2007 Summer in Deboullie, North Maine Woods

      --- A Great International Joint Adventure between UMPI and University of Toronto

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2007 Summer Field School in Deboullie: A Great Success

Led by Professors David Putnam and Chunzeng Wang, a group of UMPI students who registered for Deboullie Field School courses, spent a week (July 22-28) in the Deboullie Public Reserve Land with a group of students from the University of Toronto (U of T), led by  Dr. Charly Bank. Students and faculty from both UMPI and U of T camped and worked together. For most of the students, it was their first field experience. All of the students and faculty had great time working, learning, and teaching in the field. The project was a great international collaboration between universities and a great success in field science.

The Deboullie lakes area serves as a wonderful natural scientific laboratory for studies in bedrock geology, glacial geology, geomorphology, and biology. The Deboullie syenite-granodiorite pluton is the only igneous intrusion found in northwestern Maine. When the pluton was emplaced 363 million years ago, its country rock of an assemblage of greywacke and slate was baked to produce a sizable thermal metamorphic aureole around its contact. The aureole which is made of mostly quartzite, is more resistant to weathering and erosion than the pluton and the regular country rock. It therefore stands high in relief and forms steep mountains and hills. The rock glaciers recently discovered by Professor Dave Putnam of UMPI are the most attractive geologic features in the area. Their existence is unique in New England. More importantly, study of the rock glaciers may help us to understand recent global climate changes. Although many issues about the rock glaciers remain unclear, we believe this summer's geophysical investigation and research will help reveal some internal secrets and move the research forward.

The following pictures record some of the moments in Deboullie during the week. Enjoy!

Using canoes to ship geophysical equipment to Gardner rock glacier.

This guy is Joey.

Carrying canoes between Deboullie and Gardner ponds. This is Larry.

A lunch break before heading to Gardner rock glacier

which is visible in the background.

The field station on Gardner rock glacier.

 Dave explains glacial landscape at Gardner rock glacier.

Dave explains glacial striations at Red River Falls.

Dave explains geology at another stop.

Dave and Charly at Gardner rock glacier.

GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) surveying on Gardner Pond.

This is Larry.

Hiking home (the camp) from the field. (Dave and Charly)

An ice-cold spring helps a lot during hot days in the field.

Ice in Gardner rock glacier serves to cool lunch and water.

Charly and a total station at Gardner rock glacier.

Dr. Bob Pinette, a biology professor, spends a day at Deboullie.

Excellent glacial striations on top of a rock.

The rock layers were nicely folded  at 380 million years ago and then baked or thermally metamorphosed due to a nearby magmatic intrusion.

Digging a test pit for an archaeological project. It is Joey.

Recording and profiling the test pit.

Professor Wang loves to show how a geologist is equipped in the field.

Knowing mechanical skills is so important in the field. Duck tape may help stop power steering fluid leakage (?). Below the van is Joey.

Ryan cooks moose burger at our campsite.

Toasting marshmallow at campsite in an evening.

Another nice supper at the campsite.

Dave plays fiddle at the campsite after a nice supper.

Charly is recharging batteries with a mini generator. Count how many batteries need to be recharged every day.

We are caught by several storms in the last hours when we canoe equipment back from Gardner rock glacier and pack for home. It's okay.

A party at Dave's house after returning from the field.

A lobster treat at the party at Dave's house.