Episode 8 - "Canal Side Geologist" Making Maps

Mar 13, 2015

Discover the fascinating world of geological mapping, from traditional techniques to modern technology like GPS and drones. Hear about the legendary William Smith, the father of modern geology, who transformed how we view rock layers and fossils. The hosts share humorous tales of fieldwork mishaps in the desert, emphasizing the importance of preparation and skills. Delve into the art of converting 2D maps into 3D geological structures and explore advancements in satellite imaging that are shaping the future of geology.

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ANECDOTE

Field Mapping with Students

Shannon Dulin prepares 36 students for a week-long geologic mapping field trip in New Mexico.
Many geology students have never been camping before, adding to the logistical challenge.

INSIGHT

Geologic Maps Start with Topography

Geologic maps convey extensive information about surface and bedrock geology, soil, and resources.
They always start with a geomorphological base map, or topography, to understand the surface features.

ADVICE

Don’t Over-Rely on GPS

Use GPS cautiously in field mapping since technology can fail and signal may be unavailable.
Always carry and know how to use a paper topographic map as a reliable backup.

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What is a geologic map?

Conveys many sorts of geologic information
The whole basis of field geology
Can be a surface,bedrock, subsurface, resource, soil, etc. map

Making the Map

Start off with your field gear…like we talked about in episode 2. We said episode 1 in the show, but that was wrong!
Have a base map (Geomorphologic map—we call these topos)…you need to know where you are at
You can use an iPad/GPS with pre-loaded topo maps, or you just have your paper basemap.
John likes the Garmin 62S GPS unit
You don’t want to become too reliant technology in the field because it could be a life or death situation
You need to have done your research before you go

History of geologic maps

Book: The map that changed the world, by Simon Winchester
1793 [William Smith](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Smith_(geologist), who was a surveyor working for canal builders, was paying attention to all the layers of rock that he was digging through
He noticed that he could trace the different layers of rock that were stacked on each other
He also noticed the different fossils inside them meant that the rocks were the same age and could be traced all over
Would study coal seams, which could be easily traced and spent much time in coal mines all over England
His work was highly plagiarized, causing him to go bankrupt and into debtor’s prison
Bestowed the Wollaston Medal by the Geological Society of London in 1831
Known as the father of English geology

Modern Tools

Fun Paper Friday

This week we go over a paper that discusses one of Shannon’s favorite sayings: All Models Are Wrong, but Some Are Useful, Field (2015)

Three main points:

1) “Given all models are wrong, what we really hope is that any new model is more useful than its predecessors and that the value added exceeds the total development costs.”

2) “It still remains to be seen how long we will need to wait for definitive results on usefulness under various conditions.”

3) “Not only are all models wrong, but their relative usefulness varies depending on location and the specific loss metric of interest.”

Show - www.dontpanicgeocast.com - @dontpanicgeo - show@dontpanicgeocast.com

John Leeman - www.johnrleeman.com - @geo_leeman

Shannon Dulin - @ShannonDulin