition Briefing, our work will apply a variety of methods and technologies to collect data. During this expedition, you’ll be using a variety of field equipment and methods to help better understand the complex relationship between tectonics and volcanism in the Rio Grande Rift. In particular, we will focus on careful mapping and characterization of the Bandelier Tuff, one of the local surface geologic units, and its ability (or not) to fracture on the micro- and macro-scale. The research in which you will participate has local and global implications for issues including contaminant transport and fate, water resources, geothermal energy, natural hazard mitigation, and understanding other rift systems worldwide.

Beyond contributing to the compilation and interpretation of significant data, one of the most interesting things you will learn is the process of doing geological research. Unlike other expeditions for which you may have volunteered, there may not be many ‘answers’ at the end of this expedition: first, there is a lot of other work that we (your Earthwatch scientists) will have to do in the laboratory following the expedition to distill the data we gather, and second, our approach to science is that the more ‘questions’ we have at the end, the better!

Geologic research involves an intensive and extensive work schedule. Due to our limited time and ambitious agenda, we try and fill much of our time with research-related tasks. But don’t feel daunted—being focused on a research topic within a community of researchers can be quite fun and rewarding, and there will be opportunities to explore the area and plenty of relaxing. Three things to remember: be flexible, patient, and detail-oriented.

Fieldwork may be hot, dusty, and dry in the mornings, and rainy, cool, and wet after lunchtime. We will be working regularly at elevations between 7,000 and 10,000 feet. Daily work may include hiking 4–5 miles in steep terrain, and carrying equipment and rock samples weighing 40–50 lbs. No matter how the science or the elements challenge us, you’ll learn to take it in stride. You’ll also have time to check out the wildlife, wildflowers, and amazing scenery. During the expedition, we’ll be able to take side trips to various natural and cultural features. By the end of this expedition, we believe you’ll understand why New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment.

With any scientific research, especially when working on detailed local issues, it is important to maintain a global perspective. Through our research we strive to better understand the complex geologic processes which have occurred throughout time, and share that knowledge so it may be applied to future endeavors. We welcome your participation, and trust you’ll leave with a new appreciation for our dynamic, ever-changing planet.

Aviva J. Sussman, PhD

Earthwatch scientist

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THE RESEARCH

Geology and the Shaping of the American Southwest

The Rio Grande Rift (RGR) is a 1000 km long geologic feature, extending south from central Colorado into Chihuahua, Mexico. Rather than being one huge, continuous valley, the RGR is actually made up of a series of offset (or en-echelon) basins that are bounded by faults. The basins forming the RGR include the Albuquerque, Española, and San Luis basins. Over the past 25 million years, these basins developed as tectonic stresses pulled the continent apart and filled the basins with sediment. At the same time (geologically speaking), extensive volcanism (e.g., from the Valles Caldera near Los Alamos, NM) gave rise to large ash-flow deposits (called tuff or ignimbrite) and basalt flows, which also filled the basins. As a result, the RGR basins are layered with both sedimentary and volcanic rocks. Since these different rock types have different properties (i.e., permeability, porosity, strength), and since tectonism and volcanism occurred nearly simultaneously, understanding the region’s geological architecture and how it changed through time is an essential component for answering questions related to contaminant transport and fate, water availability, and climatic impacts effected by such large volcanic systems. Additionally, the fieldwork we do may help suggest avenues for improving environmental sustainability here and throughout our world. Most, if not all, of our fieldwork will be carried out along the western margin of the Espanola Basin, in and around the Jemez Mountains. Consisting of two members erupted as a series of ash-rich ignimbrites during enormous, caldera-forming events at about 1.61 Ma and 1.22 Ma, the Bandelier Tuff’s exposure throughout the Jemez Mountains of northern New Mexico is extensive. The Bandelier Tuff forms a spectacular dissected plateau landscape, and much of Los Alamos National Laboratory is constructed directly on this ignimbrite unit. Furthermore, the Bandelier Tuff controls much of the flow of groundwater beneath Los Alamos National Laboratory and the surrounding communities. As such, the material properties of the Bandelier Tuff are relevant to a number of regional environmental issues such as groundwater contamination and earthquake hazards.

Ignimbrite sequences are typically subdivided into “cooling units” in which the juvenile material (crystals, pumice, and lithic fragments) welds during compaction and cooling. The older Otowi Member is a single cooling unit, whereas the younger Tshirege Member is a compound cooling unit showing distinct welding variations attributed to intervals of cooling between emplacement of successive pyroclastic flow units. Cooling units in the Tshirege Member, which may or may not coincide with contacts between flow units, have been characterized based on primary and secondary features, including welding, devitrification, vapor-phase alteration, oxidation, and relative content of crystals, pumice, and lithic fragments. The properties of these individual cooling units can vary and can affect the unit’s ability to fracture, and also passive parameters like contaminant transport and water flow/recharge. The Tshirege Member of the Bandelier Tuff has been very carefully studied on the eastern flanks of the Jemez Mountains, but that careful mapping of individual cooling units has not yet been undertaken across the entire volcanic province. Visual differentiation of cooling units can vary by location, and performing geochemical analyses at a vast number of outcrops is time-consuming and cost-prohibitive. We are testing and implementing a proxy characterization method, by which we may be able to correlate rock units across the Jemez Mountains. Our research seeks to further characterize the Bandelier Tuff on the basis of strength, as determined via Schmidt hammer rebound numbers, point load experiments, and triaxial compression tests. Schmidt hammer rebound data yield distinct values ranging from 12 to 57 and correspond to welding, as determined by the morphology of the Bandelier Tuff in thin section and geochemical zonation. Because the degree of welding (among other features such as devitrification and vapor-phase alteration) can vary laterally and may depend on several factors, including temperature at time of deposition and input of meteoric water during cooling, major and trace element data are often used to provide definitive identification of flow units. Thus far our data is consistent with previous studies that show that the Tshirege Member is stratigraphically zoned from more high-silica rhyolite at its base to more low-silica rhyolite at its top. As participants in our RGR investigation, you will play an important role in data collection; the data you collect will be used in our analyses and interpretations. The methods you will learn to use during our expedition include classic geological fieldwork and geophysical data collection. As team members, you will contribute to the research project by assisting the research staff in all aspects of data collection, including, but not limited to: making

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fundamental observations, measuring strike and dip, identifying minerals rocks, describing fracture characteristics, collecting hand samples, and drilling and orientating rock cores. In addition, you will have the opportunity to use specialized equipment such as a Schmidt hammer, point load strength tester (PLST), and paleomagnetic drills to collect cores for rock-magnetic experiments.

RESEARCH AREA All of our field time will be spent in the Jemez Mountains of north central New Mexico. GPS coordinates for our base in Jemez Springs, NM, are: 35.7081˚N, -106.6891˚W. The Jemez Mountains are a volcanic mountain range located along the western margin of the Rio Grande Rift. The Rio Grande runs along the axis of the rift and is the eighth-longest river in the US, starting just southeast of Silverton, CO, and emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. Geology and geologic forces truly control the river’s path, one of the southwestern United States’ most precious aquifers and surface water resources.

Figure 1: This three panel map illustrates the rendezvous location

(Albuquerque, NM), accommodations in Jemez Springs, NM, and the

research area (Valles Caldera National Preserve). We will be staying

southwest of Valles caldera and adjacent to the Santa Fe National

Forest. New Mexico’s capital, Santa Fe, is shown for reference.

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The Jemez Mountains contain the Valles Caldera National Preserve, an 89,000+ acre preserve purchased by the US Government from a private owner in 2000. The Preserve protects an exceptional geologic, cultural, and natural resource. From a geologic perspective, Valles Caldera is a resurgent-dome caldera system, or a collapsed volcanic center. The caldera as we see it today formed approximately 1.25 million years ago during the catastrophic eruption of more than 300 km3 of volcanic material, which is now called the upper Bandelier Tuff (or Tshirege Member). As the Bandelier Tuff was erupted, the floor of the caldera collapsed along a system of ring fractures creating a giant depression nearly 18 km in diameter. Regional seismic data and gravity anomalies indicate that a magma body currently exists at depths beneath the caldera floor. You will learn much more about the geology and the area on the expedition.

Physical Environment The landscape of the Rio Grande Rift is varied and ranges from a desert environment covered with dunes, sagebrush, and cacti (in the south and lowlands) to a forested and snow-capped mountain terrain filled with aspen, evergreens, and alpine meadows (in the north and high terrain). The region’s climate ranges from arid to semiarid, with a wide range of temperatures (see the Project Conditions section for more information). One major challenge to fieldwork in this area is that you may be working in a hot, dry climate one day and cold, wet climate the next. You will be sharing the research area with a multitude of creatures including bear, mountain lion, elk, deer, raptors (including eagles), rattlesnakes, spiders, and a variety of fish (including the endangered Rio Grande Cutthroat trout). We are but guests visiting the homes of nature’s creatures; we will teach you how to coexist peacefully with them while keeping yourself safe.

Figure 2: This 1:250,000 scale topographic map shows most of the research area, the Jemez Mountains. Valles caldera is the focal point of the Jemez Mountains and this expedition; it is the circular feature at the top-

center of the map. Our accommodations, the Valles Caldera National Preserve – Science and Education Center (VCNP – SEC) is shown by the white star. Los Alamos County and Los Alamos National Laboratory sit

on the eastern flanks of the Jemez Mountains.

