ERB305 Geological Field Methods
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | ERB305 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | (ERB203 or NQB413) and (ERB204 or NQB412) and (ERB206 or NQB411) |
| Equivalent(s): | NQB502 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,164 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,968 |
| International unit fee | $6,216 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | ERB305 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | (ERB203 or NQB413) and (ERB204 or NQB412) and (ERB206 or NQB411) |
| Equivalent: | NQB502 |
| Coordinator: | Christoph Schrank | christoph.schrank@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Field experience is an essential part of the professional training of geologists, environmental scientists, and natural resource specialists in general. The theory and practice of methods to recognize, map, measure, and interpret important geological features and characteristics are essential to the study of geology. Methods of mapping, orientation, and interpretation are necessary skills for resource assessment, geo-exploration, and environmental impact assessment. This unit assumes knowledge of geological principles and methods, namely structural geology and basic petrology and petrography (sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks). It provides professional experiences that are essential for the employability for geology graduates.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Demonstrate your knowledge of the basic theory and application of principles related to the design, practical planning and undertaking of field surveys.
- Be able to employ equipment and procedures to collect, analyse and present geological data from field surveys effectively in written and graphical form through scientific reports, maps, and cross sections.
- Formulate, test and revise geologic hypotheses iteratively using field observations with the goal to explain the geologic history of an area
- Demonstrate your ability to offer an interpretation of the geological history of the field site firmly rooted in the mapped rock record
- Conduct field surveys and the related data acquisition techniques independently and in teams.
Content
The content introduces methods for:
(1) Field survey design: choice of field tools and base maps, strategies for exploring the architecture of geological bodies in a time-efficient way, choosing a scale for mapping, etc.
(2) Field analysis: how to read the terrain, what should be recorded, what can be disregarded, etc.
(3) The accurate recording of field observations: the spatial distribution and geometrical properties (thickness, orientation) of rock types, their boundaries, and deformation structures
(4) Map reading and geometrical analysis: understanding of topographic contour lines, derivation of the orientation of planar and linear features in maps (e.g., contacts, sedimentary layering, fault planes, fold axes, displacement vectors), identification of relative ages by analysing overprinting relations
(5) Geological map and cross-section construction: basic mapping projections, choice and mode of display of necessary information and data, construction of 3D planar and linear features in 2D map view, etc.
(6) Data interpretation: interpretation of the 3D rock architecture recorded, visualised and analysed through maps, cross-sections, and lithological logs in terms of a geological history
(7) Map and report presentation: composition of a comprehensive report of the mapping campaign according to academic and industry standards
(8) Teamwork: advice on the effective collaboration in field surveys
Learning Approaches
Teaching and learning strategies include workshops and fieldwork. Workshops during the semester will introduce and practice the skills and knowledge vital for the successful completion of the fieldwork using exercises on field survey design and mapping, map reading, cross-section construction, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation.
These workshops are followed by two weeks of field mapping in a suitable field site. The mapping excursion puts the skills learned in the workshops into practice and integrates them with the fundamental skills and knowledge obtained in all previous Earth-Science units. The field project develops rigorous field-analytical and problem-solving skills while working within groups. Group work aims to improve your communication and collaboration skills and satisfies health and safety requirements of work in remote terrains.
The preparation of individual field reports according to professional standards allows you to integrate your skills in recording and visualising 3D geological data quantitatively and qualitatively with interpreting the rock record in terms of a geological history.
Formative oral and written feedback will be offered on workshop exercises and written feedback on a summative examination conducted during the semester. Oral and written feedback will be supplied for field maps, cross-sections, and project reports.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
As above
Assessment
Overview
The assessment for this unit follows the assessment policy stated in section 9.1.1 http://www.mopp.qut.edu.au/C/C_09_01.jsp Manual of Policies and Procedures (MOPP).
