EASC 210:Geological Field Methods I

This is a practical field-based course consisting of: (i) Lecture/practical sessions on geological mapping techniques, construction and interpretation of geological maps and cross-sections, field safety and welfare, and field trip planning and organisation. (ii) ‘live-in’ field geological mapping providing 'hands-on' instruction in geological mapping techniques and data collection for preparation of geological maps and cross sections.

Details of the course content are as follows:

Semester I: Introduction to geological mapping; geological compass and field navigation; field use of compass to plot data; GPS in geological mapping; field mapping techniques; recording of field data; identification and description of sedimentary rocks in the field; identification and description of sedimentary structures; collection and measurement of paleocurrent data; excursion briefing and organisation. Hands-on Exercises: scale calculation & conversion; measurement of a pace; plotting a grid from GPS coordinates; pace and compass closed traverse.

Inter-Semester Break: Field mapping, with supervision, in a sedimentary terrain (e.g., the Sekondian Group in the Sekondi/Takoradi area).

Semester II: Analysis and interpretation of data collected from the field. Preparation of geological maps and sections, and submission of Field Notebook. Hands-on Exercises: Analysis of structural and lithological data collected from the field. Preparation and digitization of geological maps and submission of Field Notebook. Preparation of a short report on the sedimentology of the studied formation.