The Report
FIELD GEOLOGY 450 REPORT
The final report must be well written, well produced, and submitted on time if it is to be accepted for grade. All measurements should be stated in the metric system. The deadline for the electronic submission of the report is MONDAY, DECEMBER 5. The report should include: l) a concise interpretation of the geology of the study area, 2) a map showing the distribution of stratigraphic units and structures, and 3) geologic cross-sections to support interpretation.
1. WRITTEN REPORT consisting of the following sections:
ABSTRACT A 100 word (single paragraph) summary of your interpretation of the geology of the Little Badlands.
INTRODUCTION Include the scope and purpose of the study, exact location (latitude and longitude of the boundaries) and legal description of the study area (township, range, section #s,), and descriptions of the topography, drainage, vegetation, and land use in the Little Badlands area. Your description should be accompanied by a fully- labeled map, showing major physiographic features and the location of the study area to various settlements in the area. See the U.S. EPA Ecoregions web site for information for this section: https://www.epa.gov/eco-research/ecoregions
METHODS Describe the methods that were used in the study. These included plotting geological boundaries and structures on aerial photographs (scale 1:7200), measuring sections using a Jacob staff and Brunton compass, measuring the strike and dip of beds, joints, faults, cross-beds and pebble orientations using a Brunton compass, assigning colors with a Munsell Soil Color Chart, and surveying a geological section using a survey tools or other instrumentation.
PREVIOUS STUDIES Summarize previous studies that have been made in the region. The minimum this summary should include is reference to the earliest and most recent studies. One of the main purposes of this section is to introduce the different hypotheses that exist to explain the geology of the region.
STRATIGRAPHY Describe the general relationships of the stratigraphic units in the area to the regional setting in the Williston Basin. A composite stratigraphic column, surveyed geologic cross-section, a geological map, and reference sections should be referred to in the report. Starting with the oldest stratigraphic unit, describe the thickness, lithological variation, weathering characteristics, dominant colors, sedimentary structures, mineral and fossil content of the major stratigraphic units, including the Quaternary units. Photographs of the stratigraphic units should be used to illustrate this section. Refer to measured reference sections in an Appendix.
SEDIMENTOLOGICAL AND EROSIONAL HISTORY Based on your observations infer the sedimentological and erosional processes that have occurred in the area from the time of the deposition of the first unit to the present day. Support your discussion with reference to a geological cross-section, geological map, rose diagrams of cross-bedding and pebble imbrication, pebble analyses, and grain size/ velocity diagrams. Remember to discuss location and geology of possible source areas, mode of deposition, flow velocities, etc. Integrate your discussion with reference to information from the literature. Photographs of sedimentological structures should be included to help support your discussion.
STRUCTURE Describe in detail the types of structures observed in the field (faults, joints, folds, slump blocks, unconformities). Remember to discuss the evidence for the age of the structures. Use photographs, stereographic projections, a geological cross-section based on your map, and the surveyed geological cross-section to illustrate your answer. Remember to refer to your map. See the “Structure” page for information on discussion of the structural geology of the Little Badlands.
STRUCTURAL INTERPRETATION. Introduce the different interpretations that have been proposed to explain the structures of the Little Badlands. area. Discuss the merits of each of the hypotheses in terms of your own observations integrated with information from the literature (including subsurface information). Remember to use stereographic projections and other diagrams to help support your interpretation.
CONCLUSIONS AND FURTHER RESEARCH Summarize your results and suggest further research that would enable you to strengthen your interpretation.
REFERENCES List in alphabetical order by author the articles used in the preparation of the report. Use the style of the Geological Society of America publications.
APPENDICES Describe at least one detailed reference section for each stratigraphic unit. Depths and thicknesses of beds must be included (see example of a reference section)
2. GEOLOGIC MAP A computer-drafted, colored geological map prepared from observations on aerial photographs is a necessary part of the report. On the map identify: section lines and numbers, roads, tracks, drainage paths, distinctive patches of vegetation e.g. woodland. Show on the map all major stratigraphic boundaries and structures. Use U.S.G.S. or standard geological symbols to show dip and strike of beds and structures. Remember not to clutter the map with unnecessary detail.
Boundaries should be shown with a solid line where observed and with a dashed line where inferred. Geological units are to be shown in colors applied lightly. The following information must be included on the map: a) a fully labeled legend with explanations of units and symbols, b) a concise title including subject and location, including the legal description, county and state, c) author's name, d) scale, in metric and English units, e) elevational data, f) arrows showing true and magnetic north, g) lines of cross-sections.
3. GEOLOGICAL CROSS-SECTION
Computer drafted and colored geological cross-sections are required. One of these should be based on your map and the other on the section you surveyed. The sections should be referenced by lines on the map. The following information should be included: a) a fully labeled legend (explain all units and use only conventional symbols for displaying rock types, b) the colors of the lithostratigraphic units must be the same as those used on the map, c) a concise title stating line of section, area, county, state, d) scale both vertical and horizontal. Include both visual and numerical scale, e) location of section lines, major drainage channels, roads, etc., g) compass directions of the end points of the section (N, NE, NNE, etc.), h) correlation lines between stratigraphic units.
Acknowledgment: Web site and course info based on material developed by Allan Ashworth