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Problem Solving Task
At the halfway point of the fieldtrip, your mapping team will participate in a 30-minute interview with the teaching team, which assesses your mapping progress and ensures that you are on the right track to completing your task. You will present the relevant geological data you collected so far: lithostratigraphic columns, ternary diagrams for the classification of metamorphic rocks, your "mud map", a sketched interpretative map, schematic cross-sections, and summary Schmidt nets displaying and classifying the relevant deformation structures. On the basis of these data, your team will argue your working hypothesis for the geological history of the research area.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Report
Take-home field report and including an interpretative geological map and related cross- sections integrating field data and observations in terms of a geological history of the mapped region. (submitted one week after the field trip)
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Examination (written)
A written mid-term examination will test your ability to (1) construct geometrically accurate geological maps and cross-sections from spatial geological data, (2) analyse existing geological maps quantitatively and qualitatively in terms of orientation data and overprinting relationships, and (3) derive a geological history from a geological map.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Hardbound field notebook (Chartwell Survey Book 2057 or similar), pencils, coloured pencils, pens, eraser, calculator, clear plastic ruler, pair of compasses, protractor, geo-pick, safety glasses, backpack, grain size comparator, Schmidt net including tracing paper, clipboard, bulldog clips for holding the maps. Any equipment you used in class, you will need in the field. Geologic compasses will be provided.
Good sturdy outdoor boots, warm/wet weather gear, comfortable field clothes, sun hat, sun screen, medication you may need - be prepared for all weather circumstances, temperatures may drop below zero at night.
A full list of recommendations on what to bring will be circulated prior to the field trip.
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
Compton R (1985) Geology in the Field, Wiley
Dougal Jerram, Nick Petford (2011) The Field Description of Igneous Rocks, 2nd Edition http://au.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0470022361.html, Wiley
Maurice E. Tucker (2011) Sedimentary Rocks in the Field: A Practical Guide, 4th Edition http://au.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0470689161.html, Wiley
Norman Fry http://au.wiley.com/WileyCDA/Section/id-370022.html?query=Norman+Fry (1991) The Field Description of Metamorphic Rocks, Wiley
Richard H. Groshong, Jr. (2006) 3-D Structural Geology - A practical guide to quantitative surface and subsurface map interpretation, 2nd edition, Springer
Richard J. Lisle http://au.wiley.com/WileyCDA/Section/id-370022.html'query=Richard+J.+Lisle, Peter Brabham http://au.wiley.com/WileyCDA/Section/id-370022.html'query=Peter+Brabham, John W. Barnes http://au.wiley.com/WileyCDA/Section/id-370022.html?query=John+W.+Barnes (2011) Basic Geological Mapping, 5th Edition, Wiley
Stephen Rowland et al. (2007) Structural Analysis & Synthesis - A laboratory course in structural geology, 3rd edition, Blackwell publishing
Risk Assessment Statement
There are risks associated with fieldwork, and these will be explained prior to the trip. As supervisors, we have an obligation of care but our liability does not extend to cover actions of deliberate neglect by individuals. Continued breaches of safety guidelines may result in your dismissal from the trip.
You are legally required to fill in and sign a field trip consent form supplied via Canvas in week 1. This form is designed to collect essential information needed to optimise the health and safety of all participants. You have an obligation to disclose any health issues, including suspected health issues, which may pose a risk to yourself or others in the context of the Field Trip. QUT will confidentially assess all health issues and take reasonable actions to manage any risks and ensure your participation in Field Trip activities. You are encouraged to contact either a Disability Adviser (Ph: 3138 2699 or Email: student.disability@qut.edu.au ) or QUT Counselling Services (Ph: 3138 2383) for more information if you believe that your capacity to attend and/or participate may be impacted by your physical or mental health condition.
Field-trip participants will spend on average eight hours per day conducting an outdoor geological mapping exercise in groups of three. This involves strategic walking of the area along transects or following relevant lithological/structural boundaries, during which outcrops are examined in regular intervals or when the geology requires it. Outcrop examination usually includes careful exposing of fresh rock surfaces with a geopick, the use of the hand lens on rock specimens in hand- or outcrop sample, and the use of the geological compass for geo-location and measurement of 3D fabric elements. A satellite image with superposed topographic map is used for locating oneself and the recording of observations (in addition to the field book).
The terrain of the research area is usually rugged, generally pathless, bush with short-wavelength, partly very steep topography. Field-trip participants will walk on rocky, uneven surfaces as a rule. One is exposed to the sun, wind, etc. Daily transects cover cumulative lengths in the range of 4 to 10 km across multiple hills. High levels of physical fitness and endurance are required.