Unit information: Introduction to Field Mapping in 2017/18

Unit name	Introduction to Field Mapping
Unit code	EASC20029
Credit points	10
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Riker
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	Successful completion of the first year of an Earth Sciences degree programme curriculum.
Co-requisites	n/a
School/department	School of Earth Sciences
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

This unit is an introduction to the basic techniques of geological field mapping on the scale of 1:10000, which are essential skills for Geologists, Environmental Geoscientists, palaeontologists and Geophysicists to acquire. Principles learnt in the Geological Maps part of the Level C/4 Geology unit are put into practice.

THIS UNIT TAKES PLACE IN SUMMER VACATION AT THE END OF YEAR 1.

The initial part of the course involves group instruction in mapping techniques and familiarisation with the lithologies, after which the class is split into pairs to undertake their own mapping. During the day, data are recorded in the field and the evenings are spent inking-in the map, accurately entering structural data onto the map, consolidating the field data, planning the next day's work and preparing drafts of work to be submitted.

The aims of the field class are to:

• experience a wide range of new lithologies

• observe and record systematically geological field data in a well-organised notebook

• record geological information neatly on a base-map

• appreciate three-dimensional relationships of the geology of an area

• integrate field data into a coherent picture of the structure and geological histiory of the area

• construct a geological cross-section of the area

• determine the geological history of the region by extrapolating from the detailed history of the study area.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of the field class you should:

• be able to recognise a wide range of new lithologies
• be able to demonstrate geological competence in the field with a well-kept and well-organised field notebook with well-documented data systematically recorded
• have completed the comprehensive mapping of an area, with the geology presented on a clearly written and coloured geological map
• appreciate the three-dimensional relationships of the geology of the area and its interaction with the topography, as demonstrated on the map produced
• have built up an integrated picture of the structure and geological history of the area and extrapolated this to the wider region, as explained in a short summary
• have constructed a geological cross-section of the area.
• be able to conduct yourself in a professional manner that fosters the engagement, efficiency and teamwork required when working in a field-based setting

Teaching Information

Fieldwork and project work

Assessment Information

Assessment will be based on three aspects of work:

Professionalism (10%) - including behaviour, engagement, and participation in daytime and evening activities throughout the duration of the field trip. Assessment will be based on instructors' evaluation, in consultation with demonstrators.

Independent mapping (80%) - evaluated on the following pieces of work, to be submitted by the end of the field trip:

• Field notebook (to be recorded in the field and periodically reviewed by instructors during the trip)
• Geologic map (to be generated in the field and periodically reviewed by instructors during the trip)
• Geologic cross-section (may also include stratigraphic log, as appropriate to the field area)
• Brief geologic history (to include lithologic descriptions, geological interpretations, regional context etc.) Maximum 2 sides of A4.

Digital report, map and cross-section (10%) - following fieldwork, students will produce a typed geologic history (maximum 2,000 words), digital map and cross-section in association with their second year tutorial scheme.

Reading and References

None