The module is based on a series of projects concerned with a range of geological phenomena. The aim of this module is to develop a student’s capability for independent detailed and sophisticated field analysis of rocks and relationships related to these phenomena.

(LO1) 1a. On successful completion of this module, students will know in detail some of the key events in the geological history of County Donegal.

(LO2) 2a. On successful completion of this module, students will be able to undertake the reconnaissance of an area and identify the important geological processes that have operated.

(LO3) 2b. On successful completion of this module, students will be able to plan, implement and report on a detailed geological analysis, including the following stages: (1) data collection, (2) interpretation, (3) synthesis, (4) evaluation, (5) planning. During the data collection phase, appropriate techniques must be identified, applied and, where necessary, refined or adapted to suit local circumstances.

(LO4) 3a. On successful completion of this module, students will have developed a capability for detailed and sophisticated field analysis of rocks and the processes that formed them.

(LO5) 3b. On successful completion of this module, students will be able to integrate geological information from a range of sources to produce a geological history.

(LO6) 3c. On successful completion of this module, students will have the ability to maintain a personal field notebook at an advanced level.

(LO7) 4a. On successful completion of this module, students will have developed their ability to manage their time both as individuals and as part of a group.

(LO8) 4b. On successful completion of this module, students will have developed their ability to report and discuss verbally their observations and interpretations.

(LO9) 4c. On successful completion of this module, students will have developed their ability to communicate graphically their observations, interpretatiopns and conclusions.

(S1) Problem solving skills

(S2) Teamwork

(S3) Leadership

(S4) Adaptability

(S5) Organisational skills

(S6) Communication skills

Analysis of a highly deformed terrain including;

- Measurement of small-scale structures;

- Analysis of overprinting and cross-cutting relationships;

- Interpretation of large-scale structures;

- Field examination of rock fabrics, particularly kinematic indicators, including porphyroblasts etc;

- Analysis of orientation and kinematic data using stereographic projection;

- Determination of a structural history using a younging table

Analysis of an igneous complex including:

- Contact relationships and crystallisation history of both hypabyssal and plutonic bodies;

- Field petrography and igneous rock classification;

- Geometry of igneous bodies;

- Order of emplacement and determination of processes from field observations;

- Mechanisms of emplacement.

Analysis of metamorphic rocks including;

- General field relationships;

- Use of field petrology to assess protolith composition and metasomatic p rocesses;

- Determination and description of mineral assemblages, in the context of regional and contact metamorphism;

- Determination of the relative timing of deformation and metamorphism;

- Determination of metamorphic PT conditions.

Analysis of sedimentary (carbonate and clastic) rocks and successions including:

- Detailed sedimentary logging on different scales and with different approaches also the production of sketch logs of whole sequences;

- Determination of facies and facies associations;

- Description of sediment body geometries;

- Paleo-current analysis;

- Examination of body and trace fossils;

- Environmental analysis including paleo-ecology.

You are expected to undertake independent fieldwork, though your work may contribute to a group activity and so you will need the skills and techniques taught and practiced in the field training modules in ENVS109 and ENVS269 (or ENVS270).

Students will be expec ted to have a working knowledge of the material presented in the following modules: ENVS112, ENVS118, ENVS123, ENVS156, ENVS212, ENVS219, ENVS247, ENVS 263, ENVS284 and some of the skills developed in ENVS101 and ENVS200.

Several of the recommended texts are accessible through the module reading list, and the remainder are available in the library. Each student will be provided with paper copies of the handouts prior to the field class, and these will also be accessible through VITAL.

It is recommended that you (in groups) bring a selection of key textbooks from relevant modules to the field class.

Teaching Method 1 - Field Work
Description: 13 days of fieldwork in Counties Donegal and Sligo - mostly working independently or in groups as directed by the teaching staff
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description: Preparation sessions detailing fieldclass expectations and teaching problem solving and research skills
Attendance Recorded: Yes