Geological fieldwork techniques

tutor: Mike Horne

Far too often we rely on our memory of sites or regret that we did not gather the right information. This practical course will teach us to be more methodical and thorough in our approach to fieldwork and site recording.

The content of the course will include (if time permits):

Field work safety

Risk assessments

Some map reading (if required)

Site conservation and the ethics of collecting

Principles of stratigraphy

Recording observations in the field

Measuring dip and strike

Measuring and recording stratigraphy

Drawing a 'graphic log'

Sampling techniques

Recording Till fabrics and clast orientation (perhaps)

Geological mapping

Drawing a final geological map

Writing a scientific report about the area mapped

Sources of old data - publications and maps

There is a certain degree of flexibility in the course and the choice of fieldwork venues. The students will carry out the fieldwork in groups and encouraged to co-operate in the production of the reports of the fieldwork. Students will be asked to record their fieldwork (notebooks, logging sheets and field mapping slips) and present their measurements and observations in a scientific report, for assessment. They may prefer to present their work to the class or tutor, or present evidence of their learning to the tutor in some other (mutually agreed) way, such as a display of specimens collected and graphic logs.

The course will involve fieldwork. This will not be strenuous. Students will be expected to provide their own outdoor clothing. Hard hat will be provided. The tutor reserves the right to ban students not suitably dressed for the conditions or who behave in a dangerous way. The fieldwork will be carried out at weekends, after some initial classes in the laboratory, consisting of illustrated talks and discussions. The dates of the fieldwork will be arranged once the class has started and may depend on suitable tides. Students will be asked to share lifts to and from the fieldwork.

The probable locations for field work are -

Geological mapping at Newbald

Geological logging at Filey

and galcial erratic survey on the Holderness coast

(Risk assessment for fieldwork)

(Risk assessment for laboratory work)

This course starts on 16th April 2008 for five Wednesday evenings from 7-30pm until 9-30pm and three fieldtrips.