Introduction to Field Methods
EPS 105 / EPS 405
Videography, photography, editing and production by Max Manson.
Two-week, field-based course in the White Mountains of eastern California
Do you love the outdoors and want to see it from a new geologic perspective? This two-week, field-based course in the White Mountains of eastern California is a great way to explore the Eastern Sierras, learn basic field geology skills and make life-long friends in the process. You will be introduced to techniques for geologic mapping and geologic investigation in the field, including: systematic observations and data collection for lithologic columns and structural cross-sections. You will learn how to interpret field relationships and data to determine the stratigraphic and deformational history of the region. All camping equipment, transportation and meals are provided! The course is held the last two weeks of summer in September before Autumn Quarter. Prerequisite: EPS 1 (enroll in in Spring Quarter before course is held); recommended: EPS 102. Grades for spring enrolled students will be added after the field course (GNR applied). Trip takes place September 4-18, 2026. Instructors: Steve Dobbs, George Hilley.
September 4-18, 2026
The EPS 105/405 Introduction to Field Methods course offers an introduction to the techniques for geologic mapping and geologic investigation in the field: systematic observations and data collection for lithologic columns and structural cross-sections. Interpretation of field relationships and data to determine the stratigraphic and deformational history of the region.
TEACHING GOALS OF THIS TWO-WEEK CLASS ARE:
1. To teach you the basic steps involved in collecting and recording a wide variety of data in the field and the various steps involved in producing a geologic map and constructing geological cross-sections from this data. More specialized techniques will be introduced during the course of the project.
2. To give you the beginning knowledge and confidence needed to conduct basic investigations and sampling in the field.
3. To use field-based data to critically evaluate ideas and interpretations proposed by previous workers regarding the geomorphologic, stratigraphic, structural, metamorphic, and intrusive relationships in the regions under consideration.
We will generate geologic maps at 1:6,000 scale. Topographic maps and a wide variety of imagery will be used as a base for these studies. Data collected during the day will be compiled each evening to produce individual geologic maps, cross-sections, map legends and concise geologic histories or summaries of the data. All camping equipment, transportation and meals are provided!
This field-based research may also serve as a platform and starting point for more detailed laboratory-based studies in our many analytical facilities. We welcome continued student participation in these and other later projects.