Hadar

paleoanthropology field school

SESSION A: August 23–October 12, 2012, Paleoanthropology of Hadar, Ethiopia (3 credits)

SESSION B: October 16–November 20, 2012, Fieldwork in Ethiopia (9 credits)

The Institute of Human Origins in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change offers a field school in paleoanthropology at Hadar, Ethiopia. This region of the Afar Triangle is one of the richest in the world for middle Pliocene hominin fossils.

The Hadar site contains approximately a million years of human evolution within its deposits. Australopithecus afarensis material has been recovered from more than 3.4 to 3.0 million years ago. The A. afarensis sites include the Lucy Locality (AL-288), the First Family Locality (AL-333) and the two adult skull localities (AL-444 and AL-822). Early Homo material from ~2.33 million years ago includes the locality of AL-666. In addition, stone tools have been recovered from sediments older than 2.33 million years.

The program includes instruction in early hominin evolution, paleoecology, geology, taphonomic analysis, site mapping, fossil survey and crawling.

We welcome advanced undergraduates and graduates from ASU and around the world to join us for a challenging research experience!

Scheduled activities include (subject to change):  

• view original fossils Australopithecus afarensis and Homo material at the National Museum of Ethiopia
• hominid and other mammalian fossil identification
• geological context
• African ecology and paleoecology
• GPS mapping and total station use
• visit to the open-air market in Bati.

The Hadar locality is a remote area of the Afar Regional State, Ethiopia. The nearest village in which to purchase a soda, for example, is 24 miles away. Therefore, activities unrelated to interacting with the local Afar people and paleoanthropology will be limited.

Please keep in mind that the work is fun but hard, and the temperatures often exceed 115 F.

academic classes + activities

The Hadar experience begins with a 7.5-week course at ASU on the background of paleoanthropology at Hadar, Ethiopia and hominin evolution in general; students will complete a short research project. The field portion in Ethiopia is five weeks in length.

First Days: After spending three days at a hotel in Addis Ababa, students and all their belongings leave on the 8-hour journey to Hadar Kebele, approximately 10 miles from the field site. The following day we will set up camp.

Research: Students will be involved in taphonomic research collecting all fossils in specific regions and examining them for various evidence of predators, such as crocodiles and saber-toothed cats, trampling and possible cut marks as evidence of hominin behavior.

student eligibility

Advanced undergraduate and graduate students or those with strong anthropological or biological backgrounds from Arizona State University or other institutions are eligible to apply.

Requirements for the field: Ability to hike, collect fossils and handle physical exertion. We will make every effort to accomodate the needs of everyone. If you have special needs, please inquire.

Enrollment is limited to 15 students.

apply 

Check back for information on upcoming programs.

Applicants will be notified as soon as possible after admission of their application status.

Program Fee + tuition

The Hadar program fee for fall 2012 is estimated to be $5,600 (subject to final approval). The program fee includes pre-departure orientation; HTH travel/medical insurance; orientation in Addis Ababa; and travel, lodging, and meals within Ethiopia. Additional expenses include tuition and fees for 12 credits (undergraduate) and 6 credits (graduate), airfare to Ethiopia, passport/visa expenses, immunizations or anti-malarial drugs (these are necessary).

See the publication Financing Your Study Abroad Program or contact the ASU Study Abroad Office for assistance.

The program fee does not include airfare to Ethiopia, passport/visa expenses, immunizations or anti-malarial drugs (these are necessary).

contact information

Institute of Human Origins
Arizona State University
Attn: Hadar Field School
PO Box 874101
Tempe, AZ 85287-4101

Phone: 480-727-6580
Fax: 480-727-6570

E-mail: wkimbel.iho@asu.edu

Program Faculty

Frequently Asked Questions 

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