Copyright:     Vincent van Hinsberg

Last updated:     November 2024

The fieldwork includes geological mapping, sediment and stream water sampling, field lab analyses and geophysical field experiments. Aside from lab and geophysical equipment, you are expected to bring everything you need for these field components, including field gear, appropriate clothing and geological gear. Below are some (non-exhaustive) suggestions.

We will provide the geochemical sampling and laboratory equipment and everything needed for the geophysical work. You will need to bring the standard field gear needed for mapping, note-taking and writing the final report, including:

1. ‣Geological hammer, chisel, hand lens, geological compass (Silva ones are good but make sure it includes a clinometer. There may be limited number of Bruntons available for you to borrow), GPS (you can use your phone if you do not have a dedicated one), field magnet.
   

2. ‣Several notebooks (decide how many you need based on the size of your writing, but at least 2), pencils, sharpener, ruler, permanent marker (for marking samples)
   

3. ‣Stereo-net with transparent overlays
   

4. ‣Field clipboard, map case or other hard surface to use during mapping
   

5. ‣Personalized mini first aid kit and safety glasses
   

6. ‣Day pack large enough to hold lunch, extra clothes, water and samples
   

7. ‣Relevant course notes and background reading
   

There are only limited opportunities to buy field gear, such as a hammer, in the field area, so do not count on this.

During the fieldwork you will be staying in a rented holiday home in the centre of the village of Saint Cirgues. This holiday home has a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, sitting area where you can work on maps and reports, and multiple bedrooms. There are insufficient beds, but we will provide inflatable mattresses. Washing machines are available at the grocery stores in Langeac. The weather at this time of year is generally very nice, dry and 15-20˚C. However, it will definitely rain at some point and there may be cold days, so make sure you also bring warm and weatherproof clothing. Sturdy boots are a must and with dense undergrowth you may not want to bring your Sunday’s best.

1. ‣Sleeping bag, (sleeping mat if you prefer that over an inflatable mattress)
   

2. ‣Field clothing for warm, wet and cold weather + hat
   

3. ‣Sturdy hiking boots
   

4. ‣Toiletries, towels, sunscreen
   

5. ‣Flashlight, pocket knife, water bottle
   

6. ‣Passport, drivers license, travel insurance documents, bank card, etc.
   

Mobile phone coverage in the area, including in the holiday home, is not great and there is no internet. There may be wifi internet access at the tourist information office in Lavoute-Chilhac, but this is not guaranteed. If you require internet access, you may want to invest in a mobile wifi hotspot (mifi).