GEOLOGIC MAPPING AND RELATED FIELDWORK AS CUTTING-EDGE SCIENCE: NEW PATTERN RECOGNITION ADVANCES RESEARCH

Some restrict their definition of cutting-edge science to new analytical methods that exploit new technology and/or instrumentation and/or computational advancements. Such individuals consider geologic mapping an antiquated operation that accomplishes the equivalent of collecting stamps or pencils. Advancement in scholarly knowledge, in science or any field, is tied to the recognition of new patterns in data regardless of the method(s) of data collection. The pattern recognition "reference volume" connected to field geology is not an old, moldy book restricted to concepts known for over a century. Well-known additions to the pattern compendium in field geology include block-in-matrix relationships (mélanges), shear sense indicators in ductile fault zones, paleoseismologic relationships (geologic record of past earthquakes) in surficial deposits, and more recently paleoseismologic relationships in bedrock. The better-known additions of recognized field geologic patterns are but a fraction of the increase in knowledge of field-based patterns that have significantly changed our understanding of geologic processes.

Art Sylvester's many contributions to geology include recognition of new field-based patterns but he also made an enormous and ever-growing contribution to advancement of geoscience through his teaching of field geology over many decades. Teaching field geology not only gives students basic tools and skills, but it builds the foundation for future pattern recognition breakthroughs that students may make in their future. Field geology is cutting-edge science and teaching it gives students the potential to become cutting-edge scientists.