Learning objectives:

1. Identify good places to draw a cross-section to represent the geological units present in a mapped area.
2. Use drill cores to identify subsurface units within the area that don't outcrop at the surface.
3. Calculate the apparent dip of layers when the line of cross-section is not drawn parallel to the dip direction of the layers.

Key Visible Geology skills:

1. Manipulate layers
2. Apply a cross-section
3. Apply cores
4. Use the Apparent Dip module

This ~30 minute workflow is a standalone tool for students to either work through as part of a guided lab exercise that builds on lecture material, or as an independent exercise to consolidate learning. It builds concepts from the ground up so it is appropriate for high school to junior college level students.

Visible Geology needs to be available for each student, along with the attached worksheet .pdf. Students work through the worksheet, following instructions and exploring the model as it is developed. Key learnings are highlighted in the worksheet at every step. Questions towards the end of the worksheet interrogate students' understanding, before an exercise getting them to apply their new knowledge finishes the worksheet.
Workflow for Cross sections (Acrobat (PDF) 1.4MB Jul24 26) 

To save and share their work in Visible Geology, students are encouraged to log in with their Google Account.

If students are able to answer the questions and complete the final exercise adequately, then they have met the learning objectives of this workflow.

For tips, tricks and how-to videos for using Visible Geology, check out the Visible Geology Help & Resources.