Teaching geologic map interpretation Barbara Tewksbury (Hamilton
College) Download a ppt presentation describing this approach
(PowerPoint 34.2MB Sep22 10) The approach that I used to use -
Define strike and dip and the various types of contacts. Help
students visualize with Play-Doh. - Start with planar contacts
in areas having no topography; use lots of Play-Doh and paper
models of inclined planar contacts to teach cross sections and
apparent dip. - Add topographic relief, and teach about the
outcrop pattern of horizontal contacts, move on to vertical
contacts, and then address inclined contacts and derive the rule
of Vs. - Bring out real world geologic maps, and have students
apply what they have learned to interpret the maps and to draw
cross sections. - Move on to maps with folded contacts. - Give
students the opportunity to do their own mapping in the field. A
more successful approach using Google Earth Raplee Anticline,
Monument Upwarp, near Mexican Hat, Utah (37 09 15.44N, 109 49
20.24W). Click image