EAE5060 - Advanced field geology - 2019

The unit aims to teach the skills of geological mapping in two classic field locations of Australian geology, in Broken Hill (poly-deformed and high-grade metamorphic terrane) and Bermagui (poly-deformed, highly complex terrane). In both field camp, the emphasis will be on observing, recording, and interpreting geologic phenomena in a natural environment.. Students will draw on a theoretical background of lectures and laboratory studies in first, second and third-year geology to analyse real rocks in the real world. Students will use their observations and interpretations to construct geological maps and cross-sections and determine the geological history of complex poly-deformed terrane. The concept of key locality for observation and critical thinking for correlation between key locality will be introduced and applied to produce map and cross sections of highly complexly deformed terranes. At 5th year level, mapping will be completed using digital mapping technologies (e.g. mapping tablets and software) and students will be expected to integrate additional geophysical and remote sensing datasets to better constrain their geological maps and sections.

On completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Produce structural geological maps;
2. Observe and interpret the distribution of lithologies and structures in the field;
3. Correlate observations and interpretations at the outcrop scale to produce consistent map and cross-sections;
4. Determine the relationship between structure and metamorphic assemblages;
5. Visualise complex three dimensional geometries;
6. Unravel the geological history of complexly deformed terranes;
7. Determine overprinting relationships from field geology;
8. Communicate results in a written report;
9. Work in a team environment and communicate of results with peers;
10. Equip students with discipline-specific knowledge and expertise appropriate for post-graduate research in the field; equip students with discipline-specific knowledge and expertise enabling them to take their place as professional geologists in industry or government organisations; develop their field mapping techniques;
11. Develop digital geology skills including in the field.

Fieldwork exercises Broken Hill: 45%

Fieldwork exercises Bermagui: 35%

Presentation: 10%

Report: 10%

This unit is offered at both Level 4 and Level 5, differentiated by the level of the assessment. Students enrolled in EAE5060 will be expected to demonstrate a higher level of learning in this subject than those enrolled in EAE4060. The assignments in this unit will use some common items from the EAE4060 assessment tasks, in combination with several higher level questions and tasks.

• Total of 40 hours for Bermagui
• Total of 80 hours for Broken Hill
• 24 hours independent study

See also Unit timetable information

Master of Science in Earth Science