Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this module you should be able to:
(1) Read and interpret geological maps - and in particular deduce the 3D geometry of rock units and other geological features;
(2) Practice the rudiments of geological mapping, rock description and field data collection;
(3) Identify a range of common minerals, fossils and rocks in hand specimen and in the field, and be able to interpret their geological significance;
(4) Explain how sedimentary environments, igneous activity and metamorphic events can be reconstructed from map and field evidence;
(5) Record structural data (such as dip, strike, plunge and plunge direction) for various geological structures in the field using a compass-clinometer;
(6) Decipher an area’s geological history from a geological map, with particular emphasis on establishing the relative timing of different events.
(7) Understand the relevance of geological structures and mapping to the discovery and management of natural resources, to the mitigation of natural hazards, and to formulation of geotechnical engineering solutions.
Indicative Module Content:
Field Class (6 days) - West of Ireland
Dr E. P. Holohan & Dr. Anya Crocker – 9th-14th March
A six-day residential field course to examine evidence for the geological evolution of the West of Ireland, from ocean closure and mountain building about 470 Million years ago to climate change and global warming after the last Ice Age about 11,000 years ago. Also includes small-group training exercises on rock, fossil and mineral identification, as well as on geological field description, measurement and mapping.
Practical Classes (3 hours each)
1 Outcrop patterns on geological maps and their relationship to topography.
Dr P. Rodriguez Salgado – 15:00-18:00, Thursday 22nd January
• Topographic contours and profiles. Stratigraphic columns. Structural contours. How topography affects geological map patterns. Complete Maps 1 & 4 in class. Complete Map 5 as homework to practice.
• Can you highlight to an engineering firm where a planned tunnel may need extra reinforcement?
2 Unconformities on geological maps
Dr P. Rodriguez Salgado - 15:00-18:00, Thursday 29th January
• Main types of unconformity between rock sequences. Complete Map 10 in class. Complete Map 9 to practice your learning as homework.
• Can you tell an exploration company where to look for Zn/Pb deposits for green energy storage?
3 Folded rocks and related map patterns
Dr P. Rodriguez Salgado - 15:00-18:00, Thursday 5th February
• Folding of rocks and terminology related to geological folds. Interpreting maps and drawing cross-sections without using structural contours. Apparent dip. Complete Map 12 & 16 in class.
• Can you advise a driller of where to locate copper ore deposits for green energy transmission?
4 Faults on geological maps and cross-sections
Dr P. Rodriguez Salgado - 15:00-18:00, Thursday 19th February
• Normal, reverse and strike-slip faults on geological maps and cross-sections. Concepts of fault surfaces, displacement and cut-off lines. Dykes & sills. Complete Map 17 in class and Map 22 as homework.
• Can you inform a Milk Processing Plant where to drill for an on-site groundwater supply?
5 Fold plunge and foliations
Dr P. Rodriguez Salgado - 15:00-18:00, Thursday 26th February
• Plunging folds and related patterns in structural contours and unit outcrop. Relationship between folded bedding and foliation (cleavage). Complete Maps 24 and 40.
• Can you inform an exploration manager where to drill for iron-ore deposits?
6 Thrusts and overturned folds
Dr P. Rodriguez Salgado - 15:00-18:00, Thursday 5th March
• Fold geometry in terms of fold axis and axial plane. Fold symmetry, parasitic folds and vergence (S-, Z- folds). Overturned folds and cleavage-bedding relationships. Relationship between folding, thrust faulting and mountain building.
• Complete the tasks related to Map 46.
RESIDENTIAL FIELD CLASS (Mid-term Break - 9th -14th March)
7 Igneous rocks on geological maps
Dr E. P. Holohan - 15:00-18:00, Thursday 26th March
• Overview of the geometries and emplacement mechanisms of intrusive and extrusive igneous rock units. Analyses the forms of igneous rocks on Map 29 and draw two cross-sections to illustrate your ideas.
• Advise your company on where best to search for geothermal energy.
8 Real geological maps – Cheddar, England
Dr E. P. Holohan - 15:00-18:00, Thursday 2nd April
• Tackle tasks and questions regarding the mainly siliciclastic and carbonate rock units in the Cheddar area.
• What evidence is there of environmental change through geological time?
• When did Africa collide with Europe?
• What economic resources exist in the map area?
9 Real geological maps – Cheddar, England
Dr E. P. Holohan - 15:00-18:00, Wednesday 9th April
• Draw a cross-section through the Cheddar area by using the topographic profile provided.
• What solution can you give for the deeper geological structure of an area with no or limited rock outcrop?
• How deep would one have to drill to reach a target aquifer to supply Cheddar town with geothermal energy?
10 Real geological maps – Eldama Ravine, Kenya
Dr E. P. Holohan - 15:00-18:00, Wednesday 16th April
• Tackle the tasks and questions on the handout regarding the igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rock units shown on the Eldama Ravine Map.
• Advise on the nature and potential locations of geological hazards, minerals and geothermal energy resources in this highly active area of the East African Rift.
11 Revision Class
Dr E. P. Holohan - 15:00-18:00, Wednesday 23rd April
• Student-led questions and answers session on any topic from the maps section of the module.
• Tackle practice maps ahead of the final exam.