Geological Mapping Techniques - 2019 entry

Fieldwork is where geology comes alive. We pride ourselves on delivering a robust programme of training, enabling our students to become competent field geologists, able to collect and interpret data from a wide range of geological situations and to be able to present the results of fieldwork in written reports and in presentations. During the module we develop the skills required to measure and record geological data in the preparation of geological maps. We make use of that data to interpret geological processes and gain an understanding of how data collection can allow hypothesis testing. Emphasis is also placed on developing personal self-confidence and reliance.

The module builds upon the geological and surveying field skills training provided in Year 1 (CSM1036, CSM1028) with campus-based training in surveying (Summer Survey Course), basic use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and geological mapping techniques (Term 2). These are integrated with field-data acquisition skills developed during Year 2 fieldwork in SW England (CSM2182, CSM2183, and CSM2312) during the Skye Fieldclass (Easter Vacation). The majority of you will then put these skills to use when undertaking geological mapping for your Summer Vacation Project (CSM3379).

This module aims to develop the field-based training provided during the Year 1 Field Geology and Geological Maps module to provide students with a thorough training in geological mapping. The primary aim of the module is to enhance students' ability and competence in geological mapping of an upland field area along with the description and interpretation of a wide range of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic lithologies.  An aim that permeates throughout the module is the development of safe, professional working practices in field-based geology. In addition to field geology, the module also includes a practical surface surveying exercise, which is held over two weeks prior to the commencement of the second year of the programme.

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1 Record structural data in the field;

2 Plot geological data on to a base map producing detailed field slips and subsequent neat copy geological maps;

3 Interpret geological processes from field exposures;

4 Describe and interpret a wide range of igneous and metamorphic rock types;

5 Synthesize different aspects of geological data into internally consistent models;

6 Identify inherent risks during fieldwork and take appropriate action to minimise those risks;

7 Prepare geological maps, cross sections and reports;

8 Competence in the use of surveying equipment;

9 Carry out a topographical survey of a site and apply theoretical surveying knowledge;

10 Establish the required skills needed to undertake survey control to meet a client specification;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

11 Translate theoretical lecture based data and relate that to field-based data acquisition and analysis;

12 Critically appraise available data and synthesis data allowing field-based hypotheses to be tested;

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:

13 Communicate effectively in a manner appropriate to the discipline and report practical procedures in a clear and concise manner in a variety of formats;

14 Select appropriate data from a range of sources and develop research strategies;

15 Interact effectively within a team/learning group, giving and receiving information and ideas and modifying responses, where appropriate.

The Geological Mapping Techniques module comprises four elements:

1 - The Summer Survey Course (11 days, Year 1, Term 3, following May Exams):

The Summer Survey Course is an intensive practical course designed to imitate a typical topographic survey. Students are expected to produce a topographic survey of an area of the Penryn Campus using several surveying methods and working whole-to-part, whilst working in small groups. This course builds on the skills developed during the Year 1 CSM1028 Surveying and CAD module. Whilst this course runs at the end of Year 1 it contributes towards this 2nd Year module.

2 - An Introduction to the Skye Field Course, Creating Field Slips in ArcGIS and Mapping Skills (5 sessions, Term 2):

- During Term 2 there will be a series of lectures and workshops designed to provide the skills and test your understanding of fundamental exposure mapping techniques. The aim of these sessions are to ensure that these skills can then be properly utilised during the Skye Field Course. There will also be a series of workshops on how to use GIS to create field slips. In the build-up to the Skye Field Course there will be a session providing logistics and information on the course;

3 - Skye Field Course - Field Mapping Training and Practice (8 days fieldwork, Easter Vacation):

The Skye Field Course is the dominant component of the Geological Mapping Techniques module. Its aim is to develop your ability and confidence to use the geological exposure mapping method during 8 days fieldwork on the Isle of Skye in NW Scotland. Most of the focus will be on creating field slips and will be supplemented by work in your field notebooks. By the end of the field course students should have the skills and confidence to complete the field mapping component of the Summer Vacation Project (CSM3397);

4 - Map-Making Workshop - Digitising Field Slips and making a final neat copy map in ArcGIS (Term 3):

The purpose of these workshops is to provide the skills to complete the final component of creating a geological map – digitising the data. This will include digitising example field slips and then producing a final neat copy geological map. This will be done using ArcGIS software.

As above, one piece of Coursework (100%).

Basic Reading:

ELE –  https://vle.exeter.ac.uk

Web based and Electronic Resources:

ELE page for module CSM2184, Geological Mapping Techniques:

 https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=504

Reading list for this module: