The aim of this module is to develop a student’s capability for independent detailed and sophisticated field analysis of rocks and geological relationships.

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

(LO2) 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) 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.

(LO4) On successful completion of this module, students will be able to complete detailed and sophisticated field analysis of rocks and the processes that formed them, integrating geological information from a range of sources to produce a geological history.

(LO5) On successful completion of this module, students will have the ability to maintain a personal field notebook at an advanced level.

(LO6) On successful completion of this module, students will have developed their ability to communicate graphically their observations, interpretations 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 and interpretation of small-scale and large-scale geological structures;
- Analysis of overprinting and cross-cutting relationships;
- 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.

Analysis of an igneous complex including:
- Contact relationships and crystallisation history of intrusive igneous rocks;
- 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 processes;
- 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 pressure and temperature conditions.

Analysis of sedimentary (carbonate and clastic) rocks and successions including:
- Detailed sedimentary logging on different scales and with different approaches, including the production of sketch logs of long sequences;
- Determination of facies and facies associations;
- Description of sediment body geometries;
- Palaeocurrent analysis;
- Examination of body and trace fossils;
- Environmental analysis including palaeoecology.

Students are expected to undertake independent fieldwork, although their work will also contribute to group activities.

Students will be expected to have a working knowledge of the material presented in all their previously taught lab-based Geology modules, and some of the skills developed in tutorial/ skills modules. Students will also need the skills and techniques taught and practiced in previous field training modules.

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 Canvas.

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

Teaching Method 1 - Field Work
Description: 10 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