Eastern Student Alexander Fazzino Tours the Geology of Arizona

2017 Apr 7

Nine environmental earth science (EES) students from Eastern Connecticut State University toured the state of Arizona this past March to examine its rich geological heritage. Accompanied by EES Professors Dickson Cunningham and Peter Drzewiecki, the group hiked into the Grand Canyon, studied the colorful stratigraphy of Sedona, climbed cinder cone volcanoes and explored the stunning geology and desert ecosystems of the Sonoran Desert.

Among the students was Alexander Fazzino '18 of Bolton, who majors in Environmental Earth Science. "The trip was an amazing expience," said Fazzino. "By the end of it, everyone became really close. Our discussions revolved around geology and were very enjoyable. The biggest lesson learned from traveling to Arizona was the realization that there is so much to see in this world. It also helped me to understand different types of geology jobs that are available and how I can travel the world and work at the same time."

Other highlights included geological walks through the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park, examining the spectacular Meteor Crater, studying the Sinagua Native American culture at Montezuma's Castle and Wupatki Pueblo, and receiving a guided tour of the Asarco Mission Copper Mine and its ore processing facilities.

The trip ended with geological hikes in the Santa Catalina Mountains high above Tucson. "Throughout the trip, the weather was warm and sunny - only one cloud was observed in 10 days!" recounted Cunningham and Drzewiecki in a joint statement. "The rattlesnakes kept away and we all returned healthy, sun tanned and educationally enriched by the sights and adventures we shared."