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Cultural, Social, and Political Environment Northern New Mexico is an important center of Native American/American Indian culture. The Pueblo Indians live in communities throughout the area, many of which predate neighboring European settlements, including Santa Fe, the oldest capitol in the US, established in 1608. More than one-third of New Mexicans claim Hispanic origin and many are descended from the original Spanish colonists. With both Native American and Hispanic histories, plus the American westward expansion, the region is particularly heterogeneous. You will have the opportunity to learn about these cultures during the expedition.

RESEARCH ACHIEVEMENTS Our research team has conducted other geologic investigations, some with previous Earthwatch expeditions, in the southern Jemez Mountains over the last seven years. Those investigations focused on constraining paleomagnetic properties of the rocks of the Jemez Mountains. We found that since the deposition of the two units that comprise the Bandelier Tuff (approximately 1.61 and 1.25 million years ago), these rocks have been tectonically affected (e.g., faulted) but have not been rotated. This tells us that in the recent geologic past, the faulting and deformation controlled by the Rio Grande Rift has been relatively simple deformation, and does not contain a torsion (or shear) component. This can lead us to implications about the geometry of geologic faults at depth, and how those geologic faults may provide important pathways for fluid flow, contaminant transport, and geothermal energy transfer.

Summary of Key Achievements in Past Years with Earthwatch Support Peer-reviewed journal article in press; two students’ masters theses; multiple research papers presented at or in preparation for major geological conferences (e.g., American Geophysical Union, Geological Society of America, American Rock Mechanics Association). Work has been featured within Los Alamos National Laboratory.

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PROJECT STAFF Earthwatch Scientist Aviva J. Sussman, Los Alamos National Laboratory/ University of New Mexico. Aviva is a geoscientist with specialties in: geophysics, structural geology, and geological engineering. She earned her doctorate in Geosciences from the University of Arizona. Before moving to New Mexico, Aviva completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Zaragoza (Spain), and spent an idyllic year teaching at Bryn Mawr College. She has been working in the Rio Grande Rift for seven years, and her work has been funded by the Institute for Geophysics and Planetary Physics at the University of California. As a Studio Arts major in college, Aviva did not get into the sciences until she went on a geology fieldtrip with a class during her junior year. Aviva will lead scientific investigation efforts; she enjoys being outside and spending time with her family and friends.

Earthwatch Field Staff Emily S. Schultz-Fellenz, Research Geoscientist, Los Alamos National Laboratory. Emily holds a masters degree from Oregon State University with expertise in structural geology, paleoseismology, and seismic hazards. Emily got into geology as an undergrad after being lured away from political science with free pizza at a Geology Club meeting, and never looked back! She has spent a great deal of time collecting data in the desert Southwest, the Midwest, the Pacific Northwest, and western South America. She has been researching the geology and geologic faults of the Rio Grande Rift for eight years and is an expert with the research goals of this project through her extensive complementary work in the region. Emily will lead fieldtrips and help manage fieldwork objectives. In her personal time, she gardens, hikes, has cats, enjoys sharing time with friends and family, and is a great cook. She is a born-and-bred Cheesehead, having lived in Wisconsin through the completion of her bachelor’s degree, and moved to New Mexico permanently after completing her masters degree in Oregon.

Douglas S. Byers, M.S. Science Education (Dec. 2011), New Mexico Tech. Doug is a graduate student currently conducting thesis research in structural geology, specifically in the Bandelier Tuff. He is a graduate research assistant at Los Alamos National Laboratory, and has been working in Jemez Mountains for two years. He recently “took a break” from his career in teaching to continue graduate work in geology and spend more time in the field. Doug enjoys alpine skiing, sailing, hunting, mixed martial arts, hiking, traveling, working outdoors, and spending time with his family and friends. He will assist with training, equipment use/data collection, logistics, and field safety. Doug grew up in New England and has lived in New Mexico for 17 years.

Staffing Schedule (Subject to Change)

Staff Member Present Team 1 Team 3

Aviva Sussman X X

Emily Schultz-Fellenz X X

Doug Byers X X

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DAILY LIFE IN THE FIELD VOLUNTEER TRAINING AND ASSIGNMENTS Training Following our arrival at the Valles Caldera National Preserve Science and Education Center, the expedition will begin with staff and volunteer introductions and a discussion of group norms and safety, which will help set the tone for our subsequent interactions. Over the first few days, the Earthwatch scientist and research staff will introduce the project and bring a greater depth of understanding of how our work relates to local and global issues. We will also introduce you in a hands-on way to the local geology. Group meetings will occur on a regular basis to discuss our plans, results, issues, etc. We’re also guessing that many spontaneous discussions will ensue about a wide variety of topics, scientific and otherwise. As the expedition progresses and concludes, the team members will take the lead, report their findings to the group and to the world through lectures and web-based presentations.

In the process of conducting fieldwork, you will learn the following skills: how to identify rocks and minerals, how to make qualitative geological observations and collect quantitative strike and dip measurements, how to use a rock-core drill, and how to properly orient rock cores. You will also gain familiarity with how geological and geophysical data sets are incorporated into interpretations. If you ever feel unclear or uncertain about something, just ask. We might not have all the answers right away, but we may know where to find them. Our main safety measures include hands-on field geology training, equipment training, appropriate use of proper field gear, local climate/high altitude awareness training, a small staff to volunteer ratio, and safe outdoor practices. In addition, we will adjust our field plans according to weather and other natural factors, and make sure that team members understand the risks and safety procedures for working in the various environments where our research is being conducted. The Earthwatch scientist and field staff will give you a more detailed onsite project briefing when you arrive, and continually address concerns brought on by changing conditions and/or external factors.

Assignments As team members, you will contribute to the research project by assisting the research staff in all aspects of our fieldwork. You will be assigned tasks such as making geologic and geophysical measurements, collecting rock samples, and starting the process of analysis and interpretation. You will have exposure to a variety of field equipment including: a geologic compass, rock hammer, hydrochloric acid (safe levels), rock-core drill, Schmidt hammer, and possibly to hyperspectral imaging and global positioning systems (GPS). Below is a list of what you can expect to do during your experience (every assignment will not necessarily be performed each day):

• Assignment 1: Understand and implement the critical skill of careful observation with all senses, and note-taking in geologic investigations.

• Assignment 2: Learn to describe minerals and rocks in scientific terms, and understand why different minerals are found in different rocks, and why different rocks are found in different geologic environments.

• Assignment 3: Learn to identify various samples of igneous rock from the research area including volcanic tuff, basalt, ash/pumice, and obsidian, using a hand lens, microscope, and mineral hardness kits.

• Assignment 4: Construct a detailed stratigraphic section of the rocks we will sample in the Jemez Mountains by using a Jacob Staff, compass, tape measure, hand lens, and GPS unit.

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• Assignment 5: Collect detailed numerical data in specific sections of the Bandelier Tuff using a Schmidt hammer, compass, and GPS unit.

• Assignment 6: Collect oriented hand and block samples of volcanic tuff in the field using a compass, rock hammer, and GPS unit.

• Assignment 7: Drill rock cores in the ignimbrites and other volcanic rocks in the Jemez Mountains, orient and mark the cores, wrap all samples, and pack them for transport for PLST and magnetic testing.

NOTE: After training, all assignments will be conducted in the field, which may include hiking long distances in rough terrain and at high altitudes, and carrying up to 50lbs of equipment and rock samples. Team members will be able to work together to meet this requirement. If you have any concerns with this please contact Earthwatch prior to fielding and the scientists once arrived on the site. Please be physically and mentally prepared to endure extended difficult work in sometimes extreme conditions.

TEAM ITINERARY AND DAILY SCHEDULE Be aware that daily schedules will fluctuate based on a variety of factors. Our plans can and will be modified by weather, work conditions, land access, research findings and needs, general mood of the team, and other unforeseen issues. When these situations arise, your cooperation, flexibility, and understanding are appreciated. An example itinerary/schedule is laid out below, but should not be taken as final. Morning departure and afternoon returns will fluctuate. Earthwatch scientists and staff will gauge the pace of research and activity level of participants on a daily basis. Our main activities include: walking, hiking, digging, drilling, measuring, and note taking, often in dry, dusty, and hot environments. The team will be outside for up to 10–12 hours a day; this means that you will not have access to a proper bathroom (as you may know it) during that time and you (1) will learn the beauty of nature’s bathroom, and (2) will have to pack out any solid waste products (we will give you instructions for this). Days 1–2: Training/Acclimation

Days 3–7: Fieldwork (Day 5: ½ day field, ½ day recreation)

Day 8: Cultural/Recreation Day

Day 9: ½ day fieldwork, ½ day wrap-up

Day 10: Departure

Day 1: Rendezvous Day/Introductions/Training Time of Day Activity Morning Participant Travel; Staff prepare for volunteer arrivals

12:00pm Lunch

Afternoon Pick up volunteers, travel to VCNP-SEC

Room assignments, get settled, get acquainted

Tour of SEC facility and surrounding area

5:30pm Those arriving by personal vehicle should be at VCNP-SEC

6.00pm Dinner

Early Evening Staff introductions/expectations, volunteer introductions, begin training and discuss assignments

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Day 2: Training

Days 3–7: Fieldwork

Day 8: Cultural/Recreation day The recreation day could include a trip to local museums, Native American event or locations, recreational event, or natural attraction; however, this will be decided based upon team members’ interests/fitness levels.

Time of Day Activity Morning Breakfast

Continue training, introduction to local geology & fieldwork

12:00 pm Lunch

Afternoon Acclimation hike, geology field training activity

6.00 pm Dinner

Early Evening Discussions, prepare for first field work day.

