Keith Meldahl

Geology and Oceanography Instructor

• B.A., University of Chicago
• M.S., Ph.D., University of Arizona

Topics

• Biology of Dinosaurs: The Big, the Small, and the Ugly
• Bullets from Space: Meteorite Impacts on the Earth
• Hard Road West: A Historic and Geologic Tour of the California Trail Talk description: In one of the greatest adventures in American history, overland emigrants during the gold rush of 1849-1853 crossed 2,000 miles of arid, rocky wilderness to get to California. The rivers, mountains and deserts that they crossed have a history as well – a geologic history that built the stage upon which the drama of our nation’s westward migration unfolded.  Join MiraCosta College professor Keith Meldahl for a 2,000-mile tour of the historic overland emigrant trail to California, focusing on how geologic processes shaped the dramatic landscapes of the American West.

Background

• Taught in Geology Department at Oberlin College in Ohio
• Professional training primarily in paleontology and historical geology
• Conducts research on geologic history of the Gulf of California; has published research results in professional earth science journals