Field Course in Quarternary Geology and Palaeoclimate

Objectives:

The course aims to provide the student the knowledge and skills to complete a Quaternary geologic field survey, prepare a Quaternary geological map and write a final report and notebook from field investigations.

Content:

Different topics from the curriculum literature to the subject form the basis for an individual thematic report presented by the students at a seminar before departure for the field course. During the field course, an introduction to Quaternary geological field methods and mapping techniques will be presented. The first and last part of the field course consists of excursion to selected Quaternary geological sites in Nordfjord, Gudbrandsdalen and Østerdalen. At several locations, students conduct investigations either individually or in small groups.

Students write individual diary reports from the excursion days documenting key sites. During the survey part, students are divided into small groups that prepare Quaternary geological maps of a selected area. Quaternary geological deposits are described and their genesis is discussed and interpreted. The mapping part (3 days) forms the basis for a group report submitted at the end of the field course. The individual theme report and presentation, the group field report with map, and the individual field notebook form the basis for whether the student passes the subject or not.

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge 

The student

• can explain key glacial geological terms and definitions
• can explain how the temperature regime (polar/temperate) in a glacier affects erosion and deposition
• can explain how small-scale erosion and deposition forms are created
• can explain how glacial landscapes are formed
• can explain the genesis and classification of glacially deposited landforms
• can explain how melt water deposits can be used to reconstruct ice sheets
• can explain how to reconstruct floods in the past
• has acquired knowledge about the Quaternary geology and single localities in areas that are visited during the field course

Skills 

The student can:

• make independent field observations
• know geological processes and glacial geological erosion and accumulation forms
• recognise areas affected by polar and temperate glaciers and ice sheets
• describe and interpret glacial erosion and deposition forms in the field
• write individual field diary
• prepare and report field data in writing and oral, and display data graphically
• justify interpretations
• prepare a Quaternary geological map according to a set standard
• interpret graphs and figures
• conduct searches for relevant literature as well as refer to literature and set up reference/literature list

General competence 

The student can

• use a precise geological language for describing and discussing geological processes and events
• recognize, evaluate and communicate humanity's role in, our independence of, and impact on the geosystem
• demonstrate ability to function individually and ethically together with fellow students
• conduct fieldwork during the excursion in accordance with GEO/UiB's HSE guidelines

Spring semester

The course has limited capacity. Priority will be given to UiB-registered Bachelor students. Master and exchange students can be admitted to the course if spaces are available and they have an appropriate background in glacial geology. More info: www.uib.no/en/matnat/53431/admission-courses-limited-capacity