Time Activity

7:00 am Breakfast

8:00 am Leave for field

12:00 pm Lunch

1:00 pm Continue in field

5:00 pm Return from field

6:00 pm Dinner

7:00 pm Lectures, free time, other events

Time Activity

7:00 am Breakfast

8:00 am Leave for activity

12:00 pm Lunch break

5:00 pm Return from activity

6:00 pm Dinner

7:00 pm Lectures, free time, other events

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Day 9: Fieldwork, ½ Day

Day 10: Departure Day

Earthwatch Recreational Time Policy

Earthwatch will generally accompany participants from the rendezvous to the end of the expedition except for recreation time.

• For days when no research activities are scheduled, referred to as recreational days, Earthwatch scientists will offer either a planned team activity or a range of recreational activities that have been vetted and comply with Earthwatch standards. Participants will also have the option of remaining at camp or project accommodations to rest.

• Participants who are determined to pursue options other than those recommended by the project staff will

be required to sign a release before doing so. If there is a period of time during a regular research day when no research activities are scheduled, adult participants may have the opportunity to leave the project site on their own; they will be asked to sign out of the project giving their intended destination. Not appearing for the next scheduled activity will trigger the Emergency Response Plan (ERP) regarding missing people. Earthwatch will assess the general risks of adult participants leaving the project site on their own at night after work hours but cannot guarantee participant safety or an awareness of all issues.

• In some cases, due to local conditions, it may be advisable to restrict adult participants to the project camp or accommodation after dark. This will be clearly communicated during the on-site safety briefing. However, if the local conditions are such that adult participants can go out at night under their own recognizance there will be a sign-out process through which participants should state their proposed destination and estimated return time. Participants will be given 24-hour contact information for project staff should assistance be needed. The sign-out is informational only and will not be used to enforce a curfew on adult participants. Adult participants should understand that unless contacted for help, Project staff will not start a search for a missing participant unless they fail to appear the following morning or for the next scheduled research activity.

Time Activity

7:00 am Breakfast

8:00 am Leave for field

1:00 pm Return from field/lunch

2:00 pm Wrap-up, pack field gear

6:00 pm Dinner

7:00 pm Lectures, free time, other events

Time Activity

7:00am Breakfast

8:00am Depart for airport

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Earthwatch does not assume responsibility for participants’ health and safety after project working hours on Behind the Scenes teams, on which Earthwatch activities are scheduled only during regular work hours and participants are responsible for finding their own meals and accommodations. Project staff will not start a search for a missing participant unless they fail to appear for the next scheduled research activity. Teen only and Student Challenge Awards Program (SCAP) teams will have supervision during the day and staff available in the evening. Volunteers should consult a travel guidebook for information on local attractions. See the Helpful Resources section for suggested guidebooks. Additional Policies for the Geology and the Shaping of the American Southwest Expedition Participants who have driven themselves to the accommodations at Valles Caldera National Preserve’s Science and Education Center (VCNP – SEC) may not drive their own vehicles to, from, or for project activities, including the transport of project equipment. Participants may choose to use their own vehicles during recreational time, but be advised that all driving during recreational time is done at your own risk. You are actively discouraged from driving other participants during recreational time. Riding in another participant’s vehicle is also done at your own risk. Riding in other participants’ vehicles is not covered under the participants’ insurance policy for the expedition.

ACCOMMODATIONS Valles Caldera National Preserve’s Science and Education Center (VCNP -- SEC) will serve as our base for field operations this year, and is ideally situated for our fieldwork. The VCNP – SEC includes use of the common room areas, laboratories, dining area, and recreational facilities (tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball, horseshoes, hiking, and access to the Jemez River for trout fishing). See www.vallescaldera.gov for more information.

Sleeping and Bathroom

Sleeping accommodations are in a modern dorm-style facility. Each room has two single beds with a private bathroom. Volunteers will be paired in rooms by gender. Please bring your own towel & washcloth, an extra blanket or sleeping bag (if you get cold easily), and toiletries. Single rooms may be available and couples may have the option to share a room, depending upon availability, but the volunteer(s) will be responsible for any additional costs.

Electricity/Communications

The VCNP – SEC has electricity, free wireless internet (most reliable in common areas), and computers in the science lab. As the facility is at the bottom of a high walled canyon, cell service is extremely limited (at best). There is a landline phone for guest use, but we strongly encourage participants to bring prepaid phone cards for long distance use (or use Skype, as the wireless internet at the facility and your personal computer equipment permits). Distance to field site

We have multiple sites we will visit during the course of our investigations. Depending on the field location on a given day, we may drive anywhere from 2060 minutes each way to our research areas. Services/Restaurants

There are a couple restaurants in Jemez Springs that are walking distance from the SEC. There are two small general stores within 10 miles of the VCNP – SEC; one south of the village of Jemez Springs, and one north in La Cueva, eight miles away (which we will pass each day on the way to the field sites). Other services are in Los Alamos (one hour north), or Bernalillo/Rio Rancho (one hour south).

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FOOD Below are examples of the foods you might expect while on the expedition. Please bear in mind that variety depends on availability. This list is intended to provide a general idea of food types, but it is very important that volunteers be flexible. Our accommodation location, the VCNP – SEC provides a chef, food, and commercial-grade kitchen for our expedition.

Breakfast: Cereal, fruit, pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, tea, coffee, and juice.

Lunch: Sack lunch items: sandwiches, chips, fruit, granola bars; items will be laid out following breakfast for expedition participants to assemble their own lunches.

Dinner: Expedition cuisine will cover a wide range of cultures and may vary from lasagna to stir fry, to fajitas, burgers, and fish. Traditional New Mexican fare, including meals with tortillas, beans, cheese, and chile, will likely be offered. Various vegetables and salads will also be available. Dessert and coffee/tea is set out for the evening.

Snacks/Other: Fruit, vegetables, cheese, crackers, and cookies.

Beverages: Fruit juices, milk, coffee, tea, and soda. Electrolyte-replacement drinks or drink mixes will be made available, and are especially beneficial on field days.

Water: Clean drinking water will be available at all times. The team will carry some additional drinking water in vehicles while in field.

Special Dietary Requirements Please alert Earthwatch to any strict or special dietary requirements (e.g. diabetes, lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, nut or other serious food allergies, etc.) as soon as possible, and note them in the space provided on your Volunteer Forms. Accommodating strict or special diets is not guaranteed and can be challenging due to availability of food, location of our accommodations and field sites, and other local conditions. If you would like to buy your own personal snacks or dietary supplements, the nearest major chain grocery store is over an hour away from the VCNP – SEC. Small, local general stores are located within 10 miles of the VCNP – SEC and selection of items at these vendors is very limited. Special note to vegans and strict vegetarians: Please be aware that it is often difficult to accommodate strict vegetarians and vegans. It may be possible to get meatless meals, but vegans and strict vegetarians may have a problem avoiding animal products altogether. Given our distance from diverse grocery availability, you may not have the opportunity to acquire foods that satisfy your nutritional needs. If this poses a problem, then participation on this Earthwatch expedition should be seriously reconsidered.

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PROJECT CONDITIONS Please show this section to your doctor when he/she is completing your Health Form. Be sure to discuss inoculation requirements with your doctor well in advance of your departure date. See the Health Information section for inoculation information.

To the examining physician:

Your patient has volunteered to join a field research team that has specific physical demands of which you and your patient should be aware. We need your accurate evaluation of your patient’s ability to meet the conditions detailed below in order to care for his/her health and safety and assess that he/she can participate fully and effectively.

General Conditions

Average daily summer temperatures in the research area range from ~75°F (26°C) at high elevations to near 100°F (38°C) at lower elevations. It is much cooler at night. During all of our expeditions, humidity is generally very low (< 30%). Late spring (May into June) can be warm and very windy (average wind speeds in excess of 25 mph). Nearly one-half the annual rainfall (which varies from ~10 inches (25.4 cm) in the deserts to ~20 inches (50.8 cm) in the mountains) comes during July and August with thunderstorms common in the afternoon (we will not do fieldwork during storms!)

The main risks associated with the research environment include: extreme temperatures, wildlife, cacti, remoteness, altitude discomfort/ sickness, rugged terrain, dehydration, and insect bites. Please note that we will spend all of our time between 5,000 ft (1,524 m) and 10,000 ft (3,048 m) elevation. The VCNP - SEC is situated at 7,000 ft. The sun is very intense at this altitude: brimmed hats, sunscreen, and water bottles or a hydration backpack that can hold 3 L of water are mandatory. We will have a satellite phone with us for emergencies.

The weather is likely to vary within these limits: Conditions during May Humidity 26% avg RH Temperature range 55° F (13° C) To 81° F

(27°C)

Altitude 7000 ft to 10000 ft; base camp at 7000 ft

Rainfall 0.79 in/2 cm Conditions during September

Humidity 44%

Temperature Range 40°F/ 4°C to 70°F/21°C

Rainfall 1.3 in/3.3 cm

Physical Demands

Volunteers who cannot reasonably participate in the activities described would find it difficult or impossible to join our expedition and may even compromise the safety of others.

Below are the expected demands of the project, but please keep in mind that conditions may change and the project could potentially be more or less strenuous than the chart indicates.

