techniques of optical mineralogy and petrography are sometimes necessary to 

 the solution of problems of correlation as well as problems of origin and dia- 

 genesis of sedimentary rocks. 



Field Geology 



Despite the recent downgrading of field geology by some educators and the 

 lack of structural expression on the surface of some parts of the world, the fact 

 remains that instruction in field geology is one of the most important phases of 

 training for the geologist. It has been said that there is nothing more sobering 

 than an outcrop. If the student has not been trained in the solution of structural 

 problems in the field, he will find much more difficulty in visualizing three- 

 dimensional complexities on the drafting board in the office. Field training de- 

 velops observational powers and deepens understanding of the magnitude and 

 nature of geologic problems. A background of field training is absolutely essen- 

 tial to a complete appreciation of the science of geology and to the most logical 

 solution of many complex subsurface problems. 



To the general training in field mapping procedures and in the measure- 

 ment of stratigraphic sections, some instruction in surveying and photogeology 

 should be added. Photogeology recently has gained importance as a tool of the 

 petroleum geologist. It is quite obvious that the most logical interpretation of 

 the geology on photographs in the office can be made by a geologist who has had 

 considerable experience in field mapping. 



Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry 



Many geologists are striving to make their science more precise than it 

 has been in the past. In order to bring this about, a more thorough understand- 

 ing must be gained of the forces and processes that bring into being, and that 

 react upon, the rocks of the earth's crust. Many of the basic problems of petro- 

 leum geology such as the origin of petroleum and the mechanics of migration 

 of petroleum can be attacked only in the light of the physical and chemical prin- 

 ciples that bear on the problems. Rather glaring errors in reasoning have been 

 made by geologists who have tried to answer some of these problems without 

 adequate knowledge of the basic sciences. The more common problems facing 

 the petroleum geologist — such as the interpretation of electric logs and drill- 

 stem tests; cementation, solution and recrystallization phenomena; and varia- 

 tions in salinity of subsurface waters — are understood more readily if the geol- 

 ogist has a working knowledge of areas of chemistry and physics that relate to 

 these problems. 



Course work in the aforementioned branches of geology and allied sciences, 

 plus course work in the humanities or liberal arts (English, foreign languages, 

 history, political science, etc.), should form the program of undergraduate study 



