Indoor Field Study for Structural Geology Course

Abstract

Structural geology courses at Wheaton College in northeastern Illinois conclude with a three-week geologic mapping simulation. It is preferable to have class participants learn basic mapping skills in the field. However, time and geographic constraints are such that the Geology Department now resorts to an indoor exercise as a prelude to the required summer field camp.The Geology Department's large basement lab space provides a flexible environment to create an artificial field area. Books, color coded to a set of distinctive hand specimens, are distributed throughout the room in patterns representing geologic-suite outcrops. These in turn correspond to a diversity of tectonic terranes. Books are oriented so as to portray structural information. Structural and petrologic data enable the students to synthesize a geologic map, cross sections, annotated geologic column, and ultimately, a report of investigation with historical narrative. Several years' experience indicates that the simulations meet or surpass expectations. Participants enjoy the puzzle-like challenge and integration of concepts. Those who have completed the exercise are typically more confident and able to synthesize data during actual field work than those who have not.