GEOL 481 Syllabus

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GEOL 481 GEOLOGIC FIELD TECHNIQUES

Spring 1999

Objectives

Learn basic geologic field techniques including the following:

Note taking
Mapping on 7 ½ ‘ topographic maps
Mapping from aerial photographs
Sample collection
Brunton & pace mapping
Plane table mapping

Extend your knowledge of geologic report writing

Expand your knowledge and skills related to drafting and preparation of illustrations

Course requirements.

The course is built around completing a geologic report describing the geology an area of the foothills containing a variety of rock types and geologic structures. Additional small projects will be assigned related to specific skills to be learned. The requirements to complete this course include the following:

Small projects (e.g., Brunton & pace map of UC lawn)

Written geologic report of the study area. This report will be presented both in electronic HTML format loaded onto the Department’s web page and in traditional written format. The report must include, but is not limited to:

Introduction
Geologic setting
Lithologic description and analysis
Structural description and analysis (folds/faults/etc)
Geomorphology description and analysis
Geologic history
Geologic map (includes results of all mapping activities)
Minimum of two geologic cross-sections
Structure contour map on the base of the Fountain Formation

Oral geologic report on the study area to be presented during finals week.

It is expected that you will bring to bear on this project all previous and current course work in geology and supporting sciences and math. This specifically includes reports prepared in courses such as Structure, Mineralogy, Optical, Stratigraphy, Geomorphology, and so forth that relate to the area.

III. Schedule. The schedule must be flexible to accommodate the vagaries of the weather. Field work will commence as soon as weather allows. It is assumed that you will spend a substantial amount of time in the field outside of class time in order to complete the project. A preliminary schedule is attached.

IV. Grading: Letter grade based on project reports and small projects.

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