Geological Education Research Articles

Инновации в горно-геологическом образовании. Межвузовский академический центр навигации по специальностям горно-геологического профиля – коммуникационная среда в создании непрерывной системы образования и профориентации учащихся

The article is dedicated to the outstanding scientist and industrialist Yuri Nikolaevich Malyshev. The experience of his work in the field of scientific and educational activities is presented, special attention is paid to the interaction under his leadership of the Vernadsky State Geological Museum of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SGM RAS) and the educational community. The presented work reveals modern approaches to sectoral mining and geological education using museum practice.

Geotourism Case Study: Hot Spring Water at Pancuran-7 and 3

Abstract The geothermal manifestations of Pancuran-3 and Pancuran-7 hot springs in Baturaden, Banyumas, Central Java, has significant potential to be developed as geotourism sites foccusing on geological education. This study aims to explore how these geothermal features can be utilized to enhance geological understanding among visitors through effective interpretative approaches. The research methods include field observations, and a review of relevant literature on geothermal processes and geological interpretation techniques. The findings reveal that Pancuran-3 and Pancuran-7 hot springs are not only aesthetically appealing but also offer a unique opportunity to study geothermal phenomena, such as the formation of hot springs, water chemistry, and the interaction between volcanic activity and hydrogeology. Interpretative approaches involving informative signage, and guided tours by geologists can enhance the educational experience for visitors. Furthermore, the potential for developing field-based educational programs at this site is highly relevant, given Baturaden’s proximity to several prominent universities with geology programs, such as Jenderal Soedirman, Gadjah Mada, and Diponegoro Universities. Therefore, integrating geological information into geotourism in Baturaden not only contributes to the preservation of geoheritage but also supports the advancement of scientific knowledge serving for sustainable tourism development.

Karang Panganten as a Geological Education Facilities in West Bandung Regency

Abstract Karang Panganten is an integral part of the Citatah Karst Area, known for its geological uniqueness and richness. This area reflects traces of complex geological dynamics, especially related to fault activities and other geological structures. In the Miocene era, about 25 million years ago, the Karang Penganten area was a shallow marine environment. The subsequent orogenesis activity lifted these limestone rocks to the surface, forming a unique karst landscape that characterizes the Karang Panganten we know today. Field observations show that the Karang Panganten area is heavily influenced by fault activities, such as tensile joints, fault breccias, and slickensides. One important finding in this observation is the slickenside, a smooth surface formed by friction between two rock blocks moving relative to each other. This slickenside provides clues to the relative movement direction between the two blocks and is an important indicator of tectonic activity in this region. This makes the Karang Panganten Area an educational facility object that showcases geological uniqueness in the West Bandung Regency area.

Learning and Teaching Geological Field Skills in a Virtual World: Insights From an Undergraduate Virtual Fieldtrip in Kinlochleven, Scotland

Virtual fieldtrips enable the teaching of field geology remotely or in classroom-settings by leveraging video-game technologies. We describe the development of a virtual fieldtrip to Kinlochleven in Scotland to teach undergraduate students geological mapping skills in a structurally complex, polyphase deformed metamorphic terrain. An area of ∼4 km2 of the Highlands was digitally replicated within the game engine Unity and featured 82 outcrops digitized from field data by photogrammetry. Key concepts in the development were: (1) usability on low-specification computers, (2) participant communication within-app, (3) multiscale visualisation of localities, (4) contextualisation of localities within terrain, and (5) a high degree of immersion to replicate the outdoor fieldwork experience. Technology constraints, however, required compromise between the number of localities used and their resolution. Evaluation and assessment data suggests the virtual fieldtrip was effective in delivering the key learning objectives of the course. Student behavioural indicators, furthermore, suggest that the immersive strategy successfully produced a high degree of engagement with the activity. A major limitation of the virtual fieldtrip was in the development of skills requiring spatial visualisation, in particular, the spatial association of features across multiple scales. The virtual fieldtrip had benefits for inclusivity, making fieldwork more accessible than its outdoor equivalent. However, a digital divide was observed to exist between groups depending on experience with gaming and virtual worlds. In addition, neurodiverse group of students required adaptations to assist with spatial awareness in virtual environments. The data obtained suggests that virtual fieldtrips cannot fully replace their outdoor equivalents, however, they are valuable in supplementing and supporting outdoor fieldtrips, in particular by increasing inclusivity and enabling field time to be used optimally.

