As stated already, the principal aim of this field course is to acquire the basic skills of field mapping, the Waterfalls Walk, along the valleys of the rivers Twiss and Doe provide an excellent opportunity to map the rock types underlying this part of Yorkshire and at the same time determine how the subsurface geology shapes the present day landscape.

We shall be following the mapping technique outlined in Barnes' book. Fundamentally, this consists of dividing the rocks present in the area into well-defined mappable units and displaying their geometrical positions on maps (often called field slips). You will be using a 1:10000 Ordnance Survey base map. Only in exceptional circumstances will you be given a second copy. Details of base maps and locating yourself in the field is given in Barnes. Please read this before starting mapping.

Geological mapping is usually based on lithostratigraphic units. The basic lithostratigraphic unit is the formation. A formation is uniquely defined on the basis of lithological characteristics and stratigraphic position. It must be mappable on a scale of 1:10.000 and so is generally thicker than 10m. It is absolutely essential to realize that a formation may consist of a single lithotype or a combination of different lithotypes. A group consists of two or more formations and is the lithostratigraphic unit next higher in rank to a formation, and may be used to express the natural associations between formations. A member is a subdivision of a formation characterised by a distinctive lithology and is usually mapped only locally. Read Barnes on the subject.

Normally you would have to recognise and define your own formations whilst mapping and different mappers could well recognise different formations. However, for the purposes of this First Year mapping course, seven mappable formations have been defined in advance in the Ingleton area. In alphabetic, not stratigraphic, order these are:

Beezley Greywacke-with-Slate Formation
Cuckoo Island Greywacke Formation
Manor Bridge Mudstone Formation
Twistleton Scar Limestone Formation
Pecca Slate Formation
Raven Ray Limestone Formation
Thornton Force Limestone
+ Till
+ Alluvium

Note that the formation names are based upon local geographic place names and include the principal lithotype(s) present.

Although you will be mapping in pairs, both of you should record your data independently. Identical or near identical entries on the map, in the notebook or in the finished report may result in a zero mark. This applies to all measurements including dip and strike, bed thicknesses, graphic logs, etc.. All written work should be done without sight of other maps, notebooks or reports. The excuse "we were working together" will not be accepted.

On to:
One-day excursions
Quarry visits

Please follow the links (left) for further information regarding the field course.

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