Field observations are the foundation on which the geosciences are built, and in this fieldschool you will use a broad arsenal of geophysical, geochemical and geological field tools to understand a mid-crustal section of the Variscan orogen where metamorphism, deformation, volcanism, rifting and ore formation interact.

Fieldschool outline:

1. •2 days introductory excursion to get familiar with the area
   

2. •Geological mapping module consisting of;
   

3. -7 days independent surface mapping
   

4. -1 day transect mapping
   

5. -1 day geophysical and geochemical grid surveying
   

6. -2 days data processing, interpretation and report writing (there is time for additional work on reports, maps and notebooks in the evenings)
   

7. •Geochemical surveying module consisting of;
   

8. -6 days regional geochemical surveying, including field sampling of streams, sample processing and analyses in field lab
   

9. -3 days detailed geochemical and geophysical grid surveying
   

10. -2 days collecting observations, samples and data for a mini-project on a geo-topic of your choice
    

11. •2 excursion days (Chaîne des Puys volcanics; Mont Dore or Cantal volcanic complex; Sedimentary excursion; and Ore deposits excursion)
    

Practical details:

1. •The fieldschool will start on Sunday the 5th of May with the last field day on Monday the 20th of May.
   

2. •You will be picked up on the 3rd of May at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris and we will drive together to the field area that day. You will also be dropped off at this airport on the 22nd of May, unless you have made other travel arrangements.
   

3. •We will be staying in the village of Saint Cirgues in a rented holiday home. This holiday home has a kitchen, bathroom, living room and multiple bedrooms. We will provide inflatable mattresses, but you will need to bring a sleeping bag.
   

4. •The adjacent village of Lavoute-Chilhac has restaurants, a bar and small grocery shore. Larger shops and banks are available in the nearby towns of Langeac and Brioude.
   

1. •The field schedule consists of 5 field days (Mon-Fri) followed by an excursion (Sat) and a rest day (Sun).
   

2. •You will work in teams of 2 and are responsible for your own scheduling (i.e. the various parts of the fieldschool need not be done in order)
   

3. •The work is done independently, although you will receive instruction in each component, and staff will visit you in the field.
   

1. •The department’s contribution + your fees will cover transportation in the field (minivans), accommodation, equipment and lab costs. Flights to the field area  up to the cost for the centrally booked tickets will also be reimbursed.
   

2. •Food in the field, fieldwork equipment (hammer, hand lens, etc), field and camping gear, insurance, etc. are not covered and are your responsibility.
   

1. •The weather in the area in May is generally very pleasant with temperatures of 15-20˚C during the day, although nights can be cold (down to ~ 5˚C). Freak snow storms can happen and it will rain at some point.
   

2. •The field area is a beautiful part of France with amazing scenery and history. The food is equally good with local specialities including green lentils, cheese, and fresh fish.