Field School II: Nevada, Arizona, California
April 30 – May 14, 2015
About this course
The purpose of this course is to develop the skills needed to integrate diverse field observations into a testable geologic model describing the distribution, origin and tectonic history of the rocks in an area. We will visit locations in the Basin and Range province of southwest USA that display a wide range of rock types, complex structural and magmatic histories and evidence for a variety of metasomatic and hydrothermal processes. You will be required to produce rock descriptions and mineral identification, gather structural measurements, and define the relationship between rock types in order to construct geological interpretations and communicate your observations to other geologists.
McGill University values academic integrity. Therefore, all students must understand the meaning and consequences of cheating, plagiarism and other academic offences under the Code of Student Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures (see http://www.mcgill.ca/students/srr/honest/ for more information).
In accord with McGill University's Charter of Students' Rights, students in this course have the right to submit in English or in French any written work that is to be graded.
In the event of extraordinary circumstances beyond the University’s control, the content and/or evaluation scheme in this course is subject to change.
Learning outcomes
• Recognize, describe and collect appropriate measurements of ductile and brittle deformation structures.
• Use small-scale structures to infer large-scale kinematics and tectonic history.
• Form geologically reasonable models of structures in 3D and 4D and test them.
• Understand and interpret a variety of magmatic textures in the field.
• Analyze relationships between regional tectonics and volcanic eruptions.
• Be able to conceptually relate plutonic processes to overlying volcanic processes.
• Effectively communicate your thoughts and ideas to other geologists.
Organization
Canadian and American students do not need a visa to enter the US. If you do require a visa, it is your responsibility to make arrangements to enter the USA legally and stay for the duration of the Field School.
We will be camping most nights on the trip, so you need to be prepared and bring the necessary equipment (see below). Get into cooking groups in advance of the trip and make plans (e.g. inform your group of any allergies you may have).
Cell signal will be scarce during the first week, but should improve for the second week.
Make sure that you have medical travel insurance to cover emergencies in the US. The SSMU plan includes travel insurance so make sure you are enrolled in this or something similar (http://ssmu.mcgill.ca/about-us/health-and-dental-plan/). It is your responsibility to bring any personal medication that is not readily available over the counter in the US.
The climate will probably vary from being hot (35°C) to cold overnight (0°C). Be prepared: bring sun hats, sunglasses, tuques, gloves and other warm clothes.
For safety in the field, you will be given a working group – please stay within yelling distance of your partners.
Responsibilities
We will visit many areas of outstanding natural beauty during the trip. Please be a considerate and responsible visitor: pack out your trash, be kind to wildlife, minimize hammering wherever possible, and be respectful of other people in the areas.
Long days and hot weather make for tiring days (especially for cranky old people, John). Good communication at all times will help keep the group safe and maintain a supportive environment. Do your part to help everyone enjoy the trip and get as much out of it as possible.
You are responsible for your conduct in the field. You must be aware of, and respect the local laws and regulations. The legal age for possession or consumption of alcohol is 21. Providing alcohol for a minor is a serious offence and can result in imprisonment followed by deportation.
Assessment
This class will be assessed based on a combination of group oral presentations, group written reports, individual written reports (all combined to 70%), individual notes in notebooks (20%), and class participation (10%).
In accord with McGill University's Charter of Students' Rights, students in this course have the right to submit in English or in French any written work that is to be graded.
Specific guidelines for each assignment will be given in the field in advance of the work.
Required equipment
You must acquire and pack these items before leaving Montréal. There will be a chance for shopping once we depart, but not for specialized gear and equipment. Hammocks are not recommended as there are few trees in some areas. We will be camped next to the cars, so you do not need to haul your gear very far. Soft duffle bags/backpacks are better for tight packing than suitcases, if you have them. Pack light! You need to make sure your bag is within the Air Canada checked luggage allowance (http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/airport/baggage/checked.html)
Field equipment
Required
Rock hammer
Brunton compass (department will provide - you will be responsible. $300 replacement value)
Handlens (10x preferable)
Backpack large enough for all your mapping supplies, clothing, food and water
Pencils, pens, pencil crayons (at least 12colors).
Pencil sharpener (or knife or sandpaper), eraser.
Field notebook - bound, NO SPIRAL. Rite-In-The-Rain is the best, but any bound book is OK.
Camelback or water bottles with 3 L capacity
Mapboard or clipboard with cover
Protractor and ruler
Watch or other timekeeping device that can go for at least 1 week without charging
Personal first aid kit
Stereonet and tracing paper
Recommended
Field Belt or field vest to hold Brunton and hammer
Plastic bags and permanent markers for sampling
Camera, handheld GPS, radio
Personal equipment
If you volunteered to bring a tent at the information session, please bring it and be prepared to share. The department will provide tents to cover the rest of the class.
Required
Sleeping bag and pad - expect night temperatures to be around freezing at time
Sun protection - Hats, high-SPF sunscreen, light weight long sleeves, pants, bandana for the neck, sunglasses, chapstick with SPF protection.
Warm clothes for cold weather (fleece, wool gloves, wool hat, etc.)
Sufficient clothing for 1 week - see information on webpage for weather expectations
Tent - can be shared
Headlamp or flashlight, batteries.
Sturdy hiking boots.
Tupperwear container to carry lunch.
Bowl, plate, cup, fork, knife, spoon for dinners and breakfasts.
Towel, wash kit, toilet paper.
Personal medication, especially if you have allergies.
Supplemental health insurance while traveling in the USA
Passport.
Evidence of eligibility to enter the USA or other required documentation
Photocopy of your passport’s photo page, kept separate from your passport.
Team spirit and a sense of adventure
Recommended
Compression sacks for packing sleeping bag and clothes to reduce volume
Alarm clock + batteries
Swiss army knife or multitool
Whistle
Swimsuit
YOU MAY NOT BRING:
Illegal drugs - this includes alcohol if you are under 21 years old
Firearms or weapons (besides camping knives)