BASIC FIELD GEOLOGY

SKILLS

GETTING THE STRIKE AND DIP

OF A BED
 MEASURING THE STRIKE
• The strike is a line a horizontal plane
makes on a bed.
• It can be read on two directions (since the
strike is based on its line)
 MEASURING THE STRIKE
• Lay the compass parallel to the strike line.
• Orient the compass to the TRUE NORTH
• Read the angle measurement oriented on
the needle of the compass. This is now
your STRIKE.
• Should be written in three digits (ex: 045)
INDICATOR

ARROW
NEEDLE
 MEASURING THE DIP ANGLE
• Orient the clinometer gauge on the East-
West direction (this can be done by
rotating the gauge so that the 90 degree
angle can be read)
• Place the compass’ body perpendicular to
the line of strike.
• Read the dip angle on the clinometer
gauge.
 MEASURING THE DIP
DIRECTION
• Lay the compass cover (the mirror side)
flat on the strata/bed.
• Adjust the compass body so that it is
leveled horizontally (use the bubble as
guide)
• Orient the compass again to the true
north.
• Assess the direction based on the given
compass orientation.
 BASIC FIELD GEOLOGY
SKILLS

GETTING THE THICKNESS OF A

BED
THICKNESS OF A STRATA/BED
• Vertical thickness = vertical line drawn on a
bed which is not the true thickness
• True thickness = actual thickness of the bed

Note: If Vertical Thickness = True Thickness,

then the BED IS HORIZONTAL
If Vertical Thickness is > or < True Thickness,
then BED IS DISORIENTED.
TRUE THICKNESS

VERTICAL
THICKENSS
 MEASURING THE TRUE
THICKNESS ON AN ACTUAL
OUTCROP
• Get the vertical thickness of the bed. This
is done by measuring the vertical distance
from the base of the bed to its top. Assure
the line is vertical.
• Get the dip direction.
• Calculate the true thickness using
trigonometry.

SOHCAHTOA
 Cos (dip) = True Thickness /
Vertical Thickness = Vertical Thickness
250 meters
Dip angle = 34 degrees TRUE THICKNESS = 207.26
METERS
 MEASURING THE TRUE
THICKNESS ON A MAP
• Get the vertical thickness by getting the
difference between two adjacent contour
lines.
• Use the dip angle indicated on the map.
• Solve for the value of the true thickness
using trigonometry.
 Cos (dip) = True
thickness / Vertical
Vertical Thickness = thickness
800m – 780 m = 20
meters Dip angle = 56 degrees TRUE THICKNESS =
11.18 METERS