Workload/Intensity Time Sitting In vehicles and in the field ~20 min. to

2 hr/for 7–8 days

Hiking/ Walking

Up to 5 mi, along dirt roads and in uneven/ rugged terrain at altitudes above 7,000 ft (2134 m)

~20 min. to 2 hr/for 4–5 days

Carrying 15–20lb (6.8–9 kg) backpack for distances between 1–5 miles 20–30lbs of field equipment and rock samples frequently

At all times during field days

Collecting Data

Holding a 12lb (5.44 kg) drill and coring into rocks; pumping drilling fluid; swinging rock hammers; use compressive strength testing hammer

15–20 min. intervals/4–5 times a day for 4–5 days

Psychological Demands You need to be prepared to live communally and work closely with your teammates. There are few private areas within the accommodations and they will not always be available. You will not have access to bathrooms when in the field (10–12 hours/day) and you must be comfortable relieving yourself outside and packing out solid waste (supplies and instructions to be provided).

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The Effects of High Altitude If you are flying to join this expedition, the lowest elevation you will encounter on this expedition is at the airport in Albuquerque, which is approximately 5,500 ft above sea level. The remainder of the expedition will be spent at altitudes between 6,000 and 10,000 ft; the VCNP – SEC is situated at 7,000 ft. The best way for a person to acclimatize properly to high altitude is to be in good physical health, be thoroughly hydrated, and ascend in stages. Therefore, it is very important that each volunteer is aware prior to the rendezvous that altitude may affect their body.

Altitude has unique physiological effects and different people react in different ways. It is important that volunteers avoid overexertion upon arrival. Good physical fitness (primarily cardiovascular health) can help prevent altitude sickness; however, even some people in great physical condition can have ill effects from high elevations. Do not assume that your good physical health guarantees a positive response to altitude. The only way to know exactly how your body will react is to go to elevations of 2,400 m/8,000 ft or higher, preferably for an overnight stay. While the beginning of the project is designed to help you acclimatize to the altitude, taking the additional precautions will put you in a better position to fully enjoy your Earthwatch expedition experience. The effects of high altitude can include symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, sleepiness, and shortness of breath.

Note: While on the expedition, listen to what your body is telling you. Reporting any signs of altitude-related illness (e.g. headache, nausea, or fatigue) to staff and fellow volunteers is absolutely critical. Early detection and treatment minimizes the risk of serious consequences. Detailed instructions on this will be provided at the beginning of the expedition.

POTENTIAL HAZARDS Hazard Type Associated Risks and Precautions Transportation Typical driving/traffic related risks will be present. Safe, modern, Earthwatch approved

vehicles will be used and safety belts will be required. Walking/Hiking/ Climbing

The terrain is often uneven and rugged, and it is possible to trip/slip on loose soil and rocks. Sturdy, ankle-high boots are required, and should be broken in BEFORE you arrive.

Animals/Plants It is unlikely that the team will encounter any dangerous wild animals; however, there are rattlesnakes in the region. The team will avoid areas where rattlesnakes have been spotted. Plants in the area that can cause skin irritation and minor cuts include cacti and sagebrush. You will be instructed in how to avoid these plants.

Climate/Weather It is very important to apply sunscreen, wear a brimmed hat and appropriate clothing, and drink plenty of water to protect against sunburn and dehydration. Additionally, thunderstorms are common in the summer afternoons. Weather will be monitored and the team will take shelter if necessary.

Altitude You need to stay hydrated. Additionally, eating solid meals at camp and in the field plus trail snacks will maintain your body’s ability to handle the stress of new environments. The team will gradually build up to the strenuous hikes and higher altitude field work during the project. Alert staff immediately if you are feeling unwell; it may take a couple days to adjust to higher altitudes. If your symptoms continue, descent to lower elevations is required and staff will assist in facilitating your descent.

Political/Social/ Cultural

When we are taking side excursions to natural and/or cultural sites, as well as when we visit scientific facilities, it is important to treat everyone and everything with respect.

Project Tasks/Equipment

Take care when using project equipment (such as rock hammers) to avoid injuring yourself or others. Instruction in how to use field equipment safely will be provided.

Swimming Swimming is not permitted on this expedition. However, opportunities may exist on recreation days for volunteers to enjoy one of the local hot springs (at their own expense).

Traveler’s diarrhea

Traveler’s diarrhea affects 20–50% of all international travelers. Always wash your hands with soap and water or a hand sanitizer before eating, and drink filtered or bottled water. You should also carry an over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication and rehydration salts in your personal First Aid kit. Speak to your doctor about other options for treating traveler’s diarrhea and see the ISOS or CDC websites for advice on avoiding this condition.

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HEALTH INFORMATION See www.internationalsos.com for information on the current health conditions in the United States. At the homepage, enter Earthwatch’s member identification number: 14ACPA000075. Under “Select Resource” choose “English Country Guide,” and then select ”United States” from the list.

Routine Immunizations All volunteers should make sure to have the following up-to-date immunizations: DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), polio, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), and varicella (if you have not already had chicken pox). Please be sure your tetanus shot is current.

Project Inoculations Medical decisions are the responsibility of each volunteer and the following are recommendations only. While Earthwatch can provide details regarding suggested inoculations, we are not a medical organization and decisions about which inoculations to receive should be made between you and your doctor. Health conditions around the world are constantly changing, so keep informed and consult your physician, a local travel health clinic, the US Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov), the World Health Organization (www.who.int), and International SOS (see above) for the latest health information for travelers. Please consult your physician for guidance on inoculations if you intend to travel to other parts of the country.

Inoculation chart available on ISOS member site (English Country Guide, medical summary)

Required for Entry Recommended for Health Reasons Yellow fever X - if traveling from countries or region

where it is endemic, a Certificate of Vaccination is required.

Advice Regarding Diseases • Tuberculosis: The WHO estimates that one-third of the world’s population is infected with the bacterium

(M.tuberculosis) that causes tuberculosis (TB). Incidence of tuberculosis is higher in developing countries, particularly in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. In general, approximately 10% of persons infected with M. tuberculosis are at risk for developing active TB during their lifetimes. TB is considered highly treatable with medications that are of relatively low toxicity and cost. Volunteers returning from developing countries are encouraged to have a (PPD)-tuberculin skin-test to screen for potential infection.

• Other: Note any diseases present in the region and in the country, as well as any other health advice. There have been documented cases, albeit very rare, of bubonic plague and hantavirus recently in New Mexico. Avoidance of contact that could cause contraction of these diseases will be included in the on-site training on the first day of the expedition.

MEDICAL CONDITIONS OF SPECIAL CONCERN It is important that participants be in good health with a moderate to high level of fitness. As an example, each participant should (1) have the ability to hike at a brisk pace continuously, for one hour, carrying a 20lb pack, and (2) the ability to lift 20 lbs from the ground to above your head 10 times without stopping. Therefore, anyone whose mobility is limited due to poor physical fitness, severe or uncontrolled asthma, vertigo, bone/joint or muscle problems (e.g. back, knee or ankle injuries, severe arthritis), or other conditions (e.g. wheelchair-bound) would find participation difficult or impossible. Those with compromised immune systems may find it challenging to keep up with the rigorous physical demands of the expedition. Additionally, any conditions that might be exacerbated by intense direct sunlight, high altitude, and the site’s remoteness (such as epilepsy or sleep apnea) should be seriously considered. Please speak with your physician and list any medical/health conditions on your health form prior to participation.

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Additional Health Information Resources • Travel health website: www.mdtravelhealth.com • The Travel Doctor: www.tmvc.com.au • Australian Department of Health and Aging: www.health.gov.au • Hospital for Tropical Diseases: www.thehtd.org • Travelers Healthline Advisory Service: Tel: 020 7950 7799 • MASTA Travelers’ Healthline (UK): Tel: 0906 8 224100 (within UK)

EMERGENCIES IN THE FIELD The members of the research staff have training in First Aid and CPR, but are not medical professionals. The nearest hospital, Los Alamos Medical Center, is located one hour away in Los Alamos, NM. The nearest Level I Trauma Center is UNM Hospital in Albuquerque, about 90 min from the field sites. Depending on where in the field a serious emergency occurs, it could take a bit longer to get an emergent case to one of these facilities. We will carry a satellite phone with us at all times. In the event of a medical emergency, an EMT would be contacted and the injured/ill individual would be transported by ambulance to one of the two hospitals mentioned above. In an extreme medical emergency the injured/ill individual would be evacuated by helicopter to medical facilities in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Denver, or Phoenix.

Proximity to Medical Care

Physician, nurse, or EMT on staff Project will not have a dedicated physician, nurse, or EMT on staff. Staff certified in safety training

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation): Aviva Sussman, Doug Byers, Emily Schultz-Fellenz First Aid: Aviva Sussman, Doug Byers, Emily Schultz-Fellenz Wilderness First Aid: Aviva Sussman

Nearest hospital and/or clinic

Los Alamos Medical Center 3917 West Road Los Alamos, NM 87544 phone (1 505) 662 4201 37 miles (approx. 1 hour drive) from VCNP - SEC Presbyterian Urgent Care 4100 High Resort Blvd SE Rio Rancho, NM 87124 Phone (1 505) 462 8888 46 miles (approximately 1.25 hour drive) from VCNP - SEC UNM Hospital 2301 Central Ave NE Albuquerque, NM 87106 phone (1 505) 272 2411 has Level I Trauma Center 60 miles (approximately 1.5 hour drive) from VCNP - SEC

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COMMUNICATIONS Emergency Communications in the Field We will carry a satellite phone with us at all times. In addition, when we split into teams, each team will have a two-way radio.

