GLG 451 FIELD GEOLOGY I

Spring 2015 (SLN 13005)

Instructor
Ramn Arrowsmith, ISTB4-773
ramon.arrowsmith@asu.edu
phone (602) 490-0582
Required text
Compton, R. R. (1985). Geology in the Field. New York:
John Wiley & Sons. 397 p., ISBN 0-471-82902-1.
For reference it is also good to have on hand
Davis, G. H., Reynolds, S. J., & Kluth, C. F. (2011).
Structural Geology of Rocks and Regions, 3rd ed. New
York: John Wiley & Sons. 864 p., ISBN ISBN : 978-0471-15231-6.
Teaching Assistant
Barrett Salisbury, Graduate Student, ISTB4-603, jbsalisb@asu.edu
There will also be a BLACKBOARD site for this course. Please check it daily!
PREREQUISITE
GLG 310 Structural Geology. Also note that GLG 321 Mineralogy is a co-requisite.
SCHEDULE
Fridays (weekly) 1-3 pm in PSH-450; and three weekends plus most of Spring Break at field
sites in the region.
All field trips are mandatory for all students, and none can be made up.
The dates and activities are:
24-25 January, Dreamy Draw: describing and mapping Proterozoic metamorphic rocks and
simple structures. We depart ASU 07:30 am both mornings and return by 5:00 pm both
evenings. Note: You may need to provide your own transportation to this locality (maps will
be available).
21-22 February, Spine Canyon: mapping Cenozoic structures and volcanic rocks. We depart
ASU 07:30 am Saturday, camp overnight in the field area, and return around 5:00 pm
Sunday. Transportation will be provided.
28 February March 1, Salt River: mapping Quaternary geology on aerial photos. We
depart ASU 07:30 am both mornings and return by 5:00 pm both evenings. Note: You may
need to provide your own transportation to this locality (maps will be available).
7-12 March, Arnett Creek Minicamp: mapping Proterozoic and Paleozoic units, Quaternary
deposits, and moderately complex structures. We depart ASU around 7:00 am Saturday
and return around 7:00 pm Wednesday, then meet on campus Thursday morning. While in
the field, we stay at a nearby small-town motel, paid for by SESE and class fees. You will
not be able to return to Tempe during this time. Transportation will be provided.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
Geological mapping techniques using topographic maps and aerial photos. Intensive fieldbased instruction.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Read and use topographic maps and images (including digital versions).
Observe, measure, record, describe, and interpret the relevant aspects of rocks (in
outcrop and hand specimen), surficial deposits, and structures.
Construct geologic maps.
Construct interpretative geologic cross-sections.
Reconstruct geologic histories of simple to moderately complex field areas.
Write and illustrate professional-quality geologic reports.
Because this course also satisfies a requirement for the University Literacy and Critical
Inquiry (L) General Studies, writing skills are emphasized. We will assess your writing
rigorously, but offer you plenty of assistance as well.
Assessment criteria
Weekly quizzes (largely based on reading assignments). Lowest score will be dropped.
30 pts per quiz, 150 pts total.
Weekend trip deliverables (collected at the end of each trip). 50 pts per trip, 150 pts total.
Field geologic map with stratigraphic column (15 pts): Evaluated for coverage,
accuracy, detail, clarity, and neatness.
Sketched geologic cross-section (10 pts): Evaluated for accuracy, detail, clarity, and
neatness.
Field notes (25 pts): Evaluated for quality and thoroughness of written and sketched
observations, evidence of sound geologic reasoning in the field, and neatness. Either
loose or bound notes will be accepted.
Short reports (due the following Friday): 50 pts per trip, 150 pts total.
About 500-1000 words, double-spaced. Topics will vary depending on the trip. Each
must include at least one original sketch to illustrate data or interpretations. Evaluated
rigorously for substance and style.
Minicamp deliverables (collected during and at the end of minicamp): 200 pts total.
Field geologic map with stratigraphic column (60 pts): Evaluated for coverage, detail,
accuracy, clarity, and neatness.
Sketched geologic cross-sections (40 pts): Evaluated for accuracy, detail, clarity, and
neatness.
Field notes (100 pts): Evaluated for quality and thoroughness of written and
sketched observations, evidence of sound geologic reasoning in the field, and
neatness.
Minicamp geologic report (due date TBD, but there will be no extensions!): 300 points total.
About 2500-4000 words (this entire document has about 1000 words), double-spaced.
Must include the geographic and geologic setting, rock unit descriptions, final geologic
map, final stratigraphic column, structural data, constructed cross-sections and other
original figures to illustrate data and interpretations, and a geologic synthesis of the field
area. Evaluated rigorously for substance and style.
Course participation (evaluated jointly by instructor and TA): up to 50 points.
Approximate GRADING BREAKDOWN
1000 points
934-999 points
900-933 points
866-899 points
834-865 points

A+
A
AB+
B

800-833 points
766-799 points
600-765 points
500-599 points
0-499 points

BC+
C
D
E

GENERAL COURSE POLICIES

Cell phones, pagers, beepers, PDAs, and similar devices must be turned off
during all on-campus class sessions. They may not work and will be unnecessary
distractions in the field, but are appropriate for safety.
Class sessions (on campus or in the field) may be freely audio recorded. Video recording
requires instructor approval.
Civility is required at all times; disruptive or dangerous behavior will not be tolerated.
Students are governed by the ABoR Student Code of Conduct.
Academic dishonesty, including inappropriate collaboration, will not be tolerated. There
are severe sanctions for cheating, plagiarizing and any other form of dishonesty.
Students are responsible for knowing the rules governing the use of another's work or
materials and for acknowledging and documenting the source appropriately. (ASU
Student Handbook). For more information refer to the ASU Student Academic Integrity
Policy.
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS
An effort will be made to render this course accessible to all students. Students who feel
that they may need disability accommodation(s) must provide documentation from the
Disability Resource Center (DRC; Matthews Center first floor) to the instructor verifying the
need for accommodation and the type of accommodation that is appropriate. Students who
wish accommodations for a disability should contact DRC as early as possible.
HARASSMENT IS PROHIBITED
ASU policy prohibits harassment on the basis of race, sex, gender identity, age, religion,
national origin, disability, sexual orientation, Vietnam era veteran status, and other
protected veteran status. Contact Student Life (480-9656547) if you feel that another
student is harassing you, or EO/AA (480-965-5057) if you feel that an ASU employee is
harassing you.