Changes

==First-order data==

==First-order data==

Geological fieldwork lets us acquire first-order data. Current maps and data may not be valid. And it isn't always safe to assume the other guy did it correctly—particularly when spending exploration money is involved.

Geological fieldwork lets us acquire first-order data. We cannot just assume that all necessary geological fieldwork has already been done. Current maps and data may not be valid. And it isn't always safe to assume the other guy did it correctly—particularly when spending exploration money is involved. There also will, most certainly, have been new techniques, concepts, and tools that have emerged since the last fieldwork data was gathered.

We must know what portion of previous fieldwork is known from direct observation vs. interpretation. With maps, this distinction isn't clear most of the time. A perfect example of this is the concept of the “state-line fault,” resulting when two different geologists mapping two adjacent areas disagree on how the maps join.

We must know what portion of previous fieldwork is known from direct observation vs. interpretation. With maps, this distinction isn't clear most of the time. A perfect example of this is the concept of the “state-line fault,” resulting when two different geologists mapping two adjacent areas disagree on how the maps join.