Field Methods 1
Curriculum guideline
Lecture, lab, field exercises.
- Living skills including camping (camp setup, proper food storage, waste disposal), hiking (clothing, footwear, equipment), safety (first aid, avoiding hazards, wildlife), and etiquette (working and living in groups, field access to public and private land, "footprint" and waste management).
- Observing in the field and use of field notebooks: field notes, diagrams, photographs.
- Common minerals, mineral physical properties, classification systems.
- Common igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, classification systems, relevant textures, processes of formation, depositional environments, tectonic settings, metamorphic grade.
- Instruments and media: compass, clinometer, topographic map, stereoscope, air photographs, GPS devices.
- Structural features: foliation, lineation, folds, faults, joints/fractures, strike and dip.
- Geological maps, base maps, symbology, scales, field information.
- Cross-sections, scales, field information, linkage to maps.
- Stratigraphic sections, symbols, field information.
- Surface materials including glacial deposits, fluvial deposits, soils and associated groundwater flow.
- Assignments and labs may include the following:
- Navigation.
- Stratigraphic section.
- Description and identification of minerals and igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
- Simple geologic maps.
- Geologic cross-sections.
- Surficial geology and hydrogeology.
- Relative dating.
- Depositional environments and fossils.
- Placer mineral deposits.
After successfully completing EAES 1500, a student will be able to:
- Work effectively in a field environment (camping and hiking) using appropriate safety procedures and etiquette.
- Observe the geologic environment, and accurately record field information.
- Describe and identify common minerals and common igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks in a field setting using simple classification systems.
- Determine accurate locations and navigate using compass, GPS, and topographic maps.
- Identify, describe and measure geologic structures.
- Develop simple geologic maps and cross-sections utilizing field information and prepared base maps.
- Apply the principles of relative dating, and describe the characteristics of common depositional environments.
- Construct a simple geologic history of a field area.
- Describe surficial materials and related ground water movement.
Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation will be based on the following:
Labs and assignments 30-40%
Field Notes/Reports 10-20%
Exams 50%
Students should consult the bookstore for the latest required course materials, including the textbook.
Textbook: A.L.Coe, Geological Field Techniques, Wiley Blackwell or an equivalent text.
Notebook: Rite in the Rain waterproof booklet or equivalent.
Other equipment: rock hammer, hand lens, mineral identification kit, safety eyewear.
None.
None.