Exploring Future Coasts: Students Investigate Environmental Change in New Gran Canaria Field Class
In early March, second- and third-year Geography and Environmental Science students embarked on an exciting field trip to the island of Gran Canaria.
Future Coasts is an optional module available to second and third year Geography and Environmental Science students.
As part of the new ‘Future Coasts’ module, this hands-on experience allowed students to explore how coastal environments are responding to climate change. The module blends classroom learning with real-world applications, taking students out into the field to investigate the dynamic interactions between sea-level rise, wave and tidal energy, and the impacts of erosion and flooding on coastal habitats and communities.
Experiencing coastal landscapes firsthand
One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to a black sand pocket beach at the end of a barranco ravine. These flood valleys only transport water and sediments during extreme rainfall events, making them a fascinating location to study sediment movement. By examining the colour variations in the beach sediments, students were able to trace their sources—red and green ignimbrites from volcanic activity, white from marine biota, and yellow from silicates.
The students also took part in dune measurements across the south of the island, analysing the size and origin of the sand particles. Much of this sand arrives during calima events—impressive, orange-hued sandstorms that travel across the Atlantic from the Sahara Desert, 150 km away.
Uncovering the island’s geological past
Another key stop was El Confital, a paleo beach on the north of the island. The area is named after the almond-shaped rocks, or confite in Spanish, that cover its shores. Here, students examined large boulders within the beach deposits, providing evidence of past high-energy storm conditions that shaped the coastline.
Independent research in action
The final day of the trip saw students take full control of their learning by developing their own group research projects. Using their newly acquired knowledge and skills, they selected study sites, collected data, and prepared to analyse their findings for their project reports. This hands-on approach allowed students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios, enhancing both their research skills and understanding of coastal change.
A unique learning opportunity
Dr. Ray Ward, module leader, emphasised the significance of the field class: “Gran Canaria is an amazing field trip location. It is known as a ‘continent in miniature,’ offering a range of environments that can’t be found in the UK, all in a small place. This provides a great practical learning experience for our Geography and Environmental Science students!”
For students considering studying Geography or Environmental Science, opportunities like the ‘Future Coasts’ module highlight the value of field-based learning. Engaging directly with the environment, conducting real research, and working collaboratively in a dynamic setting make for an unforgettable and academically enriching experience.
If you’re passionate about understanding the natural world and want to experience Geography or Environmental Science beyond the classroom, our undergraduate programmes might be the perfect fit for you!