Abaco Amazing Bahamas!
Land and Sea on a Carbonate Island Platform
Spring Break 2016
ation Abroad —
c
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Unive
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rsity
of Nor
th Carolina Wilmington
Program Overview
Abaco Amazing Bahamas! will offer a direct application of field
(by land and sea) quantification and observation techniques to
a limestone island that contains a variety of diverse ecosystems.
We will study natural systems including reef, subtidal, beach,
limestone terraces, caves, high dunes, various plant and animal
communities. The bank side of the island has a fringe of fairly
healthy marl and mangrove systems. The ocean side is dominated
by reefs, abundant sediments, and active coastal systems to
be explored by boat. In the context of these natural systems,
environmental issues and concerns on the island including threats
to marine and terrestrial ecosystems will be examined and
evaluated.
Academics
EVS 431-002 (CRN 25317 Undergraduate); EVS 531-002 (CRN
25708 Graduate); Abaco Amazing Bahamas (AAB)! Land and Sea
on a Carbonate Island Platform:
• Observe and accurately record details about the geological
and biological characteristics of modern coastlines and shallow
marine environments on limestone islands;
• Utilize these observations to interpret more ancient
(geological) coastal environments;
• Engage in meaningful discussion of natural cycles in the past,
and potential changes in the future;
• Understand the major processes in the coastal zone, and seek
to understand how these processes might impact coastlines
when subject to future climate and sea-level changes;
• Work together with teams of students to identify
environmental problems and provide approaches and optimal
solutions to such problems.
Program Activities and Features
This course will highlight a geological,
hydrological, and biological perspective
on a variety of natural marine and
terrestrial environments. At each study
station over the 8-day course, we will
examine by vehicle and boat: terrestrial
and marine pollution, freshwater
sustainability, overfishing, threats to
endangered native and endemic species,
coral bleaching and issues related to sealevel rise. Scientific and socio-political
views of environmental changes will be
highlighted during the field trip recaps.
Program Facts
Location(s):
The Abaco Islands, Bahamas, based at the
Kenyon Research Centre
Tentative Program Dates:
Spring Break: March 5-13, 2016
Program Leader(s):
Dr. Paul J. Hearty, Research Professor,
Department of Environmental Studies
(heartyp@uncw.edu; kaisdad04@gmail.com)
Ph. 910-632-3714
Application Deadline: November 24, 2015
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•
To apply log in at: https://itsappserv02.
uncw.edu/intprogapp/ and select your
program of choice.
A $500 non-refundable deposit is due at
time of application
Eligibility:
Students are eligible to apply for this program
if they meet the following eligibility criteria:
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Degree-seeking student
Year 3 or 4 of undergraduate, or graduate
student
Good judicial standing
2.5 GPA at time of application
Science background is highly desirable
Learn more at www.uncw.edu/international
Open up yo
ur w
orld
- Go
Abroad!
Cost
Estimated Program Fee:
~$2,150
Program Fee Includes:
• Airfare
• Accommodation
• Local transport by vans and boats
Location
Abaco Island is one of the largest (~150 km x <1 to 15 km) among
700 islands of the Bahamas archipelago. The limestone islands are
situated about 300 km east of south Florida, and offers a unique
natural laboratory and human setting for the study of natural and
environmental processes. The Abacos (https://en.wikipedia.org/
wiki/Abaco) contain a diversity of marine and terrestrial ecosystems,
spectacular geology in an oceanic island setting. Locations to be visited:
Kenyon Research Centre and Marsh Harbour town (walk about), Saw
Mill and PITA Caves, Elbow Cay, The Marls, West Marsh Harbour, Pine
forest and endangered Abaco Parrot. We will also visit Crossing Rocks
and Hole in the Wall and have boat days where we will snorkel in the
coral reefs, see the Green Turtle Cay environs and Great Guana Cay.
Additional Costs: (not included in program fee)
About $600 for:
• Food
• Tourist tax
• Park entry
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Federal and state financial aid may be
applied toward this program. Even if you
are normally ineligible for financial aid, you
should submit a financial aid application
(FAFSA). You may find that you are eligible
for additional funding.
UNCW students may also apply for
a UNCW Summer Education Abroad
Grant and additional study abroad
scholarships. Grant applications and
additional information are available at
www.uncw.edu/international/abroad/aid.
html.
Websites
Kenyon Research Centre
www.friendsoftheenvironment.org
Dr. Paul Hearty Information
http://www.researchgate.net/profile/
Paul_Hearty
PLIOMAX
http://www.pliomax.org/Pliomax/Home.
html
O ff
f Int
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ernatio
n a l P r o g r a m s • 11 8 F r i d a y A n n e x •
UNC W
ilming
ton •
601 S
o
uth C
o ll e g
e Ro
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Wilm
ing
ton, N
C 284
03-59
6 5 • 910.962.3685 • studyabroad@unc
w.edu