THE 2007 AND 2008 APPALACHIAN COLLEGE ASSOCIATION FACULTY FIELD TRIPS TO THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS, ECUADOR

The Appalachian College Association (ACA) awarded the authors two Mellon Foundation Berger Grants to take 30 ACA faculty members to the Galápagos Islands in June-July 2007 and January 2008. All participant entrance fees, travel, food, and lodging expenses were covered. The excursions introduced faculty to the islands to encourage leading future student trips. The 2007 trip included a 5-day excursion on the Ecuadoran mainland. Most participants taught in the biological and physical sciences but Spanish, English, Business, and Philosophy faculty were also represented.

Both trips contracted 16-berth, commercial yachts with ample crews, a professional guide, and excellent service out of Puerto Ayora, for the 8-day exploration of the islands. Traveling between islands at night maximized daylight hours for daily hiking and snorkeling excursions. The guides were well-versed in the ecological aspects of the islands but had less sophisticated background regarding the geology. During the two excursions, islas San Cristobal, Santa Fe, Santa Cruz, Baltra, Seymour Norte, Santiago, Bartolome, Genovesa, Española, Floreana, and Isabela were visited.

The volcanic geomorphology exhibits contrast between the older islands in the east and south with the younger ones in the north and west. Older, eroded shield volcanoes on islas Española, Santa Fe, and San Cristobal exhibit little evidence of recent volcanic activity. Islas Santa Cruz and Floreana are dotted with numerous late-stage cinder cones and tuff cones. Santiago last erupted in 1890; Pinta and Marchena erupted in the 20th century as did the large shield volcanoes of Isabela and Fernandina which continue to be active.

Snorkeling at Genovesa took place in the Bahía Darwin caldera. The swim at Bartolome crossed over an eroded tuff cone and partially circumnavigated its volcanic neck, accompanied by indigenous penguins. Spectacular pahoehoe structures are present on Santiago. Abundant, close-up wildlife was experienced throughout.

In addition to experiencing Ecuadoran culture, the 2007 excursion's mainland portion visited El Reventador, Antisana, and Cotopaxi volcanoes. Tungurahua's eruptions produced road-destroying lahars that forced cancelation of a visit to the area.

All participants on both trips vowed to return, with or without their students.