Geology Course - 320L - Introductory Field Geology
INSTRUCTOR - Dr. Mark Cloos
EMAIL -
cloos@mail.utexas.edu
Office - Room 6.112, Geology Building
Phone - 512-471-4170
TA's - na
unique # TBD
To see the kind of field work we do in the class, check out
the PowerPoint files for 2007
Intersession -- May, 2008
Expected Dates May 5 to 27
COURSE OVERVIEW
Content
This course, designed for students who are not geoscience majors,
teaches the subject primarily by actual experience in the field.† The course
content includes:
• reviewing how to identify common rocks and minerals, and how to interpret
aerial photographs and topographic and geologic maps.
• using the geologist's compass (the Brunton compass) to measure the
orientations of strata and structures (bedding, faults, etc.).
• measuring and describing sedimentary rock sequences as a means to interpret
the environment of deposition.
• learning the geology of central Texas through a series of field excursions
during which a field notebook is created.
• constructing geologic maps from aerial photograph bases.† These are the major
projects.† One will be to make a geologic map in McKinney Falls State Park.†
Another will be a two-day mapping project in the Llano Uplift, west of Austin.†
A third project will be based in the far western Llano Uplift.
Format:
Exercises are based in and near Austin except for two 3-day trips out of town,
each of them including "overnights."† Outdoor temperatures in late May-early
June are beginning to approach summer conditions.† Doing field geology includes
lots of walking, some climbing of rocks and fences, scrambling through brush,
etc., and thus the course is physically moderately strenuous.
Prerequisites:
Upper-division student status, GEO 303, or 401, or 312K, or equivalent
introductory course, or consent of instructor
Grading: Course registration is on a pass-fail basis.
Dates: During Intersession, in the interval May 5 to 27, 2008 except for
"days off."† The calendar contains a more detailed schedule.† Because
Intersession is so short, we have official permission to begin GEO 320L during
May 5 and 6, the two “dead days” set aside for study.
First Class meeting:
8:00 a.m., Monday, May 5
Room 2.306, Geology Building
Cost: The cost (fee) is based on the Flat Rate Tuition rate for the
college in which you are enrolled. Out-of-state residents pay more tuition than
Texas residents. Consult this web site:† www.utexas.edu/business/accounting/sar/t_f_rates.html
You must also pay a fee of approximately $400 for field course expenses that
include materials, transportation, overnight accommodations out of Austin, and
some prepaid meals.† The costs of food and accommodation in Austin are not
included.
The University of Texas at Austin Honor Code:
“The core values of The University of Texas at Austin are learning, discovery,
freedom, leadership, individual opportunity, and responsibility. Each member of
the university is expected to uphold these values through integrity, honesty,
trust, fairness, and respect toward peers and community.”
Monday, 5 May: Introductions, review of common rocks and minerals;
review of geologic structures; introduction to the Brunton compass; Brunton
compass exercise.
Tuesday, 6 May: Pace-and-compass exercise in Zilker Park; interpretation of a
geologic map.
Wednesday, 14 May: Mapping project in McKinney Falls State Park, near Austin.
Thursday, 15 May: Finish McKinney Falls mapping project; geology of Austin.
Friday, 16 May: Measure stratigraphic sections and interpret environments of
deposition of the Walnut Formation, west edge of Austin.
Saturday, 17 May: Commencement. Day off.
Sunday, 18 May: Grand Tour introduction to the geology of the Hill Country and
eastern Llano Uplift. Monday and Tuesday nights at Thunderbird Resort on Lake
Buchanan (11 miles from Burnet).
Monday, 19 May: Mapping project at Spider Mountain in the eastern Llano
Uplift.
Tuesday, 20 May: Finish Spider Mountain mapping project; mid-afternoon return to
Austin.
Wednesday, 21 May: Mapping project at the Scott Morse Ranch in the southern
Llano Uplift.
Thursday, 22 May: Travel to western Llano Uplift with stops at Enchanted
Rock State Natural Area, llanite locality, Llano River Bridge, and Brian Hunt
property near Mason. Thursday and Friday nights near Junction.
Friday, 23 May: Mapping project at the Stefanski Ranch in the western Llano
Uplift.
Saturday, 24 May: Mapping project at the Weitz Ranch in the western Llano
Uplift. Mid-afternoon return to Austin.
Sunday, 25 May: Review for written final exam; finish projects.
Monday, 26 May: Memorial Day holiday. 8 a.m., Rooms 2.306 and 2.308: Written
final exam; submittal of remaining work.
Tuesday, 27 May: 8 a.m. Field final exam.
Provided by the department
• clipboard
• small squirt bottle with acid
• Brunton compass (on loan)
Required
• pencils (2H and a 2) and erasers; set of colored pencils
• hand lens
• six-inch rule (best is post rule with protractor on it)
• protractor
• canteen (capacity of at least one quart)
• watch
• proper field clothes (hat, sturdy shoes or boots)
• rainwear
• knapsack or carrying bag
• belt to hold compass case
Recommended
• geology hammer
• sunglasses, sun screen or suntan lotion
• aspirin, chap stick
• Band-Aids
• insect repellent
• tweezers
• drying agent if sensitive to poison ivy
Prohibited
• firearms
• illegal chemical substances
• consumption of alcoholic beverages in University vehicles or in vehicles
rented for use in the course
• personal vehicles, except with authorization
