Summary: Southern Spain has it all! Snow-capped mountains, beaches, young volcanos, vineyards, olive groves, amazing geological features, ancient Roman ruins, world-class Islamic architecture, cathedrals, Old World charm, delightful weather, and delicious cuisine!!  The tectonic collision between Africa and Europe has created an incredible landscape to explore and enjoy!  Recognizing the value of these features, Spain has designated several areas as National Geoparks. Features include an angular unconformity that is over a mile wide, volcanoes next to the Mediterranean, incredible sedimentary basin deposits, caves, exposed fault surfaces, metamorphic outcrops near a ski town, and a set of limestone hoodoos on top of a mountainside.  Lisa will review the geologic history of southern Spain, discuss many of the geologic features, and share ideas for planning your next vacation.  She could talk about southern Spain for hours but promises to follow the time guidelines and stay after (up until midnight) to answer individual questions and help give you ideas for your next vacation!

Biography: Dr. Lisa Lamb studied tectonic collisions and continental extension in the Gobi Desert before turning to a similar jigsaw puzzle in the central Basin and Range of Nevada.  Working with colleagues at the USGS and Northern Arizona, she has studied the sedimentary basins, volcanic deposits and structural deformation of the Lake Mead region for the last 18 years.  She has supervised ~35 undergraduate research projects in this region east of Las Vegas, taught a January field course in the Southwest for 20 years, and published several papers.  Recently, she combined her love of Spain, tectonic puzzles, environmental science, and teaching to design and lead a course based out of southern Spain.