Undergraduate Course: Field Skills for Geologists (EASC09031)
Course Outline
| School | School of Geosciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 9 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 10 |
ECTS Credits | 5 |
| Summary | This is a two-week field course to Inchnadamph in North West Scotland.
The course teaches the wide array of field skills needed by Geoscience students, including mapping, structural analysis and reconstruction, quantitative field skills and methods of data collection.
The course develops an understanding of the relationship between surface and subsurface data and increases the ability of students to gather pertinent data from rock outcrops and surface features.
Mapping work is undetaken on two areas, one approximately 1.5 km2 in size, in week 1; and the other about 3 km2 in size, in week 2. Students spend 8 days on work directly related to these mapping exercises, complemented by 3 days of supporting field investigations. Two days are devoted to data analysis and report production. |
| Course description |
This course is entirely field trip-based. The 13 field and write-up days are devoted to the following exercises.
1. Overview field excursion setting the scene and providing underpinning information on the geology ¿ ¿Crags to Coast¿
2. One day ¿microcosm map¿ exercise along Loch Assynt ¿ develops basic skills in map-making, field documentation and observation. Mapping of gneiss, a landscape unconformity, and overlying sandstones/arkoses. Rock identification. Follow-up map inked-in in the evening is inspected and feedback provided.
3. Two days mapping integrated with geometric analysis and prediction using stratum contours. Skiaig Bridge ¿ Creag Skithaig area, Loch Assynt. Identification and mapping of three units, one square kilometre.
4. One day sedimentary logging followed by additional mapping of the logged area to complement Exercise 3 and enable production of a completed map of the area, true-scale cross sections, and correct unit thicknesses. These and material from Exercises 2 and 3 are synthesised into a report and all (report, sections, logs, maps) are handed in for initial assessment on day eight of the field trip.
5. One day structural mapping and observation within the frontal area of the Moine Thrust Belt. Repeated horizons of 3 units from the Cambrian sedimentary succession are traced up a burn and the number of repetitions counted and analysed. A folded limestone unit is mapped, with up to 30 measurements taken of its limbs and hinge area, and the data then analysed using structural stereonets. The resulting stereonet and a block diagram of the fold are submitted as part of the overall assessment of the course.
6. One day field trip to examine the geological history of the basement gneisses of the Assynt area.
7. Four days mapping in the Ullapool River Valley, an area bearing some similarity with those already mapped in week 1 but with additional complications and units. This work is written up on the final day and a report, cross-section(s) and map prepared for submission as part of the final assessment.
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Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2014/15, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Flexible |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
100
(
Lecture Hours 4,
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 8,
Fieldwork Hours 85,
Feedback/Feedforward Hours 1,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
0 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Written Exam: 0%, Course Work: 100 %, Practical Exam: 0%.
Course work is divided into two groups, each with a number of component parts.
Group 1: (50% of total mark; work completed by day 8 of trip)
Field map, cross section and 2-side report on the geology of the Skiaig Bridge area. (30%)
Graphic log of ca. 50 metres of sedimentary units from the Skiaig Road section. (10%)
Structural Stereonet and related 3D block diagram of a fold (Achmore Farm fold). (10%)
Group 2: (50% of total mark; work completed by end of trip)
Field map, cross section(s) and 2-side report on the geology of the Achall Valley area. (30%)
Field notebook. (20%)
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| Feedback |
Not entered |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- A broad integrated knowledge of the geology of the Assynt region in the area near Inchnadamph and more widely, and its context in the geological evolution of NW Britain.
- An overall understanding of Highland geology and geological evolution, and of the impact of surface processes of the Quaternary and recent times.
- The development of the appropriate field skills (mapping, structural analysis, cross-section construction, sediment logging, quantitative field skills and methods of data collection) to interpret rock outcrops and other forms of surface data effectively, from two to three spatial dimensions and in the fourth dimension (time).
- An appreciation of the degree of uncertainty of the data collection methods and the relationship between surface and subsurface data.
- Detailed knowledge and understanding of the geological mapping of an area as presented in mapping field slips, cross-sections and accompanying reports.
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Reading List
Goodenough, K.M. & Krabbendam, M. (2011). A Geological Excursion Guide to the North-West Highlands of Scotland. Edinburgh. Edinburgh Geological Society (in association with National Museums Scotland). 215 pp.
Trewin, N.H. (ed.) (2002). The Geology of Scotland. London. The Geological Society of London.
Woodcock, N. & Strachan, R.A. (eds.) (2000). Geological History of Britain and Ireland. Oxford. Blackwell Science. |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Not entered |
| Additional Class Delivery Information |
35 hour(s) per week for 2 week(s). Two-week field course, which will take place on Thursday 28th May to Thursday 11th June 2015. |
| Keywords | Inch 1 |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Prof Simon Harley
Tel: (0131 6)50 8547
Email: s.harley@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Mr Ken O'Neill
Tel: (0131 6)50 8510
Email: koneill3@exseed.ed.ac.uk |
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