I utilize this field trip in an upper-level undergraduate Field Methods course. The field trip is an excellent substitute for an in-person visit. It can be taught in a guided fashion in a lecture/lab environment or assigned as homework. There are some question prompts at various field trip stops that require students to synthesize geologic data to derive conclusions and/or graphical products (e.g. cross sections and stratigraphic separation diagrams).

Geologic map interpretation, structural geology, some background in Cordilleran tectonics.

This is a stand-alone exercise.

Activity Length

One day to one week depending on selection of questions.

Reconnaissance field geology, 3D visualization, fold-thrust belt exploration, Cordilleran tectonics.

Analysis of data, formulation of hypotheses, creation of graphical products to test hypotheses.

Using Google Earth for reconnaissance structural analysis.

The field trip is hosted on Google Earth and is accessible to anyone with an internet connection and web browser. It can be copied to any Google account and modified as needed. To access the field trip, use the following URL: https://earth.google.com/earth/d/1INb8xuvD4rYi-6INuEUf-Ei9Ctv-cKJ-?usp=sharing

Technology Needs

Computer with internet connection and modern web browser (e.g. Google Chrome)

Before assigning this field trip, make sure students have the necessary background to answer all of the questions. Preceding lectures focused on geologic map interpretation, fold-thrust belts, stratigraphic separation diagrams, and Cordilleran tectonics would be helpful.

Students submit the answers to questions posed at the field trip stops. The instructor grades the quality of the answers to gauge the students' understanding of the concepts that are the focus of the field trip.

There are a list of references included in the field trip that support the activity.