The state of engineering geology education in Australia

The state of engineering geology education in Australia

Výuka geověd včera, dnes a zítra – reflexe učitelů a žáků

This article focuses on the historical development, current state, and future perspectives of geology education in the Czech Republic. The theoretical part of the article presents analysis of the evolution of the geology curriculum and its position within the Czech educational system. It highlights significant personalities and events in geological sciences and describes the changes in geology education since the 18th century to the present. The empirical part of the article employs qualitative research through focus group interviews to reflect on current approaches to geology education in lower secondary schools (ISCED 2). The respondents included ninth-grade students from primary schools, teacher education students at the Faculty of Science of Charles University, and science teachers. Based on their statements, SWOT analyses were created to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with geology education. Strengths include practical field exercises and field trips that provide students a direct contact with geological materials and demonstrate interdisciplinary connections between geology, chemistry, physics, and geography. Weaknesses involve low student interest, lack of teaching aids, and the complexity of integrating geology into other subjects. Threats include low teacher motivation and inadequate resources in school natural science collections, while opportunities lie in tandem teaching and collaboration with research and educational institutions. The article emphasizes the need to strengthen interdisciplinary connections, increase teacher support and motivation through further education, and improve school collection. Emphasis is also placed on popularizing geology to make it more attractive not only to students but also to the broader public. Overall, it is essential for geology education to respond to current challenges and trends, thus contributing to the formation of comprehensive scientific education that will inspire students to further study and interest in natural sciences.

Historical aspects and challenges of teaching engineering geology to engineering students

This paper discusses some points of the evolution of Engineering Geology based on a survey of historical facts, books, and other types of publications and technical reports and analyzes the teaching in engineering schools, specifically in the São Carlos School of Engineering, at University of São Paulo (EESC/USP). The survey involved the main topics considered in the teaching of Engineering Geology and both successes and challenges of the teaching experience at undergraduate and graduate levels at EESC/USP over the past 50 years are presented. Engineering Geology teaching has undergone different phases and adaptations to the evolution of knowledge and research procedures. According to the survey, it focuses on four large groups of didactic activities for the current decade and, perhaps, for the next one in several countries. The first group refers to access to materials of each topic in the format of books, videos, and lectures available on websites and the second includes face-to-face activities on the solution of practical problems related to a specific topic. The third group focuses on field and laboratory works, whereas the fourth comprehends development and analyses of specific civil work projects, mineral exploration, and environmental problems according to both face-to-face and non-face-to-face methodologies.

A complete chronicle of Chia Yung Hsieh (C. Y. Hsieh) and his life and works

In the process of pioneering and developing China's geological career, Mr. Hsieh created numerous firsts in Chinese geological sciences. Some of them were even the first in the world. Hsieh has been a unique all-round geologist in the Chinese geological community. His research fields include general geology, regional geology, stratigraphy, structural geology, geotectonics, mineralogy, petrology, paleontology, meteorite science, hydrogeology and engineering geology, seismology, lithofacies and paleogeography, physiography and geomorphology, pedology, coal petrology, coal geology, petroleum geology, mineralogy, mineral deposits, economic geology, core drilling, geophysics, geochemistry, prospecting and exploration geology, and geological technology management, etc. Hsieh has conducted in-depth research or application in all the above disciplines and has achieved remarkable and great achievements. In many aspects, he has occupied a pioneering position in China geological community. He is a welldeserved pioneer and founder of modern Chinese earth sciences. In terms of geological education in China, Hsieh's students are spread across different regions of China. In 1913, Hsieh entered the Institute of Geology，Ministry of Industry and Commerce, to study geology. Hsieh was recommended to study in the Department of Geology at Stanford University in 1917. In 1919, he transferred to the Department of Geology at the University of Wisconsin and received a Master of Science degree in 1920. All of these are documented in detail in the book titled A Complete Chronicle of C. Y. Hsieh, which was completed by researcher Lisheng Zhang after eight years of hard work and countless efforts. The book consists of two volumes, large 16 mo format, with rich illustrations and text, totaling 1,203 pages and 1,444,000 Chinese characters. The book was published by the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Press in December 2022.

75 лет геологическому факультету ИГУ: прошлое, настоящее и будущее

The introduction to the special issue of the journal provides a brief description of the organization of geological education in Irkutsk, closely connected with the development of geological science in the south of Eastern Siberia.

