Daniel T. Chupik
Visiting Lecturer in Earth and Climate Sciences
Associations
Earth and Climate Sciences
About
My research focuses on reconstructing paleoenvironments associated with early hominins in the Afar Depression of Ethiopia and understanding how volcanism, tectonics, and sedimentary processes interact in active rift settings. I use a combination of field mapping, drone-based remote sensing, stratigraphy, geochemistry, and geochronology to study landscape evolution, rift basin development, and volcanic histories.
Current Courses
Winter Semester 2026
Mapping and GIS/Lab
Geographical information systems (GIS) are computer-based systems for geographical data presentation and analysis. They allow rapid development of high-quality maps, and enable sophisticated examination of spatial patterns and interrelationships. In this course students learn the principles of GIS t…
Earth Structure and Dynamics/Lab
The processes of mountain building and plate tectonics are understood by observing the structure and architecture of rocks. This course explores the nature and types of structures present in rocks that make up the Earth's crust. Fundamental concepts and principles of deformation are examined in a va…
Short Term 2026
Arizona Geology & Archaeology
This field-based short course offers an immersive study of Arizona’s diverse geological and cultural landscapes. Through field observation and interpretation, students explore major tectonic episodes including the Mazatzal and Laramide orogenies, Paleozoic passive margin development, and Basin and…