Introduction to Field Methods313

Instructor: Paul McBurnett

Email:

Office Phone: (818)677-2511

Office Hours: Live Oak 1214 Tuesdays 10:00am - 11:00 am or by appointment

Class Meeting: Friday 11:00am-1:45pm

Room: Live Oak 1212

Required Text:Geology in the field by Robert R. Compton, 1985

Course Objectives: This course is designed to teach you the basics in geologic mapping and field observations. Primarily we will focus on:

  • Making field observations
  • Collecting geologic data
  • Interpreting field relationships
  • Use of a Brunton Compass
  • Orientation and location using topographic maps
  • Basic mapping techniques
  • Constructing a formal written report

Dangers in Field Courses:There are inherent dangers on any trip taken in field courses. These dangers, however, cannot be avoided and will always be present in any field work you may do. As all dangers go, learning how to manage the risk is key. Dangers that may be present, but not limited to, sunburn, dehydration, bug bites, snake bites, hypothermia, poison oak, heat exhaustion/stroke, broken bones, sprains, cuts and bruises, and GiardiaLamblia to name a few. There is also a possibility to being hit by falling rocks or get struck by lightning. No significant mishap has occurred to CSUN students, but that in no way implies that it cannot. If you are afraid of any of the above, to the extent that this course does not seem feasible, it is highly suggested that you rethink your major and/or university.

Course Load: Field courses are very challenging. It requires a significant amount of effort in order to master the material. Be prepared to spend more than the allotted 4 hours of study outside of the classroom environment to do well in the course. You will need to read the course material and spend a good amount of time reviewing and editing, and having classmates check your work. I fully expect punctual attendance, participation, and mental engagement in the lectures. Learning the concepts in this course will need to be directly applied to field studies. Simply memorizing most this material will not substitute for correct application of use.

Homework:Most lab assignments will take you longer than the time allotted during class. Assignments will generally be due the following week at the beginning of the class. Make sure you name is clearly labeled on each page of your lab assignments and reports. Strive for clear and concise reports and answers. Make sure you show all your work where applicable.

Late Work: No late work will be accepted barring documentable excused absenses (jury summons etc.). Partially complete lab assignments will receive partial credit.

Field Trips: I expect all students to be on time for class meetings and to leave for field trips. All students are expected to contribute to loading the vans, packing, cleaning, and cooking. If something needs done, do it. Take the initiative and do not wait for someone else to fulfill the role. We will facilitate cooking and cleaning with groups to assist with organizing of a clean camp. No littering will be tolerated, nor will any interaction with wildlife.

Time factor is imperative in the field. We will leave camp each day at 8am sharp and return around 5pm. Rendezvous points may be used, make sure you show up to them at the proper time when assigned. A good watch may be needed as your phone may die and cannot fully be relied upon in the field.

No alcoholic beverages will be allowed. It should go without saying that any illegal substances are also not allowed. Field work is mentally, physically and emotionally challenging. Adding any mind-altering substance to field work greatly detracts from what you will learn and absorb in this course and increases the risk of emergency situations, of which I have been a witness to on many occasions. We will be running a clean ship.

Do not damage outcrops an any way or collect/move/disrupt and geology if it can be avoided.

Smoking tobacco is allowed, but take care to not start brush fires, keep your smoke upwind of the class, and dispose of your butts in a acceptable fashion.

Discuss with me any food allergies or dietary restrictions, in private if necessary.

If you have any medical conditions that may prevent you from performing the hiking/climbing necessary to complete this course, make sure to discuss with me.

Completed Field Work: Will be collected every night to check your progress. You will need to spend significant time during the evening marking your map with that days data collection.

Class/Field Attendance: Is mandatory. We only meet once a week to prep for weekend field trips. Missing any course will immediately put you at risk of failing the course. All field trips are mandatory. If we cannot go into the field due to weather, it will be rescheduled. Keep your weekend schedule open and flexible.

Grade Assessment:Your grade will be based on your geologic field notebook, field and laboratory quizzes, laboratory assignments, unannounced filed quizzes, geologic field maps, field reports, punctuality, and field/classroom participation. Plus/minus system will be used. If on a cusp, your participation will be examined to consider moving your grade up. No curve will be used. No incomplete grades will be allowed.

A = 93-100 A- = 90-92 B+ = 87-89 B = 83-86 B- = 80-82 C+ = 77-79

C = 73-76C- = 70-72D+ = 67-69D = 63-66D- = 60-62F = < 60

EQUIPMENT FOR THE FIELD

Geologic Equipment

  • Map board
  • Binder clips/rubber bands for field notebook and map board
  • Hammer
  • Brunton compass (check out from Tech. Office)
  • Hand lens
  • Field notebook(s) (purchase in Dept. Office)
  • Field map(s) (provided)
  • Covered clipboard or case for field map
  • Acid bottle (optional)
  • Pencils – 2H, 4H (2 each)
  • Ball point pens (2)
  • Colored pens—red, black, blue, green fine point
  • Colored pencils
  • Eraser
  • Safety pin, dissecting needle or hat pin (2)
  • Marking pen (Sharpie)
  • Protractor or Zip-A-Dip (purchase in Dept. Office)
  • Ruler
  • Masking tape (optional)
  • Compton’s GEOLOGY IN THE FIELD
  • Field pouch
  • Field belt

Clothing and accessories

  • Long pants
  • Long-sleeved shirts
  • Extra socks
  • Warm coat or sweater
  • Boots (water proofing recommended)
  • Hat (wide brim recommended)
  • Work gloves (optional)
  • Rainsuit or poncho
  • Water bottles, 2-liter capacity minimum
  • Map case or vest with pockets
  • Day pack large enough for lunch, samples, and cold/rainy weather gear

Miscellaneous items

  • Toilet paper
  • Sunscreen
  • Camera and film
  • First aid kit
  • Chapstick
  • Insect repellent
  • Fine-tooth comb and/or tweezers (for pulling cactus spines out!)

Overnight equipment

We will be camping in a fairly primitive fashion; there will not be running water or flush toilets.

  • Tent with rainfly
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Therma-rest/Crazy Creek camp chair
  • Food and water
  • Head lamp

SAFETY AND RESPONSIBILITY IN THE FIELD

  • Work with a field partner
  • Wear suitable field attire
  • Carry rain gear, first aid, etc. in your daypack
  • Drink plenty of water (plan on carrying at least two liters/day, more on days with temps above 85 F)
  • Work at a pace suited to your fitness level, not beyond
  • Exercise caution on steep slopes, especially when others are working downhill from you
  • Use protective eyewear when hammering on the outcrop
  • Exercise caution when hammering on the outcrop near others
  • Move to lower ground during a thunderstorm; stay out of narrow dry washes

Class Schedule
Jan. 29th / Introduction to fieldwork, Introduction to the Brunton compass and orientation measurements
Feb. 5th / Topographic maps, geologic field notes, walking-off distances, Brunton compass cont.
Feb. 12th / Topography and geologic field notes, rule of V's
Feb. 19 / Preparing geologic cross-sections
Feb. 26 / Basic geologic mapping, geologic structures
March 4-6th / Field Trip
March 11th / Adobe Illustrator
March 18th / Adobe Illustrator
March 25th / Spring Break
April 1st / Preparing a geologic report
April 8-10th / Field Trip
April 15th / Working on geologic report
April 22nd / Geologic report revisions
April 29th / Geologic report revisions
May 6th / Geologic report revisions
May 13th / Geologic report revisions
May 16th / Final Draft of Geologic Report Due By 5pm No Exeptions

*This syllabus is tentative and may be updated. You will be notified of any changes in person/email or I will provide you a new copy.