GEOL344 Advanced Field Studies

Notices

• Students intending to take GEOL252 in 2013 must fill out: Pounawea Swinburn Field orientation and safety 2013 By NOV 30 2012
• First five pages as word doc: Pounawea Swinburn Field orientation and safety 2013 WORD.doc
• More information about the field trips: Pounawea-Swinburn info.pdf
• What do you need? Check out the Pounawea Swinburn Kit List.pdf
• Map boards: We will have some material available for making map boards (for free or at cost):
  • "Paylight" polycarbonate cut larger than A4 to fit A4 sheets
  • 0.25mm clear PVC for a cover.
  • Duct tape for the seam

More notices may be posted here before the trip starts.

Purpose

To provide training and practical expertise in geological field mapping and advanced field techniques. The objective is to give students the planning and logistical skills, practical field skills and confidence to conduct independent geological fieldwork. The experience translates naturally to those carrying out independent field projects as part of GEOL302 and to field work associated with work in industry, government institutions, research organizations and for higher degrees.

Content

The paper has three components. Note that two sequential field schools occur before Semester 1:

• Pounawea fieldclass (Catlins) - Tuesday 5th- Saturday 9th February 2013.
• Swinburn fieldclass (Maniototo) – Saturday 9th- Sunday 17th February 2013:.
• Otago Gold Exercise – in semester time

The Pounawea fieldclass focuses on field methods in structural geology and sedimentology. Students learn how to record, measure and interpret a variety of geological structures and how to use stereographic projection techniques to aid structural description, quantification and interpretation. Small scale data are compiled to understand larger scale geometry and to develop reasonable kinematic models. Sedimentological data are collected using graphic logging techniques with a focus on developing reasonable process and environmental interpretations and upscaling these within the geometrical framework from the structural analyses to constrain sedimentary basin stratigraphy, palaeogeography and environmental change. The class is assessed on the fieldclass

The Swinburn fieldclass provides a thorough training in geological mapping. Students learn how to design a mapping programme and how to conduct geological reconnaissance in addition to the very specific skills associated with location and marking information on a map. There is considerable emphasis on observing and recording all the constraints from geomorphology and exposed superficial and basement geology to best describe the subsurface geology. Cross sections and generalized vertical stratigraphy (GVS) are constructed in the field to generate 3D geometrical and stratigraphic models of the area. Field maps, cross sections and GVSs are marked while we are in the field. After the fieldwork labclasses are used to show students how to turn there field maps into a production quality final map. The final map is also assessed.

The Otago Gold exercise comprises a 1 day field trip to Nenthorn Mine plus laboratory classes. This exercise extends field mapping skills to applications in the mineral exploration industry. Two field investigations are undertaken during lab periods followed up by laboratory analyses. Structural data collected by a variety of sampling and mapping techniques (including mine mapping and use of drill-hole data) are investigated in three-dimensions. Remote sensing techniques, such as aeromagnetics, regional gravity surveys, photogeology and satellite imagery, are also considered. Training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) allows students to incorporate this approach into their work. Students prepare a report for assessment

Prerequisites

GEOL 251, GEOL 252

Teaching staff

In 2013 the Pounawea fieldclass is led by Dr Virginia Toy, the swinburn fieldclass by Prof. Dave Prior and the Otago gold exercise by Prof. Dave Craw and Dr. Doug MacKenzie. Luke Easterbrook teaches some of the lab classes and helps students with various aspects of laboratory work.

Assessment

100% internal assessment:

1. Pounawea report – 20%; completed on the camp.
2. Swinburn report – 50%; of which 40% completed on the camp and 10% for final map
3. Otago Gold exercise – 30%; final submission

Textbooks

• We recommend strongly that you buy the Geological Map of the South Island 1:1,000,000. This is sold by John Williams, Department of Geology.

• We recommend strongly that you buy:
  Coe, A. (ed.); 2010. Geological Field Techniques.  Wiley-Blackwell

• The following books are also useful:
  • Fry, N. The Field Description of Metamorphic Rocks. Wiley.
  • Jerram, D. & Petford, N. The Field Description of Igneous Rocks. Wiley.
  • Lisle, R., Brabham, P & Barnes, J. Basic Geological Mapping. Wiley.
  • McClay, K.  Mapping of Geological Structures, Wiley.
  • Tucker, M.E. Sedimentary Rocks in the Field: A Practical Guide. Wiley.