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| 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 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
- 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
- constructed a geological cross-section of the area.
Teaching Information
Fieldwork and project work
Assessment Information
- 10% based on initial mapping training, including mid-week assessment of the field notebook and field slip.
- 70% based on independent mapping, including field notebook (20%), field slip (20%), fair copy map (15%) and cross section (15%), to be submitted by the end of the field class.
- 20% based on a final report (to include rock descriptions, geologicinterpretationa, regional context etc), and accompanying digital geologic map.
Reading and References
None
