Welcome to the module CSM1036 Field Geology and Geological Maps.  We pride ourselves on delivering a robust programme of field-based training throughout your degree, enabling you to become competent a field geologist. The ability to identify, record and understand geological data in the field is a fundamental skill for a geologist. Geological maps provide a robust and functional way of presenting geological data allowing greater 3D visualisation of the underlying geology. This enhances interpretations of geological processes and promotes an understanding how focussed data collection can allow hypothesis testing.

This practical-based module focusses on developing your skills with measuring and recording geological observations in the field. It also requires you to utilise skills developed in other modules (CSM1042 Dynamic Planet, CSM1043 Crystallography, Mineralogy and Gemstones, and CSM1044 Earth History and Palaeontology) to start interpreting those observations and focus hypothesis-driven fieldwork. You will also develop skills with geological mapping techniques. This will involve learning how to read and interpret geological maps and visualise geology in 3D.  You will also learn how to make a geological map in the field.

This module is worth 30 credits and runs throughout Year 1. In Term 1 you will undertake a series of introductory lectures and workshops to prepare you for geological fieldwork, before taking part in 3 one-day fieldclasses around Cornwall. Throughout Term 2 you will learn geological mapping skills through a series of weekly workshops and independent study. There will also be 6 one-day fieldclasses around Cornwall on Fridays throughout the term. The module culminates with the 7-day Pembrokeshire Residential Field Course towards the end of the Easter Vacation, and an exam in the May exam period.

All of the skills you learn on this module (and integrate from other modules) will provide you with a foundation that you will continue to develop in Year 2 and utilise in all 2nd Year modules. You will also use them in preparation for your Summer Vacation Project in Year 3.

No prior knowledge of field geology or geological maps is necessary, and there are no pre-requisite modules needed to take this module.

This module aims to develop your skills with field geology and geological mapping techniques.

• The primary aim of the module is to develop your ability to effectively record, analyse and synthesise geological data in the field. You will learn how to measure and record geological observations using a variety of techniques (e.g., written descriptions, field sketches, graphic logs, quantitative data). You will also learn how to measure and record geological structures and orientation data using a compass-clinometer. You will begin to integrate these observations with knowledge and understanding of geological processes learnt in other modules to describe and interpret of a wide range of phenomena (igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic processes, structural geology and regional tectonics). By the end of this module, you should have enhanced your ability and competence in field geology.
• The module also aims to provide you with the principles of geological mapping, the interpretation of geological maps and the preparation of geological cross sections. You will learn how to read and interpret geological maps and solve problems using maps as a tool. You will also learn how to read and construct cross-sections, enhancing your ability to visualise geology in 3D. In combination with your fieldwork, you will also learn how to construct a geological map based on field observations. By the end of the module, you should have all the necessary skills to complete a geological map.

An aim that permeates throughout the module is the development of safe, professional working practices in field-based geology. The learning environment also places emphasis on developing your self-confidence and reliance when working independently.

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

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1. Prepare clear detailed legible field notes, sketches, graphic sedimentary logs, and small-scale plans/maps and cross-sections;
2. Describe a range of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rock types based on the field identification of minerals and the recognition of grain/crystal size, textures and fabrics;
3. Measure and record planar and linear structural data. Describe and record folds, foliations and faults;
4. Locate yourself accurately on a base map, and develop the ability to "read" a base map to locate yourself;
5. Understand the basic principles of stratigraphy including lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy and chronostratigraphy;
6. Describe macrofossils and trace fossils within their sedimentological context in the field;
7. Describe and record sedimentary structures and understand their significance in terms of identifying the younging direction in a deformed area;
8. Understand the application of lithostratigraphy in geological mapping
9. Understand how geology is represented on geological maps and how outcrop patterns reflect the interaction between the shape and orientation of geological units and topography;
10. Demonstrate how geological maps can be used to interpret the geology and geological history of an area;
11. Construct geological cross-sections from geological map data;
12. Interpret the geology of different areas of the world using geological maps.

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

13. Transfer information gained through formal taught modules (e.g. Dynamic Planet) to a field-based scenario;
14. Visualise geology in three-dimensions.

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:

15. Solve problems in a variety of settings;
16. Synthesise a range of data;
17. Interact effectively within a team/learning group, giving and receiving information and ideas and modifying responses, where appropriate.
18. Collect data and communicate in a variety of formats;
19. Demonstrate safe working practice in a practical environment and identify inherent risks during fieldwork and take appropriate action to minimise those risks.

Term 1

Introduction to geological fieldwork. during the first half of Term 1 you will undertake a series of lectures and practicals to introduce you to the concepts of geological fieldwork. These include the purpose and applications of fieldwork, how to conduct yourself in the field and safe working practice, geological field equipment, geolocation, and data collection methods.

Opportunities Week fieldclasses. During Week 6 of Term 1 you will take part in a series of one-day fieldclasses around Cornwall to apply your newfound knowledge and understanding of geological fieldwork. This typically involves 3 fieldclasses, and may also include other campus-based activities. You will be working on your data collection skills in a variety of geological settings and presenting information in your field notebook. Linked to assessment – Opportunities Week Field Notebook Assessment (worth 10% of the module).

Term 2

Geological map practicals. Throughout Term 2 you will take part in a series of geological map practicals to train you in the ability to read and interpret geological maps and visualise geology in 3D. You will also learn how to construct cross sections and make your own geological map during fieldwork. For the first half of the term, you will work with theoretical (cartoon) geological maps (weeks 1-6). The second half of the term you will mainly work with real geological maps from the UK and overseas (weeks 7-10). Link to assessment – you will be tested on your knowledge and understanding of geological maps in an examination in May (worth 30% of the module).

One-day fieldclasses. You will take part in a series of one-day fieldclasses around Cornwall throughout Term 2. This typically involves 6 fieldclasses, and may also include other campus-based activities. These sessions will continue the work you did in Term 1 in building your field geology skillset to measure and record geological data in the field. There will be more focus on developing your ability to synthesise and interpret geological data, and in producing a geological map. There will be a clear integration of what you are learning in other modules to help you build your knowledge and understanding of multiple geological settings, as well as. helping you consolidate your knowledge in other modules. Linked to assessment –Term 2 Assessed Fieldclass (worth 20% of the module).

Term 3

Pembrokeshire Field Course. Towards the end of the Easter Vacation / start of Term 3 you will take part in your first residential field course to Pembrokeshire. The trip will include 6 days of fieldwork (with 1 day of travel time to and from Pembrokeshire) at several localities around the Pembrokeshire coast. The purpose of the field course is to consolidate and further develop the knowledge, understanding and skills you have covered in lectures, practicals and one-day fieldclasses for this module during terms 1 and 2.  There will be a mixture of teaching and exercise-based learning, covering stratigraphy, sedimentology, structural geology and palaeontology plus geological mapping skills. The course is a fantastic way to consolidate all your learning and skills developed during Year 1 and will aid your revision for other modules ahead of your exams in May. Linked to assessment –Pembrokeshire Field Course Assessment (worth 40% of the module).

If a student is referred or deferred, the failed / non-completed component(s) will be re-assessed at the same weighting as the original assessment.

Basic reading:

See reading list for details.

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

Web based and electronic resources:

ELE page for module CSM1036 Field Geology and Geological Maps: https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=10355 UK Geological Maps: www.bgs.ac.uk/education/geology_of_britain/home.html

The British Geological Survey Geology of Britain web pages: www.bgs.ac.uk/education/makeamap/home.html

Reading list for this module: