Field geology of the Tatras-Podhale-Pieniny area 1300-WGTPP
This course focuses on highlighting and explaining, through selected field examples, the differences and similarities in the geological history and structures of the Tatras, Pieniny Klippen Belt, and Podhale Basin. At each field stop, the lithology, stratigraphy, and identification of geological units are discussed in detail.
Key Practical Skills Developed:
- Identifying rocks in the field, including their texture and composition
- Recognizing and interpreting tectonic features
- Reading and analyzing geological maps and cross-sections
- Measuring geological structures and rock orientations
- Maintaining detailed field observation records
- Identifying structural units from a distance
- Identifying structural units based on rock successions
- Interpreting deformation history through tectonic features observed in rock outcrops
Before the course, participants work in groups to prepare materials based on assigned literature. These materials, which may take the form of presentations, written summaries, or graphical illustrations, are on topics provided by the instructor. Selected portions of this work may be presented by students during the field sessions.
Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses, which will not be reimbursed. Course instructors will not provide transportation during the course. Budget-friendly collective guesthouse accommodation will be arranged near Zakopane and Szczawnica. Participants must be in good physical condition to join full-day mountain hikes. No challenging trails or demanding off-trail hikes are planned. Outdoor clothing, including a rain jacket, and sturdy walking boots are mandatory. The trip schedule may be adjusted based on weather conditions and forecasts. Participants are encouraged to bring laptops and cameras (preferably with interchangeable lenses) for the course.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will:
- Gain comprehensive knowledge of the geological history and major structural units of the study area.
- Understand the relationships between landforms, rock properties, tectonic features, and deformation history.
- Comprehend the evolutionary steps from a sedimentary basin to a tectonic unit.
- Understand the concepts of nappes and thrusting mechanisms.
- Recognize the impact of glacial processes on the landforms of the Tatras.
- Accurately identify the Tatras, Pieniny Klippen Belt, and Podhale Basin on geological cross-sections of the Carpathians.
- Be familiar with historical theories regarding the origins of the Tatras and Pieniny range.
Participants will also acquire practical fieldwork skills, including:
- Identifying minerals, fossils, and rocks typical of the area.
- Interpreting sedimentary conditions based on rock characteristics.
- Recognizing and interpreting tectonic features and their genesis.
- Reading and analyzing geological maps effectively.
Social skills will be developed through group collaboration in preparing materials for the course.
Assessment criteria
Course participants are required to attend the entire program.
Each participant must prepare and submit a written and illustrated field report based on their recorded field observations. The quality of the materials prepared for the course will also be considered in the evaluation.
Practical placement
none
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: