A main component to understand the geology of a region requires in situ studying of the geology in the field at rock outcrops. Field geology, including the determination of rock units, the measurements of faults and planes and sampling of relevant samples together with e.g. remote sensing techniques is the basis of many geological studies. In this course the students will learn these field geology techniques by a combination of field excursions, a mapping exercise in a selected area in teams as well as preparation of the mapping before, and the analyses and interpretation of the field data to a full geological report after the field work. This course teaches modern field geological methods, including:
- The recognition of geologic features and different rock types in the field.
- Determination of rock units measurement and description of stratigraphic sections.
- Surface geological mapping using satellite images and digital elevation models at various scales.
- Structural interpretation and construction of cross sections.
- Comparative dating techniques in the field to determine timing.
- Field mapping techniques incl. orientation in the field, interpolation of data, GPS usage.
- Field sampling techniques.
- Integrated mapping, geological interpretation of an area and presentation of this in written and spoken form.