GLG310 Structural Geology 2004 Information about Research Assignment
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Suggested outline
Writing_Tips_for_Scientific_Papers.doc--By Josh Coyan
Information about research assignment
This assignment, due on December 2, will be 3-5 pages of double-spaced typed text (12 pt font like Times Roman). The assignment is to make some structural observations and measurements, or even a small geologic map, for any nearby geologic locality (of your choosing) and explain the geometry and deformation and interpret it in terms of geologic history and geologic processes.
Things to do in the field:
- Make a geologic map of a contact; include observations (strike and dips, small dikes, other things) on either side.
- Make observations so that you can produce a comprehensive rock description for the two (or more) rock units in your area.
- Make observations so you can determine the relative age of the two (or more) rock units and thus explain the geologic history of the area.
- Make observations so that you can describe the geologic processes that were operating to produce the structures (ductile, brittle, faulting, folding, distributed deformation, etc.)
The paper must include at least 2 figures (they don't count towards the length) illustrating some aspect of your research. These figures can be anything (cartoon, sketch, simplified geologic cross-section, geologic map), but should be something you illustrate yourself. It should be neat, perhaps colored, but need not be drafted. You will also prepare and present (5 minutes) a poster, consisting of several figures, a summary, and bullet lists outlining key points about your research project.
Note that you can present some photographs of the rocks and your site, but they are not likely to be useful in terms of the main two figures required and should thus be supplemental.
If appropriate, you may choose to summarize the attitude data you gather on a stereonet plot.
The poster and the paper are not the same. They are two different ways of presenting the results of your work. The poster should not feature a lot of text and should logically illustrate your project, while the paper is a narrative diescription with figures that presents your observations and interpretations.
Research assignment review
Two classmates must review your written paper before turning it in. Your should give them a typed, double-spaced draft of your paper and drafts of the figures and they will write corrections and suggestions on the draft, and then sign the bottom. You should incorporate their suggestions (at least those that are valid) into your final paper, and turn in the copies of your classmate's reviews along with your final paper. One of the best ways to write is edit someone else's writing. You will lose points if you do not get two meaningful reviews on a typed draft (not the final draft) of your paper--someone simply signing your final paper but making no comments or saying "Good job" is not a sufficient review!
Admonishments and clarifications
- Start on this soon!
- Discuss with Ramon and Josh your ideas.
- Have Ramon or Josh help you with a topographic base map, or get one at the Noble Science Library Map Collection--Here also is a guide for the GLG103 class that might be of help: http://www.asu.edu/lib/hayden/govdocs/maps/mapcoll.htm
- Choose a place where the geologic relationships are clear and the structures are mappable
- The area that you cover should take 1-2 days of field investigation
- Emphasize your own observations, not information from the library
- The poster presentations will occur in our final lab meeting December 2, 2004.
- The papers are due at the beginning of lab that same day, December 2, 2004.
Map of possible study areas:
PDF file of above map
Last modified: October 18, 2004