Геологические исследования А.В. Львова при изысканиях мест для строительства гидроэлектростанций в Приангарье

The name of the famous geologist and teacher Alexander Vladimirovich Lvov (1871-1941) is well known not only to specialists, but also to everyone who is interested in the history of scientific research in Siberia. Lviv stood at the origins of the creation of geological education in Irkutsk, created a scientific school of engineering geology and permafrost science in Siberia, participated in the study of minerals in the Baikal region and mining conditions of the construction and operation zone of the Trans-Siberian Railway. One of the areas of his research was to participate in the exploration of sites for the construction of hydroelectric power plants in the Angara region.

Visualizing Cross-Sections of 3D Objects: Developing Efficient Measures Using Item Response Theory.

Spatial ability is important for success in STEM fields but is typically measured using a small number of tests that were not developed in the STEM context, have not been normed with recent samples, or have not been subjected to modern psychometric analyses. Here, an approach to developing valid, reliable, and efficient computer-based tests of spatial skills is proposed and illustrated via the development of an efficient test of the ability to visualize cross-sections of three-dimensional (3D) objects. After pilot testing, three measures of this ability were administered online to 498 participants (256 females, aged 18-20). Two of the measures, the Santa Barbara Solids and Planes of Reference tests had good psychometric properties and measured a domain-general ability to visualize cross-sections, with sub-factors related to item difficulty. Item-level statistics informed the development of the refined versions of these tests and a combined measure composed of the most informative test items. Sex and ethnicity had no significant effects on the combined measure after controlling for mathematics education, verbal ability, and age. The measures ofcross-sectioning ability developed in the context of geology education were found to be too difficult, likely because they measured domain knowledge in addition to cross-sectioning ability. Recommendations are made for the use of cross-section tests in selection and training and for the more general development of spatial ability measures.

Assessment of the Development of Geotourism and Ecotourism in the Pokhara Valley, Nepal

This project was conducted in Pokhara, Nepal, to find the potential of geoheritage sites and to supply avenues for sustainable development and education. We assessed five tourist locations on their potential for geotourism and seven sites for their ecotourism practices. The geotourism quantitative assessment and degradational risk assessment used a survey developed by Brilha (2016). A modified version of the questionnaire created by Baral, et al. (2012) was used to evaluate locations for their ecotourism ability in combination with the 5 general Principles of Ecotourism. The study appraised Pokhara for its geodiversity, geological heritage, and ecological conservation in line with UNESCO’s list of attributes for aspiring Geoparks (aUGGp). These areas had high scores in geological diversity and geosite potential that may benefit from increased resources to support overall geological education and conservation as an aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark. This study aims to provide resources for tourists at these tourist locations with information on relevant geologic morphology, lithology, eco-conscious procedures, and conservation mitigations, as well as geo- and cultural history. The infographics included in the supplemental materials also aims to educate tourists on how to better take part in geotourism and conservation efforts in the Pokhara Valley of Nepal.

The importance of active-learning, student support, and peer teaching networks: A case study from the world’s longest COVID-19 lockdown in Melbourne, Australia

In the Australian state of Victoria, the city of Melbourne endured the world’s longest number of lockdown days, with severe government health orders and travel restrictions in place for extended periods of 2020 and 2021. In common with others, we found the provision of field teaching in introductory geology, structural geology, and volcanology, and the online replacement of practical instruction in petrology and petrography to be the greatest pedagogical challenges. We developed and used a range of different virtual field excursions that, given time and travel constraints imposed on us, were necessarily “low-tech” and non-immersive. Despite this, our students largely engaged enthusiastically with the virtual excursions, met many preexisting learning goals, and gained additional skills, particularly in regional-scale geological synthesis. In teaching petrology and petrography online, curated resources improved student understanding of some fundamental concepts, and it was advantageous that students were all assessed using identical imagery, rather than one sample from a non-identical class-set. On the other hand, we found we were less able to train students in the advanced skills of thin section interpretation. Assessment changes associated with online teaching have resulted in a permanent shift from low-level recall-style assessments to instead emphasizing higher-level synthesis and “geological thinking” skills. Our efforts throughout the pandemic demonstrated the value of instructor-student engagement and yielded teaching resources that have subsequently enhanced our face-to-face teaching and increased flexibility for students. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of collaborative teaching practice and we have increasingly seen the benefits of local and national-scale teaching networks for peer support and for resource sharing.

