Techniques and Field Skills

Geology in the field can be enjoyed by everyone, whatever your level of knowledge. Mostly it involves looking at the countryside around you, and this can be be done successfully from a car or even from your own home. However most people will want to get closer to the rocks themselves, and there are some basic items of equipment that are required to ensure that your get the most from your field trip. There are also some very important safety issues that need to be adhered to strictly.

The most important equipment that you need to carry with you are clothes and footware that will keep you confortable, warm, dry and safe in the very variable Scottish weather. Take plenty of spare clothing, wrapped in the waterproof bags in a small rucsac, whenever you go in the field. Don't forget that the weather can change very quickly, and you need to be prepared for this, on Arran on anywhere else. Gloves, safety goggles, and a hard-hat are all important items of equipment that should accompany you on a geological fieldtrip. You should also take sufficient food and drink to see you through the day, and flasks containing hot drinks or soup are ideal.

Knowing where you are is of paramount importance, so you also need to take maps (preferrably waterproofed or simply stored in waterproof plastic bags) and a compass. Make sure that you can read maps and use a compass before venturing out on any fieldtrip. You should also study the map carefully before you leave, to identify potential hazards (such as cliffs, mine shafts, marshy ground, deep rivers) and to identify possible alternative routes should the weather turn nasty. A GPS can be helpful in locating where you are, but you need to make sure that you can relate GPS to maps and to use a compass correctly. GPS is dependant on satellite reception which is again not available everywhere in the countryside, does not replace a compass, and is battery-powered, so should not be regarded as a replacement for a map and compass.

The best advice is to plan your fieldwork carefully, write down your route, the possible problems, and the times you expect to return. These should be left with someone who can raise the alarm if you do not return on schedule. It is also important to make it clear whether or not you have specific medical problems that might affect you in the field. If parking you car in a remote locality in the countryside, you should also leave a note indicating when you are returning.

You should also carry with you a first aid kit, and any specific medicines that you may need. Mobile phones are increasingly becoming an essential part of field kit - they might not yet get reception in all areas of the countryside (including some parts of Arran) but you will almost always be able to call for assistance much more rapidly than if you are dependant on public call boxes or private houses.

This may all seem to be over-reaction to a simple walk in the countryside but it is not. Accidents do happen, and even simple accidents can be much more serious when you are in the countryside. The best way to enjoy outdoor geology if you are not experienced in fieldtrips is to join a field excursion (for example those run by the Geological Society of Glasgow or the Edinburgh Geological Society - see references for details). Obviously it is also much better to go out in a group rather than on your own.

Geological field guide books, and walking guide books, do provide detailed information on equipment and safety in the field, and good examples of these are also listed in the references section of this site. The Geologists' Association also issues a booklet on 'A code for Geological Field Work' which shouuld be consulted (the code is available, at no cost, from the GA - visit their WWW site for more information). The code emphasises the importance of not cliimbing fences, keeping away from farm animals, keeping to paths, not climbing dangerous cliffs or gullies, avoiding overhangs, etc., etc. All logical and obvious precautions but it is important to remind yourself of these every time you go out in to the field.

Finally we come to the equipment you might need, and after the points above it will seem a very modest list. Notebook (ideally waterproof or water resistant), pencils, rubber, collecting bags (click-top plastic sandwich bags of various sizes are ideal), waterproof marker pen to write collection information; newspaper to wrap fragile specimens, a hand-lens, a camera, and possibly a geological hammer.

Note that you can do considerable damage to geological sites by hammering, and this should be discouraged. There is often no need to hammer, as there are often loose specimens lying about. A number of sites (including some on Arran) are also protected, so you should not hammer them under any circumstances. If in doubt, do not hammer anything - unless you are an expert it can often be pointless as you will destroy what you are trying to take out. It can also be dangerous - some rocks are hard and will splinter when hammered, causing injury to you or others on the trip. Some hammers and chisels are not suited for geological work and can again cause injury as they will fail and send steel splinters flying about.

If you do find what you think may be an important specimen, of mineral, rock or fossil, make precise notes of its location, draw or photograph the specimen, and then contact experts from museums or universities. These people will ensure that the specimen is properly evaluated, and if necessary excavated. Rest assured that you will receive full acknowledgement for you discovery.