Advanced Structural Mapping

Structural geology is a vital aspect of geology because it helps our understanding of the 3D architecture of rock packages and how the rocks happened to be that way; in other words it gives insight into the deformation history.

Dates:  25 - 31 March, 2023  (dates are inclusive)

The main aims of the course are (learning objectives):

  1. to develop a sound understanding of structural elements such as cleavages and fold axes, and learn how to use them to describe structures,
  2. to understand and apply a method to correlate between key localities to make a structural map,
  3. to develop and improve on reporting these observations in your notebook and ultimately make an interpreted map, and
  4. to develop 3D geological skills and understanding.

These aims will be achieved by mapping the poly-deformed headlands at Bermagui, on the beautiful south coast of New South Wales. This is quite a difficult exercise that will develop 3D understanding and visualisation in the field.

COURSE SCHEDULE:

  • Saturday: Travel from Melbourne to Bermagui (arrive between 5 and 6pm)
  • Sunday: Lectures and fieldwork, Bermagui heads
  • Monday to Wednesday: Fieldwork, Pt. Dickinson
  • Thursday Building a cross-section, review and wrap up, key locality assessment
  • Friday Travel from Bermagui to Melbourne

From Sunday to Wednesday there will be practicals for one hour after the fieldwork and case study presentations from the staff members after dinner.

COST OF THE COURSE: VIEPS students:  $550 to cover for transportation (from/to Monash University, Clayton campus) and accommodation

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

  • Produce a structural map of Pt. Dickinson
  • Produce a high quality notebook and improve quality over the course (feedback is given continuously during fieldwork)
  • Produce a E-W cross-section of Pt Dickinson (one of the practicals)
  • Assess and present one key locality in the field (Saturday assessment)

LOGISTICS: Accommodation is at a campsite so please bring your tent, sleeping bag and other camping equipment

Field Equipment to bring:

  • sturdy field boots absolutely essential (NO fieldwork without them)
  • wet weather gear, some cold weather clothes, swimming togs
  • day pack
  • hats - ESSENTIAL
  • hand lens
  • sunglasses
  • pencils, rubbers, waterproof writing materials, etc
  • water resistant, cloth bound notebook
  • camera
  • geo-picks are not necessary and cannot be used
This course has proven to be a great success and very enjoyable in the past, and we are sure this year will be no exception. We look forward to meeting and working with you.


Teachers: Laurent Ailleres, laurent.ailleres@monash.edu, & Robin Armit, robin.armit@monash.edu