Advanced Structural Mapping

Structural geology is a vital aspect of geology because it helps our understanding of the 3D architecture of rock packages and how the rocks happened to be that way; in other words it gives insight into the deformation history. Together we will learn how to read complex deformation overprints at the outcrop scale and how to correlate these local observations to understand the geometry of rock packages at a larger scale. In the process, we will learn how to document the observations and mapping hypotheses in our notebooks and maps.

Dates:  21st  Mar 2026 -  27th Mar 2026

The main aims of the course are (learning objectives):

  • to develop a sound understanding of structural elements such as cleavages and fold axes, and learn how to use them to describe structures, and structural overprint,
  • to understand and apply a method to correlate between key localities to make a structural map,
  • to develop and improve on reporting these observations in your notebook and ultimately make an interpreted map, and
  • to develop 3D geological skills and understanding by producing a structural cross-section.

These aims will be achieved by mapping the poly-deformed headlands at Bermagui, on the beautiful south coast of New South Wales. This is quite a difficult exercise that will develop 3D understanding and visualisation in the field.

COURSE SCHEDULE:

  • Saturday: Travel from Melbourne to Bermagui (arrive between 5 and 6pm)
  • Sunday: Lectures and fieldwork, Bermagui heads
  • Monday to Wednesday: Fieldwork, Pt. Dickinson
  • Thursday Building a cross-section, review and wrap up, key locality assessment
  • Friday Travel from Bermagui to Melbourne

COST OF THE COURSE: VIEPS students:  $550 to cover transportation (from/to Monash University, Clayton campus) and accommodation and meals (self prepared in groups at the camp)

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

  • Produce a structural map of Pt. Dickinson
  • Produce a high quality notebook and improve quality over the course (feedback is given continuously during fieldwork)
  • Produce a cross-section of Pt Dickinson
  • Assess and present one key locality in the field

LOGISTICS: Accommodation is at a campsite so please bring your tent, sleeping bag and other camping equipment, including at least a bowl, plate and utensils

Field Equipment to bring:

  • sturdy field boots absolutely essential (NO fieldwork without them)
  • wet weather gear, some cold weather clothes
  • day pack
  • hats - ESSENTIAL
  • hand lens
  • sunglasses
  • pencils, rubbers, etc
  • water resistant, cloth bound notebook
  • camera
  • geo-picks are not necessary and cannot be used

This course has proven to be a great success and very enjoyable in the past, and we are sure this year will be no exception. We look forward to meeting and working with you.

https://laurentailleres.github.io/Laurent_vieps/index.html

Teachers: Laurent Ailleres

Registration