The emergency contact number at Earthwatch in the US is +1 978 461 0081. After business hours, leave your message with the live answering service. State that you have an emergency communication and leave a clear message with the name of the expedition, your name, location from which you are calling, and if possible, a phone number where you can be reached. An Earthwatch staff person will be contacted and will respond to your call within one hour.

Personal Communications Be aware that cell phone coverage is extremely limited in this part of New Mexico. Please contact your carrier to find out about coverage.

• Family and friends of Earthwatch volunteers should be aware that personal communication with outsiders is not always possible while participating in an expedition. Earthwatch encourages volunteers to minimize outgoing calls; likewise, family and friends should restrict calls to urgent messages only. Measures have been taken to ensure that appropriate communication tools are available in cases of emergency. Tell family and friends that as a general rule while on your expedition, no news from you is good news.

• All volunteers are asked to remember that Earthwatch expeditions offer a rare chance to “unplug” from hearing ringing phones and having to hear others’ phone conversations. Participants should regulate their cell-phone with respect for fellow volunteers and staff.

Contact Information If necessary, volunteers can be reached via the contact information below.

Address Valles Caldera National Preserve Science and Education Center c/o [participant’s name], Earthwatch Expedition PO Box 359 90 Villa Louis Martin Jemez Springs, NM 87025 Mail may take up to 1 week to arrive, be collected, and delivered.

Phone NOTE: This number is a direct line to the coordinator of the VCNP – SEC. It should only be called in case of emergency, and the line may not be answered after hours or on weekends.

Fax n/a Email

Volunteers will have wireless internet at the VCNP – SEC, so they can be contacted by family and friends at their personal email address.

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TRAVEL PLANNING Note: Earthwatch Institute’s international emergency medical and evacuation assistance provider, International SOS, has a wealth of useful information available at their website, including visa, passport, currency, medical, etc. information for the country in which this project takes place. See www.internationalsos.com and enter Earthwatch’s member identification number: 14ACPA000075. Under “Select Resource” choose “English Country Guide,” and then select this project’s country from the list.

You are encouraged to register your travel itinerary with your embassy. For information on embassies around the world see www.embassyworld.com

• Citizens of Australia may register online at: www.orao.dfat.gov.au. • British citizens may register online at: www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/staying-safe. • Citizens of the United States may register online at: travelregistration.state.gov. • Citizens of other countries are encouraged to check with their appropriate embassy or consulate

regarding registration.

RENDEZVOUS The rendezvous information for this project has been removed from this web version of the Expedition Briefing. Please do not make any travel arrangements to join an expedition on this project without having full and up-to-date rendezvous information from Earthwatch. Full rendezvous details including places and times are available from Earthwatch upon request prior to registration for an expedition. Please use the ‘Contact Us’ button on the top right hand corner of our website to get in touch with us and we will be very happy to help you. This information is provided in the printed version of this Expedition Briefing

PASSPORTS AND VISAS Passport Information Travelers to the United States from other countries will need passports valid for at least six months beyond the dates of travel. Note that as of January 2007, under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, all citizens of US dependencies and Canada (which previously only needed proof of citizenship) will be required to present a passport when traveling to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, Bermuda and the US.

Visa Information Citizens of the US, EU, Australia, Canada and Japan do not need a tourist visa for entry. Citizens of other countries should check with their travel agent or a visa agency for specific visa and entry requirements. Travelers are advised to check visa regulations well in advance of traveling.

Note: If you are traveling from outside the US to Canada, Mexico, Latin America, South America, the Bahamas, or the Caribbean and have a stopover in the US, you are required to register through the ESTA program.

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

Online registration is now mandatory for all visitors traveling to the United States without a visa. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is used to screen short-term visitors who are citizens of the 36 countries eligible for the US Visa Waiver Program (for a list of participating countries, see travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html#countries).

Visitors are required to complete ESTA at least three days before traveling to the US. Once approved, the authorization will be valid for up to two years if the individual’s passport does not expire in the meantime. Applications can be submitted through the ESTA website esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta. Note: As of September 2010 ESTA will cost approximately US$14.

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Citizens of countries covered by the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) traveling to the US for tourism or business for 90 days or less do not need to obtain a visa provided they have a valid passport. (For exceptions see the VWP Quick Reference Guide on travel.state.gov/pdf/VWP-QuickReferenceGuide.pdf)

Essential Information for Volunteers Requiring Visas

Type of Visa You must get a TOURIST VISA. Where to Get a Visa

Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate to find out how to apply for your visa. Please note that this process can take weeks or more. We strongly recommend using a visa agency, which can both expedite and simplify the process. See below for a list of visa agencies.

Required Information

You will need to send your passport (valid for at least six months beyond your stay), a Visa Application and Immigration Form, 2–4 passport-size photos plus payment to the embassy or visa agency (if applicable). Please be sure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay.

Contact Information

You may be required to list the following contact information on your Visa Application and Immigration Form:

Dr. Aviva Sussman MS D443 Los Alamos National Laboratory Los Alamos, NM 87545

Cost of a Visa

Generally between US$40–100, but varies from country to country and can potentially cost up to US$180. A visa agency will charge an additional fee.

Reminder: When dealing with officials always state the purpose of your visit as vacation, holiday, or travel. Foreign immigration officials do not always understand the concept of a “working vacation” or even “volunteering.” Words such as “working”/”volunteering,” “research,” or a “scientific expedition” can raise questions concerning the country’s foreign labor laws and/or prompt questions about official scientific research permits and credentials, etc., to which volunteers on their own will not be equipped to respond. All required research permits for the project are in place and have been approved by the proper authorities.

Visa Agencies

In the United States In Europe In Australia Travisa* 290 5th Avenue, 4th Floor New York, NY 10001 Tel (212) 613-2223 Fax (212) 613-2287 Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm EST Web: www.travisa.com (*See the website for additional offices)

CIBT, Inc.-UK 25 Wilton Road Lower Ground Floor Victoria SW1V 1LW T: 0844 736 0211 Fax: +44 (0) 207 828 5411 Calling from Europe outside UK: +44 (0)207 802 1000 Email: info@uk.cibt.com Web: www.uk.cibt.com (has alternate address for urgent requests)

Ask your travel agency if they can send your visa application on your behalf.

Additional Passport and Visa Resources

• For Japanese citizens: www.rainbowt.jp/travel/visa_top.html • For Australian citizens: www.passports.gov.au and www.dfat.gov.au/visas/index.html • For for US citizens: www.passportvisasexpress.com • Travel Document Systems: www.traveldocs.com/index.htm

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Volunteers Under 18 Years of Age Entry to Foreign Countries It may be possible for 16- and 17-year-olds to participate on standard Earthwatch teams if accompanied by a parent or guardian. However, in an effort to prevent international child abduction many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points to protect minors. Thus, if a minor will be traveling with only one guardian or if for any reason they will be traveling alone (such as for a Teen Team), it may be necessary to have a notarized letter from all legal guardians stipulating that they may travel unaccompanied or in the presence of a single guardian. This letter must give an explanation for why only one parent or someone other than a parent is signing the letter. For example, if one parent is deceased, only one parent has legal guardianship, or someone other than the parents are legal guardians, the letter should state that.

Airline Documentation Requirements Airlines may also have documentation requirements for unaccompanied minors. Parents of minors are responsible for checking with each airline that their child will be flying to ensure that sufficient documentation is provided. This could include a copy of a birth certificate or a notarized letter stating that the minor has his or her parents’ permission to travel alone or with only one parent.

Important Note: Requirements by specific countries and airlines vary and change frequently. You MUST keep informed of the requirements on your own to avoid problems at immigration. If a letter is not available, the volunteer under 18 can be refused entry into the country or on a flight. There is nothing Earthwatch Institute can do to help in this circumstance.

INSURANCE MedEvac assistance, advice, and insurance are included in the contribution you pay to Earthwatch. It covers your travel medical risks, including medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation, while you are traveling and it provides trip cancellation insurance (see www.earthwatch.org/downloads/Insurance/post15Jan_TravelFAQs.pdf for more details), baggage insurance, and personal money insurance. It doesn’t provide personal liability insurance. This coverage is valid in the country of your Earthwatch expedition (Note: For US volunteers, as long as the expedition is over 100 miles from your place of residence) and during travel to and from your expedition. Please see the FAQ for information about when coverage starts and ends. If you have additional vacation time before and/or after your Earthwatch Expedition that forms part of your overall time away from your place of residence, this additional vacation time is not covered under this policy. If you are in any doubt as to whether your travel plans before and/or after your Earthwatch expedition constitute additional vacation time please contact Michelle Ralph of Sutton Winson at michelle.ralph@swib.co.uk. This insurance policy is secondary to your existing health insurance policy (e.g. the NHS in the UK).

For Volunteers Who Sign Up Through the Earthwatch UK/Europe Office or Earthwatch Japan: Details of this insurance policy are included in your Expedition Briefing Pack and can be found at www.earthwatch.org/europe/expeditions/insuranceinfo. Please refer all queries regarding this policy to Michelle Ralph at Sutton Winson in the UK. You can email her on michelle.ralph@swib.co.uk or call her on +44 (0)1444 251164 (fax: +44 (0) 1444 251250).

Information about additional insurance available to UK residents for coverage before or after your Earthwatch project can be found at www.earthwatch.org/europe/insuranceinfo. Should you have any questions about whether you require coverage for your travel plans please contact Michelle Ralph at Sutton Winson. Earthwatch is not authorized by the FSA to give advice on any additional travel insurance you require.

