Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/M006603/1
Multidisciplinary fieldwork training in a professional geoscience environment
Training Grant Award
- Lead Supervisor:
- Dr J Naden, British Geological Survey, Minerals & Waste
- Grant held at:
- British Geological Survey, Minerals & Waste
- Science Area:
- Earth
- Overall Classification:
- Earth
- ENRIs:
- Environmental Risks and Hazards
- Natural Resource Management
- Pollution and Waste
- Science Topics:
- Earth Resources
- Quaternary Science
- Abstract:
- The training course is tailored to provide the opportunity for doctoral and early stage researchers to take part in one of three mini geoscience surveys from initial scoping, through collection of field data to final model and digital map production. Though the work flow is that used by a geological survey, it is also applicable in range of geoscience business environments, such as environmental consultancies and mineral exploration companies. The training will include field reconnaissance, campaign planning, training in a range of field techniques (including instrument deployment), and the use of field data in thematic map and 3D model production. The course will utilize the unique expertise, experience and data holdings within the British Geological Survey to deliver a course that addresses several national priority training areas: (i) The initial scoping, using data from the NERC geoscience and Earth observation data centres, will expose course delegates to a range of data processing techniques. They will also gain an appreciation of how geoscience and Earth observation data can be used in visualisation and analysis; (ii) Access to the knowledge and expertise of several professional field geoscientists will significantly enhance their field identification and survey skills. There will be the opportunity to learn and apply a range of field techniques such as sampling, collection and recording protocols and methodologies. They will also deploy field technologies such as field spectroscopy, portable XRF analysis and terrestrial laser scanning; (iii) The use of field data in map and model production will introduce and give delagets an understanding of modelling approaches used in the geosciences from the conceptual models that underpin mineral exploration strategies to geochemical maps that inform policy to 3D subsurface geological models that can be used for shallow geohazard identification. To ensure the course has relevance to a broader section of the PhD and early stage researcher community as possible there will be the option to select one of three fieldwork themes that address (i) landscape literacy, (ii) geochemistry of the critical zone or (iii) natural resource potential. There will be two tutors and up to of 10 places on each theme to ensure maximum tutor-delegate interaction. Overall the course will support a maximum of 30 delegates. Expected outcomes and impacts include: (i) development of critical field observational skills for use in their own research field and their future careers and to knowledge of how to use large data resources to support research and inform results; (ii) understand the use of geochemical information management through statistical analysis to assess the quality and uncertainty on geochemical data; and modelling to look at the geochemical relationships and spatial distribution through geostatistics; (iii) development of landscape and 3D literacy and understand different approaches to modelling in the geosciences; (iv) to know how to be able to communicate research approaches and results across disciplines; (v) to be able to recognize and implement best practice project management and planning in a team environment; (vi) to gain an appreciation of the data that underpins geoscience models and how they can be used to communicate complex science ideas to a range of publics
- NERC Reference:
- NE/M006603/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Doctoral Training
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Advanced Training
This training grant award has a total value of £89,345
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Other Costs |
|---|
| £89,345 |
If you need further help, please read the user guide.