Akron Gorge Park Geology Fieldtrip

Rain or shine, the fieldtrip will go on!

FIELD TRIP BASICS

For one of the labs we will be going on an optional fieldtrip to a nearby park in Akron, Ohio called Gorge Park. Fieldwork is one of the most important aspects of the study of geology and being able to get outdoors and hike around is one of the best reasons for doing geology ("A bad day in the field is better than a good day in the lab."). Please sign up immediately for the fieldtrip and mark it on your personal calendars.

THINGS TO BRING:

• Comfortable sneakers or boots
• Rain gear
• Pencil or pen
• Packed lunch or snack including water.
• Lab kit (hand lens, acid bottle, ruler, grain size folder ect…)

This fieldtrip gives you an opportunity to look at some of the rocks and structures that we have introduced earlier in the lab. We are purposefully not handing out a lot of geologic information to you prior to the trip because we want you, as much as possible, to make observations and ask questions on your own. Your fieldtrip leader will, of course, help you along throughout the trip.

FIELD WORK PRINCIPLES

One of the most important aspects of doing fieldwork is being able to locate yourself accurately in the field. This is why being able to read topographic base maps is so important. The good geologist is always keeping in mind where she or he is on the map, in addition to making observations about the rocks.

Taking neat, accurate, and detailed notes (along with making sketches) is another very important aspect of fieldwork. You will be amazed at how poorly you recall observations you made in the field if you don't write them down. Also, you will want to match your notes with your locality in the field. Often this is best done by labeling sites according to the day and the site number (i.e., 1-1 means your first day in the field and your first site, etc.). Use the attached enlarged map to keep track of where you are.

OBSERVATIONS TO MAKE AND QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

Since this may be your first time doing "fieldwork", you may not be sure what observations to make or what questions to ask. The following questions/observations should be made (and answered) when you are out in the park:

1. What is the rock type?
2. What sedimentary structures do you observe in the rocks? Make a sketch.
3. How old is the rock?
4. What environment was this rock deposited in?
5. Has anything happened to this rock since it was deposited? Describe (or sketch) these features and give an explanation for them.
6. Why is there a gorge here?
7. What is the source of the water that is percolating out of the rocks?

Anything else that you observe or ask questions about should be noted. Remember, an important truth about fieldwork is "the more you look, the more you see".

As your assignment for this week we simply ask you to make field notes (addressing these points) and to turn them in at the end of the trip.

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