Lancaster University

This module is designed for students to learn about geologic and geomorphologic processes, and to acquire the skills to enable them to work competently in the field. The course deals with the following geologic processes: sedimentation; glaciation; igneous processes and deformation. It covers the field skills: use of topographic and geologic maps; use of field notebooks; geologic mapping; field sketches; use of compass clinometers; stratigraphic logging and descriptions of rocks, sediments and fossils. It is relevant for students who anticipate careers involving field work. The module commences with a classwork session. It has four single days of field work, based in the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District, supported by three follow-up laboratory sessions and coursework. Therefore the course is field based with complementary exercises aimed at consolidating the field day's activities.

Day 1 3 hours classwork in week 16: safety in the field, introduction to module.

Day 2 9 hours fieldwork in week 17: Clapham/Austwick area of Yorkshire Dales - glaciation, sedimentation, use of field notebook, unconformities, stratigraphic logging.

Day 3 3 hours classwork in week 17: follow up work to Day 2.

Day 4 9 hours fieldwork in week 18: Kisdon area of Yorkshire Dales - slope stability and management of slopes, sedimentation, geomorphology, quarrying and assessed exercise.

Day 5 3 hours classwork in week 18: follow up work to Day 4.

Day 6 9 hours fieldwork in week 19: Heysham area of Lancashire - sedimentation, stratigraphic logging, sketch map and assessed exercise.

Day 7 3 hours classwork in week 19: follow up work to Day 6.

Day 8 9 hours fieldwork in week 20: Carrock Fell area of Lake District - introduction to geologic mapping of igneous and metamorphic rocks, and glacial and fluvial deposits.

ENV203 Course Text

Coe AL  2010  Geological field techniques, Wiley-Blackwell, ISBN 978-1-4443-3062-5

Students will be required to read chapters 2-6. 

ENV203 Bibliography of Text Books*

Barnes JW, Lisle RJ  2006  Basic Geological Mapping, The Geological Field Guide Series, Wiley, ISBN 0-471-96031-4

Black RM  1979  The Elements of Palaeontology, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0-521-09615-4.

British Geological Survey, Geology of the Ambleside District, Memoir for the 1:50 000 Geological Sheet 38 (England and Wales)  2000  London Stationary Office, ISBN 0-11-884547-0.

Bromley RG  1996  Trace Fossils, Biology, Taphonomy and Applications, Second Edition, Chapman & Hall, ISBN 0-412-61480-4.

Collinson J, Mountney N, Thompson D  2006  Sedimentary Structures, Terra Publishing, ISBN 1-903544-19-X

Hulme M, Barrow E  1997  Climates of the British Isles, Present, Past and Future, Routledge, ISBN 0-415-13017-4.

Hunter A, Easterbrook G  2004  The Geological History of the British Isles, Open University, ISBN 0-7492-0138-X.

Maltman A  1995  Geological Maps, Wiley, ISBN 0-471-93240-X.

Nichols G 2009  Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, Wiley-Blackwell, ISBN 978-1-4051-3592-4

Tucker ME  2003  Sedimentary Rocks in The Field, The Geological Field Guide Series, Wiley, ISBN 0-470-85123-6

Waltham  A  2007  The Yorkshire Dales, Landscape and Geology, Crowood Press, ISBN 978 1 86126 972 0

Woodcock N, Strachan R  2002  Geological History of Britain and Ireland, Blackwell, ISBN 0-632-03656-7

* Note that references to journal papers will be given during the course.