Studying The Physical Side Of Geography At GCSE Level

Geology is the fundamental basis in understanding our earth and the processes which occur within it. Studying the physical side of geography at GCSE level, investigating the make-up of the earth and researching in regards to volcanism and tectonic activity inspired my interest in studying geology. I was introduced to A-level geology with practical work which strengthened the foundation of my knowledge of the subject; having a hands on approach with rocks and minerals. Soon, I was able to interpret paelo-environments using geological laws, rock types and fossils; this was engaging for me as the order in which the rocks were lithified and altered by other processes could be put together like a jigsaw puzzle; this stretched my understanding of the subject further.

On this trip I learnt and used vital skills such as how to draw and annotate field sketches and to identify rocks in situ. This provided a base for my later experience in the field, a seven day field trip to Isle of Arran Scotland where the key focus was to investigate dykes and their correlation to the opening of the Mid-Oceanic ridge. A vast range of skills were explored in order to collect enough data to draw a valid overall conclusion with statistical significance, I also discovered that there was many controversies about how the dykes were actually originally formed, this was particularly fascinating for me as it enabled my input in evaluating to find the most reasonable conclusion. However, Arran did not only extend my knowledge on igneous rocks, we spent time identifying country rock in which the dykes had intruded through. This encompassed metamorphic, sedimentary and igneous rocks; including Dalradian metasediments formed in the Grampian orogeny such as phyllite, Permian red sandstones as well as basalt, pitchstone and QFP