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For Volunteers Who Sign Up Through the Earthwatch US Office

Details of the US insurance policy can be found at www.earthwatch.org/expedition/insurance. Please refer any queries regarding this policy to Michelle Ralph at Sutton Winson in the UK, michelle.ralph@swib.co.uk. Or, from the US, dial 011-44-1444-251164 (fax: 011-44-1444-251250). Please note the time difference between the US and the UK, and call during UK business hours, which are from 8:45 am to 5:00 pm GMT (from November to April) and GMT +1 (from April to November). You may also leave a message and request that she call you back. Information about additional insurance can be found on www.earthwatch.org/expedition/gear_flights_more.

Emergency Medical and Evacuation Assistance (For All Volunteers)

Emergency medical and evacuation assistance is available for all Earthwatch participants from International SOS (ISOS), a 24-hour, independently-operated international emergency medical and evacuation service. Please see the contact information on the General Information page. Participants should carry the card with them on the expedition.

PACKING CONSIDERATIONS

PLEASE SEE THE PACKING CHECKLIST AT THE BACK OF THIS EXPEDITION BRIEFING AND REMEMBER TO TAKE YOUR BRIEFING WITH YOU ON YOUR EXPEDITION.

General Considerations • PACK LIGHTLY. For example, you will probably wear the same field clothes for the entire expedition and

change into a set of clean stuff at night. In any case, do not bring more luggage than you can carry on your back or on one arm. This is especially important for ensuring we can get all people and gear from the airport to our base camp. If traveling by air and checking your luggage, you are advised to pack an extra set of field clothing, important medications, and personal essentials in your carry-on bag in case your luggage is lost and/or takes several days to catch up with you. Participants will have one or two opportunities to wash clothes during the expedition, and clothes can easily be hand-washed in sinks at base camp and quickly air-dried.

• Bring along clothing that can be layered for early mornings and evenings at the site. You are required to wear pants in the field, and we also suggest wearing a lightweight, light-colored long-sleeve shirt. Also, be sure to bring a durable and effective rain jacket. We suggest participants check the weather forecast for ZIP code 87025 (Jemez Springs, New Mexico) using a reliable organization like the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (www.noaa.gov) prior to the field session. However, weather does change rapidly in the mountains and long-term forecasts are typically not dependable.

• Many airlines have strict baggage policies. Please check with your airline(s) on baggage weight limits, liquid restrictions, fees for checked baggage, etc.

Weather Considerations Please take weather conditions into consideration when packing for your expedition. Dress in light layers and be prepared for a wide range of temperatures and precipitation. Temperatures can vary by as much as 40° in a day, and can change in only a few minutes. Sunscreen lotion and/or other sun protection (hat, long sleeved shirts, long pants) are mandatory on field days. Climate information can be found in the Project Conditions section.

Cultural Considerations Please do not bring clothing that will offend anyone, including tee-shirts with inappropriate statements and language. Our expedition brings together people of different walks of life in a unique way and in a unique place; please be respectful of others, their cultures, and their traditions. Note that in the event that we choose to visit any of the local native Pueblo Indian locations, you are expected to be quiet, and photography or other documentation of your visit to those sites may be prohibited. Staff will brief the team on any additional etiquette upon arrival and before cultural activities.

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Essential Items Make sure to bring your Earthwatch Expedition Briefing with you! It includes essential information to which you may need to refer during your expedition, as well as during your journey to and from the project site.

Please see the Expedition Packing Checklist for a complete list of what you will need to take with you. You are encouraged to go through the list and mark off each required item right before you leave for your expedition. This list conveniently tears out from the briefing, so you can take it with you when shopping and preparing for your expedition. Make sure to bring the list with you on your expedition so you can check it again before you return home!

Gear Shops US volunteers may choose to visit the Earthwatch gear shop, New Headings (http://earthwatch.newheadings.com/), a fun, easy-to-use, "one-stop-shop" that answers the "What to Pack" needs for your upcoming Earthwatch expedition. New Headings offer a broad range of outdoor equipment and travel gear including a selection of Earthwatch embroidered apparel.

Our recommended clothing and kit provider in the UK is Nomad Travel (http://www.nomadtravel.co.uk/earthwatch). A full list of clothing and kit is available to order online and they also have stores in the UK many of which have travel clinics where you can get health advice and vaccinations. Earthwatch volunteers benefit from a 10% discount on all clothing and health services so be sure to contact us for a special code before you buy anything from them online or visit their stores and clinics.

In the event that you forget an essential item, Albuquerque is a metropolitan area with outdoor gear stores where you can purchase items you may have left behind. As soon as you realize you may have forgotten an essential item, notify a staff member to make arrangements for a store visit.

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Plug Type A Plug Type B

ADDITIONAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Local currency: US Dollar. See the International SOS website and www.xe.com/ucc for currency information and exchange rates.

• Language: English

• Electricity: For additional information see kropla.com/electric2.htm

• Time zone: GMT -6 (Mountain Daylight Time). For time worldwide with GMT/UTC see: www.worldtimeserver.com

• Personal funds: If desired, bring approximately $100 cash for incidentals (e.g., snacks, small souvenirs, trips to local museums, entrance fees at nearby parks and monuments). The total amount of cash you bring is at your discretion and will vary based upon individual spending habits. ATMs are available at the Albuquerque International Airport and at other locations to acquire cash when you arrive. Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are also accepted at most locations; Discover and American Express may have limited acceptance at some retailers. Bear in mind that a minimum purchase may be required for credit cards.

• Checking luggage: Please note that if you will be taking an international flight that has one or more connections within the country of your destination, it will be necessary to collect any checked bags at the airport where you first arrive in the destination country. After proceeding through Customs, you will have to recheck your luggage before flying on to your final destination.

• Telephone Dialing codes: When calling the United States from another country, dial the country’s international dialing code, followed by (1) and the 10-digit number. When calling within the United States, dial 1+ the ten-digit phone number. When calling another country from the United States, dial 011, followed by the other country’s country code and the number. PLEASE NOTE: you should check with your cell phone provider to obtain any carrier-specific dialing codes you may need; many providers have dialing procedures that may differ in whole or in part from these directions. For additional information see kropla.com/dialcode.htm

Country Information

• UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office: www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo • Country information from around the world: www.countryreports.org • National Geographic Map Machine: plasma.nationalgeographic.com/mapmachine • US State Department: www.state.gov • Online unit conversions: www.onlineconversion.com • Worldwide weather: www.wunderground.com or www.tutiempo.net/en • ATM locator: visa.via.infonow.net/locator/global/jsp/SearchPage.jsp or

www.mastercard.com/atmlocator/index.jsp

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RECOMMENDED READING Valles Caldera is one of the classic and more extensively-studied volcanic centers in North America. However, many research questions still need answers in this geologically-complex area. A vast number of peer-reviewed journal articles exist that discuss the local geology in great, gory detail. However, many of these articles are only accessed through subscription, or are written at such a technical level as to not be palatable to a lay-audience. Here, we recommend a few websites and basic geology textbooks (found through your local library), and some technical resources that can help you prepare for the expedition and be familiar with certain rock units and terminology. Cruise the web for information on the Bandelier Tuff, Pajarito Plateau, Valles Caldera, and New Mexico geology, but be aware that not all information posted on the internet is recent or accurate. We will provide a detailed introduction to the area when you join the expedition.

Below are additional recommended materials for those interested in further preparing for the expedition. Many can be purchased online through popular vendors. See the Helpful Resources section for suggested vendor websites.

Technical Scientific Media If you are interested in the technical scientific literature listed below, we recommend searching your local library (or interlibrary loan program), nearby college libraries, or the web for these items. You may also want to locate a copy of The Dictionary of Geologic Terms by Bates and Jackson to assist in reading some of the technical literature. We are currently developing a project website where we will post pertinent articles and reference reading. We will send you the link to that site in the months leading up to the expeditions.

Books Tuffs: their properties, uses, hydrology, and resources, by Grant Heiken

New Mexico Geological Society Fall Field Conference Guidebook 35: Rio Grande Rift, WS Baldridge, PW Dickerson, RE Riecker, J Zidek, eds.

New Mexico Geological Society Fall Field Conference Guidebook 47: Jemez Mountains Region I, F Goff, BS Kues, MA Rogers, LS McFadden, JN Gardner, eds.

New Mexico Geological Society Fall Field Conference Guidebook 58 + Road Logs: Jemez Mountains Region II, BS Kues, SA Kelley, VW Lueth, eds.

Journal Articles Pertinent journal articles will be posted on our website (in development); titles and web address TBA

Trusted technical internet resources The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) offers an accurate and informative website on the local geology, based on the work of S. Kelley and K. Kempter. Our expeditions will focus on the Bandelier Tuff: http://www.pajaritoeec.org/guides/geology_guide.php

San Diego State University sponsors a page on how caldera systems work. Click on the included map of Valles caldera for further detailed information on resurgent caldera systems: http://www.geology.sdsu.edu/how_volcanoes_work/Thumblinks/valles_page.html

Information on the geology of New Mexico can be found at the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources: http://geoinfo.nmt.edu/

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Popular Media Don’t feel that you have to spend lots of time getting deep in the nitty-gritty technical science before arriving for the expedition. We’ll give you a detailed introduction to the area and the technical work through discussions and field trips. If you have time, take a look at these lighter options, which will also introduce you to the geology of the area, as well as the rich culture.