Applied geology – basic training program for mining and geological industry personnel

The development of the human resources potential of the mining and geological industry in Russia is largely a task of the state and its institutions. The shortage of qualified personnel in the field of geological study of the subsurface, as well as the gap in the “education – science – production” system are indicated among other things in the list of challenges and threats to the development of the mineral resource base of the Russian Federation in the new Strategy of Development of the Mineral Resource Base of the Russian Federation until 2035. This strategy was developed and adopted by Order of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 2914 of 22.12.2018 (hereinafter – Strategy). Obviously, the solution of the tasks aimed at developing the geological industry of Russia and reproduction of the mineral resource base, formulated in the Strategy, will be provided mainly by the geological knowledge and skills formed in the scientific and practical activities of the new generation of geologists. The current modernization of geological education in the absence of professional standards is aimed at combining the competences of university graduates and qualifications of representatives of the profession of geologists, geophysicists, geochemists, hydrogeologists and geological prospectors. Interaction of universities with mining and geological companies in terms of improving educational standards and training programs is especially important in the conditions of the development and large-scale implementation of new technologies for mineral resources study at all stages of the geological exploration process. Reproduction of the personnel potential of the exploration industry should certainly be under the close attention of the state and under its direct management, as it will largely determine the mineral resources sovereignty of the country.

Breadcrust Bomb Merapi: Geological-Inspired Culinary Art and Socio-Cultural Empowerment in Merapi Region

This scientific article explores the creation of Breadcrust Bomb Merapi, a culinary art inspired by the geological features of Mount Merapi in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The study aims to promote socio-cultural empowerment and geology education while supporting local communities surrounding Mount Merapi. The research methodology involved direct interviews with residents of the South Slope of Mount Merapi to identify the most popular products among tourists and the feasibility of their development. The selection process led to the production of Breadcrust Bomb Merapi, a cake resembling the explosive eruptions of Merapi, featuring a crust-like texture with a soft interior filled with melted cheese, symbolizing hot lava. The legal aspects of the creation were ensured through copyright registration. The results demonstrate the successful integration of geological inspiration into culinary art, providing a unique Merapi culinary experience for visitors and offering socio-cultural and economic opportunities for the local community. The implication of this study lies in its contribution to geotourism, ecotourism, and the preservation of local cultural heritage while fostering socio-economic development in the Merapi region.
 Highlight:
 
 Natural beauty and geological evolution of Mount Merapi
 Breadcrust Bomb Merapi: Culinary art inspired by explosive eruptions
 Socio-cultural empowerment through local culinary development
 
 Keyword:
 Mount Merapi, Breadcrust Bomb Merapi, Geology-Inspired Culinary Art, Socio-Cultural Empowerment, Tourism

Frequent Limits and Advantages of Conditions for Geology Education: Example of Czech and Slovak State Curricula

Geology is a subject of low interest for many pupils and teachers. The present study aims at examining the organizational conditions for geology education using the model of the Czech Republic and Slovakia, drawing from the national curricula. The study discusses the possible reasons for the unpopularity of the field worldwide and proposes general recommendations that would contribute to increasing interest in geoscience. The main drawbacks of geology education seem to be the large volume of required knowledge, its thematic structure, and a lack of links to real life. The Czech curriculum is vaguely and theoretically defined, placing demand on pupils, especially in the area of memorizing given information and practically pays no attention to recommended teaching methods. In contrast, the Slovak curriculum better reflects current trends. In general, it is necessary to implement continuous educational support for geology teachers and restructure the geology syllabus so that individual sub-fields are interlinked. Moreover, the learning outcome definition should include action-based education, fieldwork, experimenting, and similar elements.

NASA ICESat-2: Space-Borne LiDAR for Geological Education and Field Mapping of Aeolian Sand Dune Environments

Satellites are launched frequently to monitor the Earth’s dynamic surface processes. For example, the Landsat legacy has thrived for the past 50 years, spanning almost the entire application spectrum of Earth Sciences. On the other hand, fewer satellites are launched with a single specific mission to address pressing scientific questions, e.g., the study of polar icecaps and their response to climate change using Ice Cloud and the Land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) program with ICESat-1 (decommissioned in 2009) and ICESat-2. ICESat-2 has been operational since 2018 and has provided unprecedented success in space-borne LiDAR technology. ICESat-2 provides exceptional details of topographies covering inland ice, snow, glaciers, land, inland waterbodies, and vegetation in three-dimensional (3D) space and time, offering the unique opportunity to quantify the Earth’s surface processes. Nevertheless, ICESat-2 is not well known to some other disciplines, e.g., Geology and Geomorphology. This study, for the first time, introduces the use of ICESat-2 in aeolian sand dune studies, purely from an ICESat-2 remote sensing data perspective. Two objectives are investigated. first, a simplified approach to understanding ICESat-2 data products along with their application domains. Additionally, data processing methods and software applications are briefly explained to unify the information in a single article. Secondly, the exemplified use of ICESat-2 data in aeolian sand dune environments is analyzed compared to global Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), e.g., Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). Our investigation shows that ICESat-2 provides high-resolution topographic details in desert environments with significant improvements to the existing methods, thereby facilitating geological education and field mapping. Aeolian sand dune environments can be better understood, at present, using ICESat-2 data compared to traditional DEM-based methods.

