Project Planning for Geological Mapping Projects

Description

Students select mapping areas, usually around 15 km2, from a list provided by staff members who act as advisors.

Students have their own individual area, but areas are contiguous and overlapping for safety reasons.

Areas are commonly in the UK, but areas overseas may be used so long as:

  • At least 8 students wish to go
  • There is a staff member willing to act as advisor
  • Logistics are acceptable
  • The area is sufficiently varied geologically, and exposure is adequate

Students may also propose their own areas, so long as these criteria are satisfied.

Mapping normally occurs as soon as is practical after the June exams and indiscussion with mapping advisors regards timing of supervision visits.

Students research the published literature, and organise and plan the fieldwork. Investigations may include a photo-geological interpretation, and the development of an ArcGIS database and Google Earth mash-ups is expected.

Each student prepares a 4000 word report outlining the geology of the area, an approximate fieldwork work plan/timetable, scientific aims, anticipated problems and techniques to be employed in assessing these.

Each report also includes a hazard assessment of their area, produced in collaboration with the appropriate advisor, and a logistical plan including budgetary, travel and accommodation matters (produced in collaboration with those working in adjacent areas).

The project plan is essentially a proposal to map the area and is viewed as preparation for similar proposal requirements in professional research, contract or industry based fieldwork or other professional field based projects.

The module includes briefings on health and safety and ethics as well as a compulsory first aid course in semester 2.

Students on an international year in the Southern Hemisphere will usually map an area in New Zealand (either Kaikoura Peninsula or the Cobb Valley).

Southern Hemisphere mapping will happen over Christmas (Southern Hemisphere summer break) and be handed in late the following August.

Northern Hemisphere International year students will map as normal following their 2nd year exams but submit their mapping project in April.

Delivery

  • 4 hours lectures
  • Ad hoc (minimum 1 hour) tutorials with mapping advisor)
  • Half a day first aid training
  • 1 hour tutorial on ethics and health and safety

Assessment

  • 100% coursework based on planning report

Key skills

  • Literature based research
  • Compilation of relevant literature
  • Sourcing relevant maps and data
  • Planning for a field campaign
  • Developing a preliminary work plan
  • Time management
  • Distilling relevant information about a specific area from a variety of sources
  • Risk management
  • Health and safety consideration
  • Field first aid
  • Managing and planning complex logistics