GEOL 489 - Geologic Field Methods

• Develop the ability to locate oneself and geologic features on a map base, including topographic maps, aerial photographs, digital orthophotoquads, Google Earth Images, and/or LiDAR maps.
• Describe sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks from outcrop scale characteristics to hand lens scale, and combine similar rocks into mappable rock units.
• Describe and determine the nature of contacts-sedimentary, intrusive, or tectonic-and how well the contacts can be located on the map base using appropriate geologic symbols.
• Measure attitudes on sedimentary, intrusive, and tectonic structures (e.g. bedding, lineations, columnar joints, foliations, fault planes, etc.) and contacts, and interpret their geologic significance.
• Interpret the relative age relations among the different rock units using observations and data collected in #’s 2-4.
• Discover the limitations in quantity and quality of geologic field data.
• Create a geologic map over a range of scales (e.g. 1:6,000 to 1:24,000 over areas ranging from 0.3 km² to 4.3 km²) by plotting data collected in #’s 2-5 on a base map, using appropriate geologic symbols at the appropriate location.
• Visualize geology in 3D and construct accurate geologic cross-sections and interpretations based on field observations and data, and geologic maps.
• Develop sound interpretations based on uncertain, non-unique, and limited field data and observations, and with limited time for analysis.
• Apply knowledge from core geology disciplines to integrate and interpret diverse data sets into a coherent geologic history.
• Reflect upon, integrate, and apply knowledge and skills gleaned General Education experience.