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Dates: April 28 to May 4, 2025

Karst refers to the landscapes and underground systems that form due to dissolution of soluble rocks via chemical weathering. This course has been designed to introduce students to the abundant karst landscapes on Vancouver Island. We will examine how karst forms, and the geomorphology, hydrology, geology, and biogeography of two specific karst landscapes in differing geologic units to compare formation processes. We will also examine karst conservation topics.

This class will involve exploration of cave systems, and therefore students must be comfortable in tight (underground) spaces.

This course will be supported by members of the UVic Caving Club.

Eligibility

We expect more applicants than the 12 positions available.  Accordingly, we list the following eligibility information:

• Students must have second-year standing.
• Preference will be given to students who have completed GEOG 276 (Introduction to Geomorphology) or ES201 (Sedimentary Geology) or similar – be sure to highlight in your application.
• This field school is primarily outdoors and will be physically demanding. Applicants must mention if they have any accessibility needs that may affect their ability to participate in these activities.
• Must be a UVic student. Non-Geography students are invited to apply.

How to apply

Applications for the 2025 Karst Geomorphology Field School are now closed.

For more information, please contact geography@uvic.ca 

Course Overview

 This field school is comprised of one course worth 1.5 credits. Successful applicants will be registered in this course through special registration by the Department of Geography (students will not register themselves).

Geography 391 – Topics in Geography: Karst Geomorphology

Instructor: Gillian Krezoski

April 28-May 4 (field portion) – final group deliverable (paper and presentation) due at the end of June (can be remotely completed).

You must be available be on campus for the start of the class on April 28th, 2025, at 8:30 am. Once the field portion is completed, there will be check-in meetings through May and June via Zoom, with a final deliverable and presentation due late June.

Itinerary

Fees

Students pay regular UVic tuition plus field school fees. Field school fees can be paid by cheque, money order or cash only. Cheques and money orders should be made payable to the University of Victoria.

Payment can be dropped off at the geography main office (David Turpin B203) or mailed (cheques and money orders only; do not mail cash).

Field school fees:

• $100 deposit paid at time of application, plus:
• $400 paid upon acceptance

Field school fees include:                      

• Accommodation (booked campsites) from April 28 – May 4th, 2025
• Group meals
• Guided Horne Lake Cave Tour
• UVic Caving Club equipment rental and guides
• Transport to/from field site

Field school fees do not include:

• Tuition
• Some optional lunch meals while in transit (~1-2 meals; mostly A&W since they offer vegetarian options)
• Other expenses such as any personal gear (e.g., tents, sleeping bags and mattress pads, day packs, wet suits, etc.) required/recommended for the course (equipment list provided upon acceptance into field school)

This field school has been directly subsidized by the Faculty of Social Sciences. There may be additional funding through scholarships and financial aid or the International Centre for Students.