Field Geology (GEO 429R) – 3 Credits
Course description
The MSU Summer Geology Field Camp is a rigorous 4-week summer field course focused
on field mapping and data collection in a wide range of geologic settings. The course
emphasizes time-tested methods and also includes an introduction to cutting-edge electronic
mapping & data collection. Students will master geologic map-making and professional
report preparation through intensive problem-based exercises. GEO 429R is a project-based
research course and fulfills requirements for an upper division capstone field course
in geologic mapping and field techniques.
Major Topics
- Structural mapping of folded and faulted sedimentary rocks
- Structural mapping of metamorphic rocks & associated ductile structures
- Mapping of intrusive igneous (plutonic) rocks
- Mapping of volcanic rocks
- Geomorphology & surficial mapping of fluvial, glacial and tectonic landforms
- Precambrian geology and tectonics of the Wyoming craton and Great Falls Tectonic Zone
- Regional geology and tectonics of the northern Rocky Mountains and Yellowstone geoecosystem
- Fold-thrust belt tectonics
Prerequisites
GEO 429R is a junior/senior level field course. Students must have successfully completed the following prerequisite courses prior to the start of field camp.
- Earth History or Historical Geology (MSU GEO 211) - or equivalent
- Sedimentation & Stratigraphy (MSU GEO 309) - or equivalent
- Geomorphology (MSU ERTH 307) - or equivalent (No longer required starting summer 2019)
- Structural Geology (MSU GEO 315) - or equivalent
- * Starting Summer 2019, Field Methods (GEO 428) will also be required
Department of Earth Sciences,
devon.orme@montana.edu ; andrew.laskowski@montana.edu