3 Chapter 3. Data collecting
Learning Objectives
Reading as much as possible about the study area before getting in the field is a first step. But collecting data in the field in a random way it is going to hinder the research. Consequently, at the end of this chapter the student will
- realize the importance of recording the collected data in an organized manner.
- understand that the recorded data could be used by other researchers in the future.
3.1. Introduction
You’ve read about Avonlea Badlands, and now you have an idea about relief, vegetation, climate and rock type. You’ve prepared the geological tools needed for your field trip. Now, let’s get closer. Let’s see how you can set up our field notebook for ease of understanding and what data to collect in the field so that you can analyze and interpret the ancient environment. Remember that the more data you collect in the field, the easier will be to look at the bigger picture in the lab!
3.2. Setting up (the right way) the field notebook
One of the most valuable skill in the field is the ability to take clear and concise notes. And it is a skill that is often overlooked by the student in geology. Our tendency to write down everything makes it for a long and messy process. Before you start writing down like a madman, there are a few things to remember:
- Use only rite in the rain notebooks. Yes, they are more expensive, but there is no value for the amount of work and data that you’ll loose if the notebook gets wet and the pages rip under the weight of water!
- Use only a pencil when in the field. Even if the pages will get wet from rain, snow or any other accidents, the lead from the pencil won’t leak. Please do not fall into temptation of using pen because it is easier accessible. You could loose all your data!
- Keep your handwriting as legible as possible. Someday, somebody else might need your field notebook and if they cannot understand your handwriting, all your work will be lost. Even if you have a messy handwriting, make an effort to keep your notebook as organized as possible.
- Draw sketches if applicable! A picture is worth a thousand words, and geologists prefer sketches to words anytime possible.
- Remember to record anything out-of-the-ordinary that happens like: bear sightings, bull running after one of your classmates, patch of blueberries where everyone stopped and eat, etc. All those seemingly unimportant events will play a major role in triggering your memory down the road. You’ll be surprised with which clarity you’ll remember the colour, the texture, the rock type of an outcrop once you remember that it was that specific outcrop where you have seen the bear! So, if there is anything funny, scary, out-of-the-ordinary that will trigger your emotional memory make sure to write it down! If nothing else, at least to break the monotony of collecting data.
It sounds complicated, but really it is not. Yes, it takes a little bit of discipline and a little bit of willingness to