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Preparing to go to the field (view source)
Revision as of 13:44, 22 January 2014
, 13:44, 22 January 2014merged in
Planning and logistics are key components for the success of any field party.
Planning and logistics are key components for the success of any field party.
[[file:value-of-geological-fieldwork_fig19-3.png|thumb|{{figure number|19-3}}]]
[[file:value-of-geological-fieldwork_fig19-3.png|thumb|{{figure number|19-3}}]]
==Reviewing previous work==
{{main|Reviewing previous fieldwork}}
An important pre-field step is to review previous work. This includes finding and evaluating previous geological fieldwork, learning about the formations in the study area—even driving the seismic lines or flying over the area.
==What to look at==
{{main|What to look at in the field}}
Before going into the field, determine the scale of the objectives and examine geologic maps and remote-sensing imagery. Finally, evaluate the quality of the outcrops.
==Be prepared==
==Be prepared==
===Stay in touch with the office===
===Stay in touch with the office===
Have a plan for staying in communication with the office while you are in the field. Staying in communication is critical, particularly if the field work is done in a remote, unpopulated area. Periodic contact will allow for status reports, idea sharing, and help in the event of injury or emergency. Also plan for a way that members of the field party can be reached.
Have a plan for staying in communication with the office while you are in the field. Staying in communication is critical, particularly if the field work is done in a remote, unpopulated area. Periodic contact will allow for status reports, idea sharing, and help in the event of injury or emergency. Also plan for a way that members of the field party can be reached.
==Final reminders==
The following items are very important but easy to overlook. Remembering them will make your job easier and possibly more productive.
===Have a sampling strategy===
Answering questions like the following before you travel to the field is essential. Plan ahead as much as possible.
* What samples need to be collected and for what purpose?
* Who will collect the samples, and how should the samples be selected?
* Will weathering of samples be a factor?
* Will multiple sets of samples be taken for analysis? If so, how many?
* In what containers should samples be transported (bags, jars, etc.)? Will any special precautions be necessary to prevent breakage or contamination?
===Seek out anomalies===
Seek out anomalies such as seeps, hot springs, and topographic irregularities. Why do these occur where they do? What do they describe about the geology of your area? Do they pose questions to be answered?
===Use analogs===
If your basin is offshore or has poor to no outcrops, all is not lost. Is there an analogous area or formation to use as a predictive model or guide for interpretation? Will a modern or ancient analog be more useful?
Also, use “classic localities” worldwide in your quest for data. For example, if carbonates are your exploration target, the modern reefs in the Bahamas or the ancient Permian reef complex of West Texas could be a valuable guide to interpretation.
Analogs are worthwhile even if your study area is rich in outcrops. What other geologists have learned about areas similar to yours can help guide study or save work.
==See also==
==See also==