Field Geology I

Recommended Prerequisites

Introduction to Geology, Mineralogy, Introduction to Mapping and GIS.

Teaching Methods

The discipline will have with a strong practical component of fieldwork and a theoretical component in the classroom to prepare the final report.

Throughout the classroom and laboratory classes the student will gain theoretical and theoretical-practical knowledge of basic concepts of geological mapping, stereoscopy, topography and spatial representation of data (in GIS environment or others).

In field classes the student will apply methods and techniques used in geological mapping. At the end the student will conduct a geological survey in a basic geological context.

Learning Outcomes

Fieldwork is one of the fundamental pillars in Geology. This course aims at the students: 1) To learn to make field notes in a systematic and organized way. 2) To practice good standards of ethical, social and ecological conduct during fieldwork. 3) To acquire basic knowledge about the execution and interpretation of geological mapping, in its structural, petrological, paleontological and stratigraphic aspects. 4) To learn to make illustrative and explanatory schemes in section and plan through the cartographic survey of a certain area, using various types of supports. 5) To learn the use of the compass to measure the orientation of structures. 6) To learn to apply georreferencing tools through the use of topographic maps and DGPS (or other georeferencing tools). 7) To represent the data cartographically using GIS and other geological data processing tools. 8) To learn to produce fieldwork reports.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

The discipline is based on a wide range of field-based lectures, complemented with office classes for the preparation of the final report. Aiming at a diverse and extensive analysis of lithologies and structures, field trips are carried out on Palaeozoic areas and also on the Western Iberian Meso-Cenozoic region.

Students also acquire knowledge about:

1. The basic concepts of Geological Mapping.

2. Reading and interpretation of topographic and geological maps.

3. Observation of geological structures using Google Earth and aerial photography.

4. Acquisition of topographic and georeferenced data in the field.

5. Field orientation techniques and compass handling methods.

6. Identification of materials, contacts and geological structures and its representation in maps.

7. Geological sampling.

8. Plotting geological information using GIS and other tools.

9. Produce a geological map with lithostratigraphic information, geological profiles and structural interpretation.

Head Lecturer(s)

Pedro José Miranda da Costa

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Mini Tests: 20.0%
Synthesis work: 20.0%
Laboratory work or Field work: 60.0%

Bibliography

- Coe, A. (2010) - Geological Field Tecniques -, Wiley-Blackwell.

- Compton, R. (1985) - Geology in the Field-, John Wiley & Sons, USA.

- Lisle, R. J., Brabham, P. & Barnes, J. (2011) - Basic Geological Mapping. The Geological Field Guide. Wiley-Blackwell.

- Rebelo, J. A. (1999) - As Cartas Geológicas ao serviço do desenvolvimento. Publicação integrada nas Comemorações dos 150 anos da criação da I Comissão Geológica. Instituto Geológico e Mineiro

- Cartas Geológicas de Portugal à escala 1/50 000. Cartas topográficas à escala 1/25.000.