Initial Publication Date: December 12, 2013

Structure Field Trip to Whaleback Anticline in Eastern PA

David Steer, Department of Geology and Environmental Science at The University of Akron


This field trip was designed for an undergraduate structural geology class and additional geology & environmental science majors. The study site is in an abandoned coal strip mine and the purpose was to expose structural geology students and other geology majors to various structures in a field setting.

Whaleback Anticline Pic 2

Intended Audience:Designed for undergraduate education.

Location:

Whaleback Anticline, Eastern Pennsylvania.

Summary:

The purpose of this field trip was to expose structural geology students and other geology majors to various structures in a field setting. Non-structure students were making observations, collecting data and discussing their observations as an introduction to field activities. Structure students were doing the same, while also collecting data that could be used in follow-on labs back at the University.

Whaleback Anticline Pic 3

Context:

This field trip was designed for an undergraduate structural geology class and additional geology & environmental science majors. Twenty-two students and two instructors were involved on this field trip. No specific background is required. The study site is in an abandoned coal strip mine. It is not handicap accessible. Students must be able to walk approximately 300-500 yards along a rocky trail to reach the site.

Goals:

The goal of this field trip was to expose students to folds and faults in a field setting where they could make direct observations and measurements with their Bruntons. Students collected strike and dip measurements on box folds, second and third order anticlines and several different faults. The site includes a fully exposed syncline on one wall. Students also observed large iron concretions having slip indicators(~up to 1 m in diamter). The structural elements that can be onserved in this small area are too numerous to list. See the referenced field guide.

Design:

The field experience was designed as an inquiry-based exercise. Students were first taken to the site, oriented and told to make field observations and generate questions. The next day, students collected strike and dip measurements and made observations at eight locations in the study area. Note: Students were provided with a structure map but not the full field guide.

Notes and Tips:

The site includes shear cliffs and steep drop-offs. A safety rope should be taken. Students must constantly be reminded about safety and watched closely. Other sites of interest in the area include: Centralia PA, site of an underground mine fire; Ashland - the Pioneer Mine tour through an underground coal mine and the Museum of Anthracite Mining; the Spring Mountain thrust on Rt. 81.

Whaleback Anticline Pic 1

Assessment and Evaluation:

Students were graded on the quality and completeness of their field notebooks. Structure student data was used when teaching about Mohr's circle in structure lab.

Materials and Handouts:

Note: I used the field guide attached below, but permission is likely needed to put it on the Web. Found at: www.geosc.psu.edu/~engelder/geosc465/Trip2.rtf .


File will be posted pending permission.