FIELD-BASED ALTERNATIVES TO MAJORS' COURSES – STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY AND PETROLOGY AS THEME-BASED, WRITING INTENSIVE EXPLORATIONS OF WASHINGTON GEOLOGY

We offer field courses as an option for majors’ first-level structural geology and petrology courses. The courses travel around the state, integrating field skills, discipline–specific knowledge, and writing. Students study a site for 1-4 days, then use observations (e.g., rock types, mineral assemblages, structures) and analysis techniques (e.g. stereonet plotting) to write papers in which the data are interpreted in terms of a larger tectonic problem. Some basics (e.g. stress and strain, rock classification) are covered on the first 1-2 days at WWU, followed by ~17 days of field instruction. On field days, short morning lectures keyed to the day’s outcrops are followed by outcrop-scale data collection and evening data analysis sessions. The standard material typical of quarter-long courses is covered.

The structure course is based on the theme of accretionary tectonics and orogeny. We collect data from rocks deformed by brittle and ductile structures in a variety of tectonic settings including accretionary wedge, thrust belt, magmatic arc, and metamorphic core complex. “Lab” techniques such as fault slip analysis and fold analysis are utilized.

The petrology course is based on the theme of petrogenetic associations in various tectonic settings. We compare ophiolites vs. arc sequences, rocks that have been metamorphosed to varying degrees, S- vs. I-type granitoids, and flood basalt vs. active arc volcanism. Rock descriptions/sketches provide the basic observational data. Where appropriate, geochemical data are used.

Student evaluations indicate that despite the intense pace of the course they enjoy it more and retain more material for future classes. The undivided attention, immediate writing/reflection, and repetition of skills in different settings reinforces material. Final exam scores are equal to or better than in the traditional class, and some skills, such as 3-D visualization and appreciation of how rock types or structures relate to tectonics, are better. Students are better prepared for advanced courses and field camp. More of these students want to pursue advanced classes or independent studies. A corollary benefit is that students form strong bonds with their cohort group, providing mutual support as they continue through the program and ultimately improving their field camp experience.