GE 111b Field Course Particulars

 The field component of GE 111 will take place between June 16 and June 22, 2002. We will depart on Sunday, June 16 at 8 am from the Geology Circle (on California Blvd., in front of Arms bldg.). You should arrive no later than 7:30 am to help load the trucks. We plan to return on Saturday, June 22. Please note the Suggested Personal Equipment list included with this handout.

In the field, we will be running simultaneously seismic, resistivity, GPR, magnetic and gravity experiments, as well as surveying the experiment locations. This will necessitate dividing the class into field crews for each day's work. Field crews will be assigned in advance (the previous evening) Every student will need to rotate through all the experiments (including surveying) during the days in the field. There will be a limited number of slots per experiment for each day, so that there will be sufficient personnel for the more labor intensive field work. The field crews will also attempt to mix students so that they all have a chance to work with each other and with each of the instructors.

The data we acquire will be communal and will be analyzed by the entire class. You are expected to keep clear notes for each experiment you participate in so that students not present for that particular experiment can understand and have all relevant and required information for interpretation. You will be individually responsible for submitting a written report, of which the interpretation part and discussion of the scientific problem must be your own work. We expect the individual portion of your report will be 6 pages in length.  You will be required to write a draft version of the geologic overview of the area and the scientific problems being addressed before going to the field. This preliminary report is due June 7. It will be graded and returned before we go into the field. The final report is due by 5 p.m., Wed. June 26, 2002. No late reports will be accepted.

We will return from the field by Saturday evening, June 22. Monday-Wednesday (June 24-26) will be in-house analysis days in the computer lab. Mark, Joann, Rob, Javier and Rowena will keep regular office hours those three days and will be available for consultation. We will also schedule tutorials on specific analysis techniques (i.e., seismic data processing) during that time.

You will submit your report, whatever state it is in, by 5 p.m. PDT, Wednesday, June 26, 2002.  The grade for the class will be available on Friday, June 28.
 

Please sign-up for a food group (in class organizational meeting) for the 7 days in the field June 16 to June 22.

There are about 19 people, so we will have 3 or 4 food groups. Each group is responsible for purchasing their food before we leave for the field.

It is up to each group as to how you want to share your food responsibilities. One suggestions is:  within each group, each individual is responsible for their own breakfast and lunch; dinner's are prepared as a group.

In choosing your food, please note:

• There will be hot water at breakfast, but it's probably best to keep breakfast simple so you can get out of camp on time.

• You usually will be in the field at lunch, so if it's important that your lunch stay 'cool', bring a small personal cooler with you.

• Each group will have a large cooler with block ice to keep the food cool back at camp. Trips to town will occur every couple of days to get more block ice.

• Try to consolidate your non-perishable group food items into a single box or bag that can easily be stored in a locked vehicle back at camp during the day (to keep it safe from critters and dirt).

• There will be one trip to town mid-week (afternoon of the Wednesday), to buy more food.

Caltech will provide cooking pots, plates, cups, bowls, utensils, stove, bucket for cleaning, sponge, dish soap. These will be stored in 2 large boxes, each of which will be shared by 2 groups. Note: Coffee pots/filter cones etc. are not included as part of group supplies.
 

Note: There may be no opportunity to do laundary or take showers so please plan accordingly.

tent/rainfly with suitable stakes
tarp or ground cloth
sleeping bag
foam pad
flashlight (batteries) or head lamp
day pack
water bottles (IMPORTANT!!)

field boots
field socks
wide-brimmed sun hat that will stay on even in the wind
light colored and breathable clothes (including ...)
field pants/shorts
T-shirts
warm clothes for cool nights
rain protection (just in case)
towel(s), wash cloth
swimsuit
bandannas
in-camp comfortable footwear

sunscreen (high pf #)
sunglasses
chapstick
personal toiletries and first aid items (click here for basic first aid info)
toilet paper (there will be portapotties with toilet paper in camp, but in the field...)
bug repellent

pencils
notebook/clipboard
ruler
calculator
graph paper
textbook (Reynolds)
 

If you have the following, they might come in handy ...

Last Updated April 1, 2002