Comparison of Four Geological Field Stations

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A survey was made of four permanently based western field stations, each operated by one of the “Big Ten” universities. At all four, regional geology concepts are taught by trips a week or more in length. The station of the University of Illinois, at Sheridan, Wyoming, is designed for students with a minimum of geological training, is situated in an area of relatively simple geology, and trains students in mapping, primarily in sedimentary rocks, by use of plane table and aerial photographs. Indiana University's field station, at Cardwell, Montana, requires considerable previous course work, and presents geology ranging from simple to very complex. Mapping is done on aerial photographs. The University of Michigan's station, at Boulder, Colorado, stresses a variety of mapping techniques, including mapping underground. The course demands a moderate number of prerequisites. Work is done in the three main types of rock. Ohio State's field station, at Ephraim, Utah, builds on a large number of prerequisites and operates as though the students were doing professional work. Mapping is done by plane table and aerial photographs in a complex sedimentary series.Detailed information on the four field stations is presented in text and tables.