G303
Geologic Mapping and Field Methods

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THIS PROJECT

The purpose of this project is to acquaint you with the techniques used by field geologists in making a geologic map that shows the contacts between sedimentary formations and the geologic structures within an area, using a topographic map as a base. While there is no substitute for actually making such a map in the field, the bedrock geology of Indiana is too "layer-cake" for this to be possible. Thus, this project utilizes a base map (attached) and a set of field notes made by a geologist as he(she) traversed the area. The geologist would have been making the map as he(she) worked in the field; however, you will have to do so by following the field notes.

Here are the steps to follow in geologic map construction:

• Locate each station on the base map using the descriptions of station locations
• Plot attitudes using appropriate symbols [see Compton (1985)]
• Draw in contacts between rock units.
• Add appropriate structural symbols to complete the structural interpretation on the map.
• Develop and add a map legend that identifies the rock units in their proper stratigraphic order identifies all geologic symbols used on the map and in the cross section.