Overview
Practical work in field observation, geological field mapping, field interpretation; basic geometry of structures; principles of lithostratigraphy and biostratigraphy; New Zealand geology and geological map interpretation.
Students will enjoy two residential field camps, 6 days each, in Central Otago and Fiordland. The field camps will focus on how to make geological observations, take quantitative and descriptive field notes, and the techniques involved in geological mapping. Students will develop their skills as field geologists by observing a wide range of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Follow-up work in the laboratory will focus on the interpretation of geological maps and the production of short written reports summarising field observations and interpretations. Additionally, students will develop an understanding of the regional geology of Central Otago and Fiordland.
About this paper
| Paper title | Field Studies and NZ Geology |
|---|---|
| Subject | Geology |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (17 February 2026 - 17 June 2026) (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,318.20 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- EAOS 111 and/or GEOL 112
- Pre or Corequisite
- EAOS 111 or EAOX 111
- Schedule C
- Science
- Notes
- Students must be prepared to attend field trips outside of regular semester time
- Eligibility
For students from overseas (study abroad or exchange) or transferring: you must have passed approved classes/courses that cover appropriate introductory geology (see the GEOL112 page for example), and we must be able to check the details of those courses from your official transcript. Normally we also check your class/course content from the relevant university or college website. If web details are not available, you may need to provide details in hard copy. - Contact
- More information link
- Teaching staff
Co-ordinator: Professor James White
- Paper Structure
Maerewhenua field camp: Geological mapping exercise, stratigraphic logging exercise, stereonet and structural analysis exercise, field notes exercise, rock description exercises.
Borland field camp: Sedimentary basin exercise, basement geology exercise, igneous rocks exercise, mapping exercise, cross section construction and map interpretation
- Teaching Arrangements
One 3-hour laboratory per week for up to the first 8 weeks of the semester.
Fieldwork:
Maerewhenua: 17-22 February 2026
Borland: 28 March - 2 April 2026
There are two 6-day field schools for this paper: Maerewhenua: 17-22 February 2026 & Borland: 28 March - 2 April 2026
- Textbooks
Recommended:
- Edbrooke, S.W.; Heron, D.W.; Forsyth, P.J.; Jongens, R. (compilers) 2015 Geological map of New Zealand 1:1 000 000. Lower Hutt, N.Z.: GNS Science. GNS Science geological map 2 2 maps (also available as a free web map service at http://data.gns.cri.nz/geology/)
- Coe, A. (ed.); 2010. Geological Field Techniques. Wiley-Blackwell
- 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
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Communication, Critical thinking, Environmental literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Plan and carry out fieldwork in a safe, environmentally friendly and efficient manner
- Describe, quantify and interpret outcrops, contact relationships, structures and lithologies in the field
- Produce a clear and well-organised field notebook that contains accurate field observations, measurements and preliminary interpretations
- Trace lithologic contacts, faults and other features and place these on topographic base maps and imagery
- Construct and interpret geologic maps, cross sections and stratigraphic columns informed from field mapping and outcrop observations
- Write clear and succinct geologic reports that accurately convey relevant field observations and basic interpretations
- Assessment details
Assessment is 100% internal, made up of field school maps/reports and lab exercises/tests. There is no final external exam.
Overview
Practical work in field observation, geological field mapping, field interpretation; basic geometry of structures; principles of lithostratigraphy and biostratigraphy; New Zealand geology and geological map interpretation.
Students will enjoy two residential field camps, six days each, in Central Otago and Fiordland. The field camps will focus on how to make geological observations, take quantitative and descriptive field notes, and the techniques involved in geological mapping. Students will develop their skills as field geologists by observing a wide range of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Follow-up work in the laboratory will focus on the interpretation of geological maps and the production of short written reports summarising field observations and interpretations. Additionally, students will develop an understanding of the regional geology of Central Otago and Fiordland.
About this paper
| Paper title | Field Studies and NZ Geology |
|---|---|
| Subject | Geology |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- EAOS 111 and/or GEOL 112
- Pre or Corequisite
- EAOS 111 or EAOX 111
- Schedule C
- Science
- Notes
- Students must be prepared to attend field trips outside of regular semester time
- Eligibility
Background requirements:
For students from overseas (studying abroad or on exchange) or transferring: you must have passed approved classes/courses that cover appropriate introductory geology (see the GEOL 112 page for example), and we must be able to check the details of those courses from your official transcript. Normally, we also check your class/course content from the relevant university or college website. If web details are not available, you may need to provide details in hard copy.
- Contact
- More information link
- Teaching staff
Co-ordinator: Professor Chris Moy and Dr Supratik Roy
- Paper Structure
Maerewhenua field camp: Geological mapping exercise, stratigraphic logging exercise, stereonet and structural analysis exercise, field notes exercise, rock description exercises.
Borland field camp: Sedimentary basin exercise, basement geology exercise, igneous rocks exercise, mapping exercise, cross-section construction and map interpretation
- Teaching Arrangements
One 3-hour laboratory per week for up to the first 8 weeks of the semester.
Residential field camps (compulsory):
Maerewhenua camp: 23 - 28 February 2027
Borland camp: 20 March - 25 March 2027
There are two 6-day field schools for this paper: Maerewhenua: 23 - 28 February 2027 & Borland: 20 March - 25 March 2027
- Textbooks
Recommended:
- Edbrooke, S.W.; Heron, D.W.; Forsyth, P.J.; Jongens, R. (compilers) 2015 Geological map of New Zealand 1:1 000 000. Lower Hutt, N.Z.: GNS Science. GNS Science geological map 2 2 maps (also available as a free web map service).
- Coe, A. (ed.); 2010. Geological Field Techniques. Wiley-Blackwell.
- 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.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Communication, Critical thinking, Environmental literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Plan and carry out fieldwork in a safe, environmentally friendly and efficient manner
- Describe, quantify and interpret outcrops, contact relationships, structures and lithologies in the field
- Produce a clear and well-organised field notebook that contains accurate field observations, measurements and preliminary interpretations
- Trace lithologic contacts, faults and other features and place these on topographic base maps and imagery
- Construct and interpret geologic maps, cross sections and stratigraphic columns informed by field mapping and outcrop observations
- Write clear and succinct geologic reports that accurately convey relevant field observations and basic interpretations
- Assessment details
Assessment is 100% internal, made up of field school maps/reports and lab exercises/tests. There is no final external exam.