Books Valles Caldera: A Geologic History, by Fraser Goff

Valle Grande: A History of the Baca Location No.1, by Craig Martin

A Guide to Bandelier National Monument, by Dorothy Hoard

Heaven’s Window: A Journey Through Northern New Mexico, by Michael Wallis and Jack Parsons

The Peopling of Bandelier: New Insights from the Archaeology of the Pajarito Plateau, by Robert P Powers

Field Guides A wide range of field guides for the Southwestern US are available at bookstores and online retailers. We recommend any of the National Audubon Society guides to the Southwest/Four Corners area. The Western National Parks Association (www.wnpa.org) also offers a wide range of literature and field guides with specific focus on the Intermountain West.

Films Due to new support and tax incentives from the State of New Mexico, many feature films have recently chosen our state as their primary filming location. New Mexico’s stark beauty has long been a draw as a movie backdrop. Valles Caldera was the setting for a number of Westerns filmed in the mid-1990s. In the personal opinion of this expedition’s staff, some films are better than others (honestly, some are downright awful!) and we can’t guarantee your enjoyment of any of the films listed, but they can give you a flavor for the variety of terrain and natural settings offered by New Mexico. True Grit (most recent) 3:10 to Yuma (most recent) Wild Hogs Let Me In Brothers The Missing No Country for Old Men The Longest Yard Seraphim Falls Last Stand at Saber River Buffalo Girls The Night Before Christmas (aka Troublemakers, or The Fight Before Christmas) The Atomic City The Milagro Beanfield War Project Field Report

Each Earthwatch Institute-supported project submits a report on the past year’s research and results to Earthwatch, generally on an annual basis. Note that reports are not available for all projects.

Project-related Websites

The expedition staff is in the process of developing a research website, which will include links to additional articles and project information. Stay tuned for the URL, which will be sent to expedition participants in the months leading up to your expedition.

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HELPFUL RESOURCES Additional resources can be found on our Gear, Flights, and More pages: For volunteers who sign up through our US office: earthwatch.org/expedition/gear For volunteers who sign up through our UK office: earthwatch.org/europe/expeditions/gear

Travel Booksellers We encourage you to buy a guidebook to your chosen destination as well as any other books that may be of interest. One excellent resource is the Travel Bookshop (http://www.thetravelbookshop.com/) Think of Longitude Books (http://www.longitudebooks.com/) as a bookstore organized geographically! Here you’ll find travel guides, maps, field guides, accounts of exploration, travel narratives, books on culture, art and archaeology, in addition to academic books on anything from the tropical rainforest to the polar ice cap.

Travel Agencies and Advice Earthwatch has an official partnership with Fly for Good and strongly recommends volunteers use their services to book airfare for Expeditions and take advantage of Fly for Good’s humanitarian discount rates on several international airlines and routes.

Before you can access Fly for Good’s discounted rates you must set up a profile. Go to Sign in and enter your information. When asked to enter an Approval code, enter: EW360. List Earthwatch Institute as your affiliated non-profit. At this point your account will be approved and you will be sent an e-mail confirmation. • Fly for Good: www.flyforgood.com

511 East Travelers Trail Burnsville, MN 55337 USA Tel: +1 877.359.4466 (877.FLY.4.GOOD)

Earthwatch volunteers have 24-7 access to Fly For Good staff in the event that flight issues cannot be resolved with your airline by calling +1 952-220-8465 or +1 877 499 5592. WEXAS are the UK’s tailor-made travel experts. An assigned WEXAS consultant, with significant experience of Earthwatch and our programs, is on hand to provide you with travel advice and support. Call them on: 0044 (0)20 7838 5858 or email: earthwatch@wexas.com WEXAS is normally a members-only travel agent. However, as an Earthwatch volunteer you benefit from our WEXAS membership, so be sure to tell them you are an Earthwatch volunteer for full access to WEXAS’ best rates.

• Wexas International (Europe): www.wexas.com Tel: +44 (0) 20 7581 8761 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7581 7679 Email: southern@wexas.com Quote code: EWE01/02

Earthwatch is a partner with Travelocity in their Travel For Good/Change Ambassadors Grant Program, which allows would-be volunteers to apply for funding that can be used to cover the costs of an Earthwatch expedition and its associated travel costs. Visit www.travelocity.com/TravelForGood for more details. • Travelocity: www.travelocity.com Australian volunteers may apply here: www.zuji.com.au/

3150 Sabre Dr. Southlake, TX 76092 E-mail: travelocity@travelocity.com

Participant Rights & Responsibilities (page 1 of 3)

This document contains important information concerning Earthwatch Institute policies and participant rights and responsibilities for inclusion on an Earthwatch expedition. Please read this document thoroughly and sign the enclosed Liability Release form to indicate that you understand and accept the risks inherent to your expedition and the policies, rights, and responsibilities enumerated in this document. Participants will not be permitted to partake in an expedition until Earthwatch has received the signed release form. Intellectual Property Rights It is permissible to share photos, videos, and stories of your expedition with family, friends, local media, and in a public forum. Sharing your new perspectives and experiences is welcomed and encouraged. However, please recognize that all information, data, and images shared or gathered in the course of your expedition’s field work become the intellectual property of the Earthwatch scientist (ES). Co-opting or plagiarism of data, images or information gathered during an expedition for use in a scientific thesis, masters or PhD work, or for profit or for the academic or business use of a third party without the permission of the ES is strictly prohibited. Please be aware that data gathered during the interviewing of local people becomes the intellectual property of the ES. Earthwatch scientists have the right to place additional restrictions on your ability to share data or certain research-related images. Conversely, an Earthwatch scientist may give written permission to use data and images for academic or profitable activity. Please be sure to ask what is acceptable to the Earthwatch scientist. Fellows or scholarship recipients are sometimes required to submit a written report reflecting what they have learned on a project, sometimes as a step toward developing a curriculum. Earthwatch scientists have the right but not obligation to review and edit materials involving information gathered on one of their expeditions.

Discrimination Earthwatch does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or any other reason prohibited by applicable law and respects participants’ right to privacy. However, you must be aware that local laws in countries in which Earthwatch operates may not be anti-discriminatory and that the possibilities exist that local residents may not have an awareness of best practice regarding discrimination. Discrimination on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation will not be tolerated on Earthwatch teams. Disruptive behavior, or verbal, physical or any other type of abuse or harassment will also not be tolerated. Violation of Earthwatch’s non-discrimination policy is grounds for expulsion from the program without a refund.

Intimate relationships Earthwatch scientists, their staff, their colleagues, and their associates are prohibited from becoming romantically involved with participants during the entire duration of the period that the team is in the field. Romantic relationships that may otherwise seem permissible may eventually create an unpleasant or unproductive work environment and are therefore strongly discouraged for the duration of an Earthwatch project. Sexual Harassment Please recognize that the relationship that exists between Earthwatch scientists and staff and participants is analogous to the student-teacher relationship. Therefore, please be aware of the following policies. Sexual harassment of participants by the Earthwatch scientist or Earthwatch staff is prohibited. Likewise, sexual harassment of other participants, Earthwatch field staff, or local people by participants is also prohibited.

Sexual harassment infringes on an individual’s right to an environment free from unsolicited and unwelcome sexual overtones of conduct either verbal or physical. Sexual harassment does not mean occasional compliments of a socially acceptable nature. Sexual harassment refers to conduct which is offensive, which harms morale, or which interferes with the effectiveness of Earthwatch expedition teams; such conduct is prohibited. Lewd or vulgar remarks, suggestive comments, displaying derogatory posters, cartoons or drawings, pressure for dates or sexual favors and unacceptable

(November 2010)

Participant Rights & Responsibilities (page 2 of 3)

physical contact or exposure are examples of what can constitute harassment. No one should be touched in areas that otherwise would be covered by a bathing suit. It is important to realize that what may not be offensive to you, may be offensive to participants, the local population, and Earthwatch field staff. Any individual who feels subjected to sexual harassment or has any knowledge of such behavior should report it at once to his or her PI or to Earthwatch staff members. All Earthwatch scientists and Field Team Leaders (FTLs) will notify Earthwatch immediately when an accusation of sexual harassment or abuse is made or witnessed. All reports of sexual harassment will be handled with discretion and will be promptly and thoroughly investigated. Any participant who is found to have engaged in conduct constituting sexual harassment will be immediately removed from the expedition at his or her own expense. If a minor is immediately involved in allegations of sexual harassment, his or her parents will be contacted. Drugs Laws on drug use in most countries are severe and may carry lengthy imprisonment or death penalties. I understand and accept that the manufacture, possession, use, purchase and/or sale of illegal drugs or other illegal substances while on an Earthwatch expedition is strictly prohibited. Prescription drugs may only be purchased and used by the individual indicated on the prescription in keeping with their intended use guidelines. Alcohol Local statutes, customs, practices, ordinances, and regulations with regard to the use, possession, sale, or purchase of alcohol are applicable to all participants and project staff in Earthwatch expeditions. Participants and project staff on Earthwatch expeditions must comply with the law of the country in which a project is located regarding the minimum age required to consume alcohol. In addition, restriction on the use, possession, sale, or purchase of alcohol may be set by the Earthwatch scientist. Any restrictions on the consumption of alcohol should be clearly outlined by the project staff in the briefing to participants at the start of the project, and in the Expedition Briefing. Consumption or possession of alcohol or smoking is not permitted on any Earthwatch Teen Team, regardless of local law. Excessive consumption of alcohol by staff or participants is not acceptable on any Earthwatch project. Intoxication can jeopardize personal safety, in addition to the safety of the team. It can also cause delay, and hinder response in the event of a crisis or emergency situation. Earthwatch staff and the Earthwatch scientist have the discretion to remove individuals from the project who consume alcohol in a time and manner that endanger the safety and/or productivity of the expedition.

