Geology & Geochemistry Field Excursion

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/AM_450229

Course Objective

The aim of this course is to familiarise students with the multidisciplinary aspects of studying geological processes, using different kinds of local observations that can be synthesised to generate larger scale insights. This approach is illustrated by looking at the geological evolution of Cyprus. Another objective of the course is to orient students in tackling phenomenological observations derived from particular natural laboratories. It is the aim to make students familiar with the principles of 'problem-based learning techniques' by making field observations.

Course Content

The excursion follows a transect through Cyprus, from the coast to the top of Mount Troodos. The excursion addresses a range of inter-related tectonic, petrological and sedimentary processes associated with the formation and emplacement of the Troodos ophiolite and overlying metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Students will consider the processes involved directly in front of the outcrops. The students learn to understand the nature, structure and evolution of spreading ridges, transform faults, mass transfer, and associated petrological and sedimentological processes and geochemical cycles. Students train critical thinking and communication skills in group discussions.

Teaching Methods

Approximately 11 day field programme

Method of Assessment

Information written down in the field note books will be evaluated and their overall evaluation will be part of the grade. This grade will be linked with active participation in the field surveys and discussions / presentations during the evening sessions (20%). A written examination will be scheduled during the trip or after our return to Amsterdam (80%).

Literature

Excursion guide and possibly selected additional publications from the scientific literature.

Target Audience

Compulsory for students in year 2 of the MSc Earth Sciences
- Geology and Geochemistry.

Custom Course Registration

Admission is granted to students who took the compulsory courses of year 1 of the G&G programme in Blocks 1-3) and have earned at least 18 ec for those courses. Participants should register in time (before June 1st) using VUnet and should notify the responsible staff by e-mail.

Additional Information

Rules concerning the deadline for subscription and having proper mountain equipment will be strictly enforced. Due to the heat on Cyprus, the starting date has been moved from August to October. We therefore have to fit the timing around other courses and exams. Hence the exact time of travel will vary each year. The final dates will be announced as early as possible, but before August1st. In 2023, the excursion will go to Cyprus and will be led by Prof. Gareth Davies. On the basis of past experience our best estimate for the student contribution to expenses for travel and subsistence for this course is approximately 540 euros per person but the amount varies depending on the number of participating students.

Entry Requirements

Participation in the compulsory programme of the Specialization Geology and Geochemistry of the MSc Earth Sciences and having passed 18 ec worth of courses from this programme.

Recommended background knowledge

Sedimentary Basins AM_450154 and Orogenesis AM_450190.