Cyber-mapping for Teaching Undergraduate Geosciences Courses

Mohamed G. Abdelsalam

Missouri University of Science and Technology

This activity is part of the On the Cutting Edge Peer Reviewed Teaching Activities collection. (view details)

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Scientific Accuracy
Alignment of Learning Goals, Activities, and Assessments
Pedagogic Effectiveness
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Initial Publication Date: December 15, 2010 | Reviewed: June 13, 2012 (see revision history: 2 events)

Summary

Using cyber-mapping three-dimensional (3D) photo-realistic digital replica of geological outcrop to explain geometry of geological structures.

Structural Visualizations, Folds/Faults/Ductile Shear Zones, ...(more) | College Lower (13-14), College Upper (15-16)

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Context

Audience

A three-dimensional photo-realistic digital replica (3DR) of a geological outcrop in the Arbuckle anticline in southern Oklahoma.

Physical Geology
Structural Geology

Skills and concepts that students must have mastered

Basic knowledge in geological structures including folding, faulting and unconformity. Basic knowledge in strain analysis.

How the activity is situated in the course

These activities are used in teaching structural geology concepts in the Physical Geology and Structural Geology classes at Missouri University of Science and Technology. They are designed as lab activities following discussion of geological structures.

Goals

Content/concepts goals for this activity

The goals of these activities include:

(1) Identification of folds, faults, and angular unconformity.
(2) Understand relationship between folding and faulting.
(3) Cross-section restoration

Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity

Extraction and analysis of geological data from cyber-mapping models

Other skills goals for this activity

The use of computer drawing software for the production of informative geological figures.

Description of the activity/assignment

To prepare to these labs, students will attend discussions on describing the geometry of geological structures, strain analysis and geological cross-sections.

Determining whether students have met the goals

The students will accurately identify the geological structures, accurately identify geometric elements of these structures, and produce accurate sketches.

More information about assessment tools and techniques.

Teaching materials and tips

Activity Description/Assignment: Cyber-mapping Teaching Module (Acrobat (PDF) 2.4MB Dec11 10)

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Instructors Notes:
Solution Set:

Other Materials

Outcrop Number 1 (Acrobat (PDF) 5MB Dec11 10)
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