general field of the earth sciences and which will offer some specific examples 

 that may serve as a guide rather than as a pattern in report organization, docu- 

 mentation, and style. 



ORGANIZATION Organization of a report is logical arrangement 



and connection of the parts to fit the purpose 

 of the report. Since the report is the result of a study, it follows that a purpose 

 must guide the planning of the means and methods by which data are collected, 

 must determine the organization of the material collected, and must give focus 

 to the writing of the report itself. 



The formulation of a statement of purpose should therefore be a first step 

 in any study leading to a report, even though such a statement may require 

 some modification as the study progresses. Definition and constant review of 

 purpose serve to orient and to maintain proper perspective for a writer who 

 otherwise might become lost in a maze of detail. 



If a study is extensive and detailed, it is advisable to formulate an outline of 

 procedure. A sample outline of procedure follows: 



Outline for Petroleum Reconnaissance Study 



Regional reconnaissance exploratory geology requires both extensive ground and air 

 coverage. To evaluate a large region for its petroleum possibilities, one should consider 

 the following points: 



I. Delineate areas of sedimentary and basement complexes and areas of maximum 

 and minimum section thickness. The relationship of these features should be 

 accurately established and delineated on maps. 

 II. Establish the structural fabric (folds, faults) of the area (prepare maps and cross 

 sections) . 



To evaluate properly the structural fabric of a region, define the broad tectonic 

 elements and their relationships. During this evaluation procedure, the following 

 questions should be considered: 



A. Is the area structurally complex or simple? 



B. What are the trends and the distribution of the major and minor structural 

 elements? 



C. How do the structural elements change in space (magnitude, direction) ? 



D. What are the relative sizes and the relationships of the various structural 

 features? 



E. What is the structural history of the area (date of folding and faulting and 

 periods and extent of erosion) ? 



F. What relationship exists between the structural and sedimentary pattern, and 

 is this relationship favorable for accumulation of petroleum? 



III. Determine the major stratigraphic units of the section, and attempt to evaluate the 

 significant lateral, lithologic, paleontologic, and thickness changes exhibited by 

 these units. Systematic procedures for stratigraphic analyses are required. 



IV. Define unconformities (extent, type, relationship). 



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