The University of British Columbia

Course Description

Recording and processing geological data in the field. Held within the three weeks following April examinations after third year. A special fee is to be paid by January 31.

UBC Calendar

For a full listing of course offerings please see the UBC calendar description

Learning Goals

Spring 2012 : Oliver Field School - April 27 to May 18 inclusive

 

1. Mapping in the field

  At the end of field school, students will be able to:

• Locate yourself in the field using a topographic map, compass and pacing
• Take accurate measurements in the field such as strike and dip, rock and mineral ID
• Use notebooks to record measurements, observations, interpretations, thoughts and ideas
• Sketch geologic features to illustrate relationships and label with observations
• Develop a geologic map in the field with geologic contacts, notation, symbols, etc. and transfer to a fair copy map back at camp
• Assess topography and geomorphology to assist in geologic interpretations and map making

 

2. Technical map making skills

 At the end of field school, students will be able to:

• Create a geologic map that others can read and use
• Use map elements (e.g. legend, north arrow, scale, title, author, date) correctly on both a field map and a fair copy map
• Create an extended legend for a fair copy map that describes all rock units in detail
• Identify and map geologic features to represent the structural elements (e.g. geometry) of those features
• Use standardized map symbols and colours on all geologic maps
• Accurately represent all rock units, geologic structures and formations in the given study area

 

3. Interpretation of geological data

  At the end of field school, students will be able to:

• Develop a mapping plan to understand and answer a geologic question
• Use the geologic map generated by the mapping plan to answer that question
• Produce a geologic history of the map area based on your map
• Produce a tectonic history of the map area based on your map

Instructors

May 2012:

Kenneth Hickey
Kelly Russell
Lori Kennedy

Textbook

Required textbook:

Geological Field Techniques, 2010, Dr Angela L. Coe (Ed), Wiley-Blackwell, pp 336. ISBN: 978-1-4443-3062-5

Recommended textbooks:

Boggs, S. Principles of Sedimentology and Stratigraphy. ISBN-13: 9780131547285 (textbook for EOSC 320). 

An introduction to Structural Geology and Tectonics. Van der Pluijm and Marshak. 1997 (out of print, but a custom course package incorporating much of this book is available at the UBC bookstore for $30.65).

Course Content

Course website: http://www.eos.ubc.ca/courses/eosc328/content/index.html

 

Shell Mapping Prizes

Each year Shell awards four undergraduate prizes for Excellence in Geological Field Work at the Oliver Field School. The recipients of those awards are listed below;

May 2011 (2010 academic year)

• Jonathan Effa
• Stacie Jones
• Catriona Spencer
• Karly Oliver

Lecture Topics

Topic
Boot Camp: Two-day overview of mapping techniques
White Lake: Mapping exercise in sedimentary, volcanic, and metamorphic rocks
Marron Canyon: Surficial deposits investigation and dam location
Perpetual Landslide: Geological Engineering evaluation of landslide near Penticton
Fairview: Mapping exercise in plutonic, metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks

Labs

N/A