spring 2024
GEO-3113 Field course in exogene geology - 5 ECTS
Course content
The course provides field experience in interpreting Quaternary and ancient depositional environments based on mapping and studies of sedimentary sections. The first part of the course is based at the University of Tromsø's field station at Skibotn where sediment petrographic studies and a Quaternary mapping exercise are used to interpret the history of deglaciation, valley-filling, and sea-level change. The second part takes place in Eastern Finnmark where modern and postglacial, fluviodeltaic and regressive, coastal systems at Tana are used to demonstrate the relationship among depositional process, morphology, and architecture. The field course concludes with a study of ancient analogues in the Precambrian sedimentary rocks on the northern side of Varangerfjorden. The course aims to give field-based experience in sedimentological, Quaternary geological, and stratigraphic interpretation, and to provide an understanding of how depositional processes and other factors determine sedimentary facies and basin-fill architecture.Objectives of the course
Knowledge
The student has
- knowledge about how to do fieldwork and acquire data by studying sediments or consolidated sediments.
- an understanding of how the distribution of wave energy may effect clast size and shap, and beach morphology.
- an understanding of the distribution of deglacial and postglacial sediments in a fjord-valley system.
- an understanding of how various sand-silt sediment facies and architectural elements may be related to and explained by a fjord-valley infill model.
- an overview of the Precambrian geology of the world-famous Bigganjar¿ga locality (Varanger), and knowledge about the arguments both for the favored tillite interpretation and alternative views.
- knowledge of the various Precambrian depositional environments represented along the Varanger coast, and how to study and interpret them in the field.
Skills
The student can
- identify and map various glacial and postglacial sediments in the field.
- make a plan for mapping of glacial/postglacial deposits, and reconstruct the deglaciation and sedimentation history.
- apply the understanding of sedimentary processes and depositional products to interpret and discuss alternative depositional models.
- analyze sedimentary facies and architecture, and distinguish between sediments deposited in a wide range of depositional environments.
General competences
The student can
- collect and apply various data to better understand sedimentary geological systems.
- analyze sedimentological data and discuss alternative models in a team.
- develop models and interpretations based on own observations and data in combination with conceptual models from the literature.
- solve problems analytically and efficiently in written English, and present research results orally in plenum.
Teaching methods
10 days of field course/excursion. Students will work in groups.
Approval of training in health, safety, and environment prior to the field course and excursion. This includes the use of helmets, high-visibility safety vests etc., and the use of geological equipment (e.g., hammer, spade, scraper, magnifier) in the field. Participation in the field course/excursion is mandatory.
Schedule
Examination
| Examination: | Date: | Grade scale: |
|---|---|---|
| Off campus exam | 26.06.2024 14:00 (Hand in) | Passed / Not Passed |
- About the course
- Campus: Tromsø |
- ECTS: 5
- Course code: GEO-3113
- Responsible unit
- Department of Geosciences