Marisa Repasch, PhD - Field methods

field Methods

Fieldwork can be interpreted differently across different disciplines. Field research is the collection of data and observations outside of a laboratory, library, or traditional workplace.

In the Earth Sciences, we conduct fieldwork outdoors to collect data from the natural world, to observe natural processes, and to learn about the interactions between the solid earth, the hydrosphere, the atmosphere, and humans.

Often, we conduct field work in locations that are difficult to access, or are far from our home base. Every second in the field is valuable because it is a rare opportunity to collect the data and observations needed to answer specific research questions. Therefore, it is useful to have a systematic approach to conducting field research. Below I describe my field methods and advice for young scientists based on my personal experiences, including field camp across the western U.S., and various research expeditions in eastern Pennsylvania, Spain, New Mexico, Colorado, Grand Canyon, Arizona, Germany, Argentina, and Alaska.

PREPARE!

Fieldwork is not possible without adequate preparation. It is recommended to perform “virtual fieldwork” before ever stepping foot outside the workplace. Google Earth and GIS software are powerful tools to explore areas of interest. Thanks to the increasing resolution of satellite imagery and availability of LiDAR data, much work can be done virtually to collect information about a field site. Whether hiking, driving, or traveling by horse, you should calculate travel times between field sites so you can be realistic about the amount of time you need to accomplish your goals.

Do you need a permit to access or to collect samples from your site of interest? If you need to collect samples or install long-term monitoring equipment in areas managed by the National Park Service or U.S. Forest Service, inquire and apply for permits with plenty of time in advance.

Make lists!

What will you be doing in the field? Visualize yourself collecting samples, taking in situ measurements, or utilizing scientific instruments. What equipment and accessories do you need to carry out these field methods? What problems might you encounter while using these methods? Make a list of everything you might need during the entire duration of field work.

Here’s a basic list of field gear I use as a basis:

Field notebook (e.g. Write in the Rain bound notebook)
Permanent Markers (always good for labeling samples)
Drafting pencils! (mechanical; graphite 3H or 4H are better than 2)
Pens (e.g. Edding 1800 series pens in various weights)
Colored Pencils (R, O, Y, G, B, V, Bl., Br.)
Handheld GPS receiver (e.g. Garmin GPSmap)
Compass (e.g. Brunton Transit)
Hand lens
Protractor-ruler (e.g. Wescott C-thru)
Field Pouch (e.g. Plateau Design)
Maps – topographic maps, geologic maps, road maps, etc.
First aid kit: Band-Aids, gauze, medical tape, Neosporin, Ibuprofen, sun screen, insect repellent, etc.
Water – a one-liter Nalgene bottle plus a 3L Camelbak bladder in my day pack
Rock Hammer (e.g. Estwing rock pick with chisel edge)

Obviously, the list gets longer as you add additional equipment needed to collect samples or take specific measurements. Think carefully about the gear you need for your specific mission and add it to a list.

SAFETY FIRST! If you are working along a road, bring a neon-colored safety vest. If you are using a rock hammer to collect rock samples, bring work gloves and safety glasses. If you are using acid to acidify water samples or test carbonates, bring nitrile gloves.

Keep everything in a daypack (30-60 liter capacity, depending on your needs).

Pack appropriate clothing.

Think about the environment you will be working in and what the temperature will be. In general, you should wear the following:

Hiking boots/low hikers
Wool socks
Lightweight long-sleeve shirt
Long pants with pockets, made of flexible material
Hat – I prefer a baseball cap, but many prefer to shield their ears from the sun with a brimmed hat
Sunglasses – polarized are better
Belt – needed to fix your field pouch and compass to your waist

Practice your methods.

If you are trying out a new sampling procedure or new equipment, be sure you practice these methods and test the equipment before you depart on your field trip. You do not want to waste time trying to figure out how your total station works at your first work site when you have twenty other locations to visit before the day is over.

GET OUT THERE!

Fieldwork is an excellent opportunity to escape the monotony of everyday life. Take advantage of the experience in a different environment to think differently, to interact with the world around you, and to have fun!

Observe.

Orient yourself – where are you and in what direction are you facing?
Open all your senses – look, listen, smell, touch, and in some cases, taste if necessary (e.g. to identify halite).
Identify shapes, patterns, colors, contrast, composition.
Think continuously. Make connections between the form of the landscape and your samples/measurements.

Take Notes.

Perhaps the most important advice: record all your thoughts in your field notebook

Where are you? – GPS coordinates in addition to location name and nearby locality
What is the date and time?
Why are you there?
Who is with you?
How did you get there? – This may be important if you want to return to this location in the future.
How is the weather? – temperature, sunshine, precipitation, ground moisture
What does the landscape look like?
- Landscape relief. Vegetation types. Soil cover. Soil color. Vegetation density. Distinct or unique landmarks. Grain size. Grain color. Grain shape/degree of rounding. Clast composition. Hill slope angles. Geologic unit thickness. River discharge. River turbidity. Agricultural influence. Human activity. Etcetera…
Samples collected – sample names/numbers, sample type, GPS coordinates, physical characteristics of each sample, interpretations of the sample, etc.
In situ measurements – record the values, GPS coordinates, describe the measurement technique, who is taking the measurements, how many measurements, etc.
How does your work at this specific site fit into the context of your research question?

Often, writing in your field notebook can help develop hypotheses or even contribute to the discussion portions of your manuscript. Think continuously and document your thoughts.

Make sketches.

Earth science is a visual field, and sometimes words cannot capture the essence of nature. Geologic cross-sections, stratigraphic columns, sedimentary structures, strain indicators, soil profiles, etc. are all best portrayed by a sketch.

Use a full notebook page for one sketch.
Do not try to be artistic. Focus on recreating the relationships of natural features using simple shapes and lines. Schematic drawings are more efficient and easier to interpret.
Sketch in pencil first, then trace in ink. Color is always nice.
Annotate with field measurements and appropriate symbols (e.g. strike and dip)
Use your protractor-ruler to accurately show angles and and orientations of features you sketch
Include: scale bar, orientation, caption

Take Pictures.

High quality field photos are irreplaceable. Photograph the people you are with, the samples taken, the locations of sample extraction, locations of measurements, geologic features, vegetation, field methods in action, and the landscape around you. Always have something in your photos for scale (e.g. hammer, pen, lens cap, etc.).

If a drone is available to you, take it! High resolution aerial imagery or multispectral data of your field sites can be incredibly useful. It is also fun to take aerial photos of yourself and your colleagues at work.

Good luck on your next field excursion!

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