Environmental geoscience fieldclass
(EASC 30029)

Unit Organiser

Professor Michael Kendall

Aims and Objectives

This field class involves a geophysical investigation of the Fforest Fawr (or Great Forest) Geopark, set within the Brecon Beacons National Park in South Wales.

The primary aims of this field class are to:

• Gain a better understanding of the geology and tectonic history of South Wales
• Learn about the potential geological hazards of the region and what geophysical techniques are best suited to study them.
• Learn to collect and record detailed and useful field notes.
• Learn basic approaches to processing, modelling and interpreting various types of digital geophysics data.
• Produce a report or presentation as a part of a group effort that records observations and experiences during the field class.

Learning Outcomes

 On completion of this field course you should:

• Be familiar and able to describe most of the main methods of geophysical exploration.
• Be able to specify the most appropriate geophysical technique(s) to investigate a particular physical process.
• Have developed skills in fieldwork, data processing and interpretation.
• Record legible and useful field notes.
• Produce a useful presentation that conveys scientific information in an effective form.
• Work effectively in a team to meet a strict deadline.

Coursework and Assessment

Coursework for this field class consists of four parts:

• Independently recorded field notes describing data acquisition, results and salient features of sites visited (20%)
• A group presentation based upon field observations, processed results and interpretations (50%) 
• Professionalism, which includes attitude, attendance and participation (10%) 
• A short quiz, testing your knowledge of the geophysical techniques being used and knowledge of the scientific questions being addressed, including a basic understanding of the local geology and natural hazards (20%)

Work Load

1-week of fieldwork, including 50 hours in the field, 15 hours of data processing in the evening; Pre-trip reading, preparation and presentation (15 hours).

Equipment, insurance and safety

Provided with field class handouts and pre-class briefing.

References and Resources

An extensive fieldwork guide will be distributed. Notes and the fieldguide will be available on Backboard. Some key references include:

Kearey, P., Brooks, M. & Hill, I., 2002. An Introduction to Geophysical Exploration. 3rd edition. Blackwell Scientific Publications Ltd., Oxford.

Howells, M. F., 2008. Wales (Regional Geology Guides), British Geological Survey, UK.

1.8.2011