GEOL 431 Field Methods and Regional Geology (4-credits)

Department of Geosciences, Yeah! - Eastern Washington University

Location and Meeting times

Location: ISC 006

Lecture: Monday, Wednesday, 11:00 to 11:50

**Bring ruler, calculator, pencil, eraser, and protractor to each class/lab 

Friday Lecture & Laboratory- ISC 006, Friday 11:00 to 3:50.  

Friday lectures and labs will be field based. If you drive yourself please understand that lab (EWU liability) will begin at the site.  There will be situations where walking on uneven ground or adverse conditions may be present. If you are allergic to something, please bring your medication with you into the field. 

**Please bring jacket, water, notebook, supplies and when needed - laboratory manual.  Please also bring work-gloves and safety goggles, if you will be breaking rocks with hammers – a hand lens and field notebook will be very helpful as well!

 

Instructor

Dr. Chad J. Pritchard, LG - Professor

Student Help Hours: T 11 to 11:50, or by appointment in PAT 129i or Zoom

Communication:  E-mail (cpritchard@ewu.edu), we can also setup a Zoom chat

Prerequisites: GEOL 430

Course Description

A continuation of an introduction to geologic structures from GEOL 430 and an exploration of the plate tectonic setting of geologic structures.  This course is an introduction to field study of geologic problems with weekly field trips that emphasize the collection and analysis of geologic field data to solve structural problems.  Weekly field trips and laboratory exercises are required.  

 Instructional Delivery Methods: In-Person Lectures (as well as Zoom) and weekly field trips.

 Technical Requirements: Course material is provided through Canvas.  Some exercises may require digital platforms (tablet or computer), which can be checked out through IT.                                         

Required Text:

Rowland, Duebendorfer; Schiefelbein, 2007 (3^rd Edition), Structural analysis and synthesis: a laboratory course in structural geology, Blackwell Publishing, ISBN 978-1-4051-1652-7

                Reference text:                Compton, Geology in the Field - Wiley

 

Week	Date Start	Class Topic (Field locations subject to change)
1	April 4	Intro to class –  Clear Lake Resort
2	April 11	Cross Sections+Brittle Ductile Faulting – Waterfront Park Medical Lake
3	April 18	Brittle vs Ductile Faulting– Rosalia / John Wayne Trail
4	April 25	Deformation & Microstructures – (moved Beacon Hill)
5	May 2	Deformation & Microstructures –  (moved Fancher Butte)
6	May 9	Older Stratigraphy – Riddle Hill/ Willow Lake
7	May 16	Balanced Cross Sections (20)– LEAVE EARLY Bonnie Lake EPIC
8	May 23	Balanced Cross Sections – No Trip (long weekend)
9	May 31*	HOLIDAY - Project development  Hawk Creek
10	June 6	Work on Project Presentations – Present Posters on June 8th

Schedule is subject to change…

 

Materials Needed in Class/ Lab

1. Ruler (metric & English)
2. Colored Pencils (at least 26 colors is requested for field camp)
3. Graph Paper
4. Tracing Paper
5. Scientific Calculator (mostly trigonometry)
6. Protractor (the ruler/protractor works well for field camp)
7. Compass (for drawing circles)

Labs will consist of 2 to 3 people groups (doesn’t have to stay the same every week, but would be a lot easier if you didJ) submitting an RFP for each weeks lab.  Each RFP will include at least: You will work social distanced, if required

1. Vicinity map (Shows the site location relative to a known regional area aka Spokane or Cheney),
2. Site map with (data collected during reconnaissance), and
3. 1-page report (front and back) summarizing the local geology and what you encountered and answering applicable questions/ problems. Some references may include DNR (interactive) geology maps, USDA soil survey, WA Dept. Ecology Water Well Reports (if available) and applicable journal articles (can be appended).  Each report should include a table using the following format submitted as an .xlsx document (submitted to cpritchard@ewu.edu).

Decimal Degrees (2-columns)      Strike Dip      Dip Direction             Rock Type

47.63824        -117.56384                125     30        W                    Quartzite, white, wx tan…..

Final Project : Pick a location (and applicable group) and make a detailed poster including:

1. Regional Map (Geologic Area and Major Units),
2. Site Map (orthophoto of the site) with all data collected by the class (to an extent) plotted on the map. The .xlsx files from each weeks RFP will be placed on Canvas or Google Drive. 
3. Cross section of the site, or if not applicable - generalized regional cross section
4. Annotated photos from the field.
5. Stereonet and interpretation of structural data.
6. Succinct and professional-level Geologic History, Structural Interpretations, and References in GSA format.

Presentations will be made during class on June 4^th.  Posters Session.

 

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Develop the conceptualization of three dimensions in the field

Construct cross sections and calculate subsurface orientations of planes and lines at depth from data obtained in the field.

2. Develop efficient and effective use of geological tools

Use a Brunton to measure orientations of bedding and faults, present these data on a map.

3. Develop an understanding and appreciation of local geology

Produce maps from different locations and make interpretations from maps.

4. Calculate the amount (percent) shortening or lengthening of the crust using defendable methods

Using field and or literature data, produce reconstruction diagrams and estimate % shortening/ % lengthening.

5. Communicate geologically complex geologic processes using data obtained in the field

Give a presentation to class and interested folks regarding in depth analysis of field data obtain from research.

 

Evaluation:

Grading: Your course grade will be based on class participation, laboratory exercises, assignments/quizzes, two exams, and a “research” paper/presentation.  Attendance is mandatory. Notify me prior to class if you must miss class.  If you miss an assignment, quiz, or test due to an unexcused absence(s), the assignment, quiz, or test cannot be made up.  To maintain fairness and timely grading, late assignments will not be accepted.  You must earn a 2.0, or higher, to count towards graduation with an EWU Degree.

 

DISTRIBUTION

Class Participation                                            10%

Lab Exercises                                                     35%       

Class assignments                                            30%       

Final Project and Presentation                       25%       

Total                                                                  100%

 

 

Grading Scale
Final % Grade	Numeric Grade	Letter Grade
100-93	4	A
93-90	3.7	A-
89-87	3.3	B+
86-83	3.0	B
82-80	2.7	B-
79-77	2.3	C+
76-70	2.0	C
69-68	1.7	C-
67-66	1.3	D+
66-60	1.0	D
59-56	0.7	D-
55-0	0.0	F

 

 

Class participation is a weekly grade based upon their positive participation in class, such as asking questions, answering questions, and contributing to relevant discussions.  Please feel free to question authority, but please also attend, contribute, and maintain a positive attitude during this course.  Attendance in class without any participation is considered average (75%).

 

Academic Integrity

Academic Integrity is the corner stone of the university. Any student who attempts to gain an unfair advantage over other students by violating the Academic Integrity policy may be reported to the university and may receive a sanction up to and including XF for the course, suspension, or expulsion from the university. This policy is on the EWU web site.https://sites.ewu.edu/policies/policies-and-procedures/wac-172-90-student-academic-integrity-3/

 

Emergency Information

Campus-wide emergency response procedures can be found here: https://access.ewu.edu/police/comprehensive-emergency-management-plan/emergency-response. In the event of the following dial 911: Life/property in immediate danger, smoke or fire, crimes in progress, rescue or emergency medical assistance is needed.

 

ADA Statement

Eastern Washington University is committed to providing support for students with disabilities. If you are a student with physical, learning, emotional, or psychological disabilities needing an accommodation, you are encouraged to stop by Disability Support Services (DSS), TAW 124 and speak with DSS or call 509-359-6871. 

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