Minors Earthwatch considers participants under eighteen (18) years of age to be minors. Minors are not permitted to participate on any of Earthwatch’s standard teams unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian in which case the minimum age is sixteen (16). Minors on regular teams do not receive additional guidance or supervision from Earthwatch beyond what is offered to the adult participants. The number of minors on regular teams is limited to two (2) per team. Earthwatch has developed teams specifically for 16 and 17 year olds (“Teen Teams”) as well as teams specifically for families (“Family Teams”) with children as young as 10 years old. These teams focus on the same research activities and have the same expectations as our regular teams, but with more facilitation and support. Exceptions for some projects are made at the discretion of Earthwatch and the Earthwatch scientist. Due to a more in-depth screening process for certain programs that select candidates based on school year rather than age, there may be 18 year olds fielding on the same team as 16 and 17 year olds. Please be aware that some Earthwatch projects do not allow participation by minors in any circumstance.

Participants and Driving Participants are not allowed to drive project vehicles or aircraft during an expedition. In select circumstances, participants may be able to drive boats under the direct supervision by project staff. These circumstances are pre-determined by project staff in collaboration with Earthwatch. Participants must respect the restrictions for boat driving in place for each project.

(November 2010)

Participant Rights & Responsibilities (page 3 of 3)

If a project environment is such that participants can drive their own vehicles to the rendezvous, those who have driven themselves to the project may not drive their own vehicles to, from or for project activities, including the transport of project equipment after arriving at the site. Participants who have driven themselves to the project may choose to utilize their own vehicle during recreational time, but project staff will brief them on the driving restrictions. All driving during recreational time is done at your own risk. Please be advised that the only exception to the above driving restrictions is emergency situations. Riding in other participants’ vehicles is not covered under the participants’ insurance policy for the expedition. Riding in another participant’s vehicle is done at a participant’s own risk. In the Event of an Emergency In the event of emergencies, judgments must be made by Earthwatch field staff and participants. While Earthwatch makes an effort to ensure that qualified people make the most informed decisions possible, occasionally first aid may be administered and other immediate steps taken by expedition participants who are not licensed medical providers. Each Earthwatch expedition has safety protocols and emergency procedures in place. Earthwatch encourages team members (the field staff and participants) to exercise their best judgment with regard to their own safety and the safety of other team members. Other participants may perform “Good Samaritan” actions, or actions taken to assist fellow participants during emergency situations in the field. However, Earthwatch does not encourage or expect you to jeopardize your own safety or that of others in attempting to rescue or assist your fellow team members. Right of Refusal Earthwatch reserves the right to refuse an applicant’s participation on Earthwatch projects at any time and to terminate any work being done by a participant and require the participant to vacate the project site if any of the Earthwatch Expedition Team in his or her absolute discretion considers it appropriate. In this event, the participant (and his/ her parent/ guardian, if appropriate) will be responsible for arranging and paying for any accommodation, travel or other arrangements which may be necessary following the termination of a participant’s involvement in a project, for whatever reason and may not be eligible for a refund. Earthwatch and the project staff may not refuse a participant for discriminatory reasons (race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, or any other reason prohibited by applicable law). Earthwatch will make reasonable efforts to accommodate participants with disabilities and the organization endeavors to find appropriate expeditions for those participants that have physical limitations. Refusal of a participant is an unusual event and is generally due to either an applicant’s failure to meet the essential eligibility requirements of a particular project, or in the interest of team compatibility. In the event that an applicant is refused participation, Earthwatch will refund in full any deposit or payment made toward the expedition. Earthwatch scientists have the right to refuse special requests, such as media visits (film, photography or print), special groups or teams (students, donors, etc.), if they conflict with Earthwatch scientist schedules, safety, research objectives or general performance of the team.

Any participant found in violation of any of the policies described in this document (“Earthwatch Institute Policies & Participant Rights and Responsibilities”) is subject to removal from the team at their own expense. By signing the “Liability Release” form, participants are indicating that they have read and understand the policies in this document. Removal of a participant from a team is at the discretion of the Earthwatch scientist or Field Team Leader and Earthwatch staff. In addition, Earthwatch will support the right of the scientist to send participants away from a project once in the field should their behavior compromise the safety, research objectives or general performance of the team, or if the participant has violated a stated policy. In the event that a minor is dismissed from a project, Earthwatch will contact the participant’s parents or legal guardian prior to their dismissal. Should a participant be removed from a team, he/she is responsible for any or all costs associated with departure from the team and will receive no refund of the share of costs of the expedition nor any expenses incurred in participation on the expedition.

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EXPEDITION PACKING CHECKLIST

Required Items

� This Expedition Briefing � Photocopies of your identification card, passport, flight itinerary and credit cards in case the originals

are lost or stolen; the copies should be packed separately from the original documents � Passport and/or visa (if necessary) � Certification of inoculation (if necessary) � Documentation for travel by minors (if necessary) (See Volunteers Under 18 Years of Age in the Travel

Planning section � Journal (SCAP only)

Clothing/Footwear for Fieldwork � Lightweight, light-colored shirts (long-sleeved suggested for additional sun protection) � Lightweight, light-colored long pants � Ankle-high sturdy hiking boots, broken-in BEFORE you arrive � Comfortable socks � Brimmed hat or visor � Rain jacket or poncho � Be sure to bring your Earthwatch t-shirt and remember to wear it, as appropriate, throughout your expedition

Clothing/Footwear for Leisure � Comfortable clothing to wear during evenings and rest days � Sneakers for light hiking on recreational days � Other comfortable clothes/footwear you prefer for casual wear; note it can be cool in the evenings/mornings � Pajamas/sleepwear

Field Supplies � Daypack/field backpack � Drybag or plastic sealable bags (good for protecting equipment such as camera/cell phone from dust,

humidity, and water) � Sunscreen lotion � Lip balm with SPF � Water bottles (e.g., Nalgene) or integrated hydration system backpack (e.g., Camelback) for minimum 2 liters

of water storage; 3 liter capacity strongly recommended

Bedding and Bathing � Towels & washcloth � Extra blanket or sleeping bag

Personal Supplies � Personal toiletries (biodegradable soaps and shampoos are encouraged) � Personal medications (please alert Earthwatch scientists and staff regarding serious allergies requiring the

use of an Epi-pen)

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� Allergy medications (the desert Southwest has some natural allergens that may bother some people, a small supply of over-the-counter allergy medications is recommended if you have sensitivities)

� A field “restroom” toolkit -- roll of toilet paper and antibacterial wipes/lotion/liquid hand sanitizer � Personal First Aid kit (e.g. anti-diarrhea pills, antibiotics, antiseptic, itch-relief, pain reliever, bandages, blister

covers, etc.) � Any specific dietary supplements you may require. (Please note: the nearest pharmacy/drugstore is an hour’s

drive from the accommodations.)

Miscellaneous � Spending money � Camera, film/memory card(s), extra camera battery (if you bring a digital camera, bring your interface cables

for downloading/charging) � Cell phone and charger (note: we cannot guarantee cell service at our accommodation location)

Optional Items

� Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries and extra bulb � Earplugs � Bandanas or handkerchiefs � Blank CD, DVD, or memory stick for sharing digital photographs at the end of the expedition � Laptop for email communication and media downloading (e.g., photos, videos) � Travel or field guides (e.g., Audubon guides to rocks/minerals, birds, Southwestern states) � Books, games, journal, art supplies, etc. for recreational/rest time and travel � Trekking poles (if preferred for hiking) � Swim suit (if you would like to go to the nearby hot springs; a fee may be required) � Travel coffee mug (note: must be packed in checked luggage!) � Personal safety glasses for field tasks, particularly if you already own a pair or have a specific prescription.

Project will also have safety glasses/goggles available. � Work gloves for field tasks

Our Mission Earthwatch engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. We believe that achieving a sustainable future requires objective scientific data from the field—and that the scientific process must engage the general public if it is to change the world. To that end, we involve people from all walks of life directly in global field research. We invite you to join us.

Offices: Earthwatch Institute 114 Western Avenue Boston, MA 02134 USA info@earthwatch.org www.earthwatch.org Toll-free: +1 (800) 776-0188 Phone: +1 (978) 461-0081 Fax: +1 (978) 461-2332

Earthwatch (Europe) Mayfield House 256 Banbury Road Oxford OX2 7DE UNITED KINGDOM info@earthwatch.org.uk www.earthwatch.org/europe Phone: +44 (0) 1865-318-838 Fax: +44 (0) 1865-311-383

Earthwatch (Australia) 126 Bank Street South Melbourne VIC 3205 AUSTRALIA earth@earthwatch.org www.earthwatch.org/australia Phone: +61 (0) 3-9682-6828 Fax: +61 (0) 3-9686-3652

Earthwatch (Japan) Sanbancho TY Plaza 5F Sanbancho 24-25, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0075 JAPAN info@earthwatch.jp www.earthwatch.jp Phone: +81-(0)3-3511-3360 Fax: +81-(0)3-3511-3364

An international nonprofit organization founded in Boston, Massachusetts in 1971