Earth Sciences

AIMS

To produce a professional geological or environmental map. The course is based around a geological mapping exercise focused towards solving a geological or environmental problem.

OUTCOMES

• the ability to apply classroom, laboratory and field teaching to identify rocks, minerals, fossils, geological structures and age indicators in an unknown area;
• the collection and documentation of qualitative and quantitative geological information in the field;
• and/or synthesis of data to prepare a geological map and a geological account including structural and stratigraphic interpretation of the mapped area in a report
• and/or synthesis of additional information to prepare an environmental map and report
• and/or interpretation of a planetary surface image through preparation of a geological map and report

CONTENT

The course will provide students with training in geological mapping techniques at different scales, including:

• the recognition of rocks, minerals, fossils, structures and age indicators in outcrop.
• position and location including grid references, GPS, topographic features, air photographs and survey maps and how to record field observations and measurements.

The main objective is to prepare both a professional map in the laboratory and accompanying written report, in either a geological or an environmental theme, depending on the degree programme the student is following.

The geological map will be based on field slips including cross sections and interpretation of stratigraphy and structures.

The environmental map will include additional environmental data and interpretations.