Advanced Technologies for Geosite Visualization and Valorization: A Review

This review attempts to summarize contributions by authors who, in the last decade, have dedicated their efforts to making geoheritage accessible to the public. Geoheritage is composed of geosites, which are, nowadays, real milestones on which field-based geological education can be conducted. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in particular has made it clear that a new paradigm is needed; a series of tools must be introduced and increasingly used to make it possible for potential users, be they academics, students, or the lay public, to experience geosites from locations that can be thousands of kilometers away. All these have been achieved over time by a wide range of evolving techniques and advanced technologies such as GIS tools, virtual reality applications and further innovative technologies such as WebGIS platforms accompanied by appropriate navigation tools (VR headsets and thumbsticks). The viewers, in this way, are provided with a complete view of a virtual geosite, which enables visualizing its characteristics at different scales. VR technologies, especially, have revealed a high degree of satisfaction, based on feedback collected from VR geosite visualization events, both by scientists, students and the general public, and could be the forefront of geosite visualization and valorization in the near future.

Energy georesources and personnel training

Background. The dominant role of energy georesources in the mineral resources sector of Russian economy is considered. Achievements in this sector are determined by the quality of human capital. Successful implementation of the Strategy for the Development of the Mineral Resource Base of Russia until 2035 requires improved personnel training in the higher education system according to new educational programs in the disciplines of Applied Geology and Mining.Aim. Assessment of the current state of the mining and geological industry in Russia, as well as its methodological and technological basis as an objective indicator of the economic and social development of the social system.Materials and methods. Expert evaluation of the activities carried out by the Federal Subsoil Resources Management Agency in the direction of the geological study of energy resources.Results. The conducted analysis of the sustainability of the mineral resources sector in the era of globalization and Russia’s historical experience of creating the uranium industry shows the need to further develop the nuclear energy sector. This process requires modifications in the engineering geological education to revive Russian traditions of training specialists in the field of uranium mining and treatment.Conclusion. The prospects for increasing the mineral resources base of energy carriers and creating conditions for providing the country with energy raw materials should be supported by joint efforts of educational institutions and employers in the system of training geologists.

Geological expeditions and routes of M. Y. Lebedev: theoretical and practical results


 
 
 A set of geological expeditions and routes carried out by M. Y. Lebedev through- out his life was determined for the first time. The specified complex in the context of the set research purpose is analyzed. The purpose of the study is to identify and consider the main geological routes of expeditionary practice of the outstanding geologist M. Y. Lebedev and to generalize practically and theoretically the consequences of their implementation and its organizational activities in the field of geology. The study is based on a combination of theoretical provisions of geological research and the principles of application of the evidence base of historical and natural research. The main geological expeditions, in which M. Y. Lebedev took part, are studied and analyzed, their results are considered and generalized, and the organizational achievements of the scientist are clarified. It was found that the expeditionary practice gave Lebedev the opportunity to accumulate a complex of various geological materials, most of which were innovative. Each of these complexes became the basis for obtaining new theoretical results. The development and application of paleontological methods by M.Y. Lebedev were of particular importance. The method of stratigraphic paleontology developed by him allowed substantiating the new methodology of research of coal deposits of the Donetsk basin. The significance of Lebedev’s activity in the development of Azerbaijani oil production, in particular, the determination of the oil potential the Caspian Seabed near Baku, is pointed out. The cartographic activity of the scientist is described. The influence of M. Y. Lebedev on the formation of the geological service and higher geological education in Ukraine is estimated. The results of the study testified to the diversity of M.Y. Lebedev’s ex- peditionary practice and its role in his formation as a geologist of the European level; its significance in the development of theoretical and practical components of M.Y. Lebedev’s activity was determined, his formation as an organizer of geological research and higher geological education.