GEOS 3319 FIELD GEOLOGY IN CHINA, SUMMER 2012
Evolution of Ancient Seas, Tropical Reefs, and Life in the Nanpanjiang Basin of
Guizhou, south China
Instructors: Dr. Dan Lehrmann, Trinity University, Dr. Wan Yang, Missouri Institute of
Science and Technology, Dr. Yu Youyi, Guizhou University.
Emergency contact information:
 Dr. Lehrmann’s cell phone number within China: 011-86-153-1192-9180.
 Professor Yu Youyi’s cell phone within China: 011-86-13885047210.
 Lehrmann’s e-mail address: dlehrmann@trinity.edu
 Telephone code to the U.S: 001_
 Office of International Programs: Robert Huesca rhuesca@trinity.edu, Nancy
Erickson: nerickse@trinity.edu, Tisha Temple <ttemple@trinity.edu; phone: 210999-7313;
 Geoscience Dept: Linda Hyatt (lhyatt@trinity.edu); Denise Wilson
(dwilson@trinity.edu) 210-999-7606; 210-999-7092
 U.S. Hotline for American Travelers: 1-202-647-5225
Text:
Evolution of Ancient Seas, Tropical Reefs, and Life in the
Nanpanjiang Basin of Guizhou South China (available at
bookstore)
Other Supplies:
Field book (hard-back, waterproof), Handlens, pencils, pens,
colored pencils, camera. (Also attached packing list).
Grading:
Grades will be based on: a) evaluation of your field notebooks; b)
evaluation of your field exercises; and c) your overall
attitude and performance on the trip.
Course Objectives: Your objectives for this course should, at a minimum, include the
following:
 To open your mind to Chinese culture, language, and way of life.
 To learn about history and archeological sites in China.
 To learn how to make and record geological observations in the field and to
systematically record them in notes and on a map.
 To learn how to interpret field observations in terms of the origins of rocks,
structures, landforms and the geological history that they represent.
 To accomplish the above objectives via written geological field book and
completed exercises (including small geological maps, geological sketches,
and geological problem sets)
 To gain an understanding of the tectonics, sedimentary environments, facies
and stratigraphy of the Nanpanjiang Basin of south China.
Itinerary
May 28 (Monday), depart U.S. (flight to Beijing, domestic flight to Guiyang)
May 29 (Tuesday) Arrive Guiyang.
Overnight at: Jinri hotel, Beijing Road, Guiyang; phone: 86-851-6891600
May 30 (Wednesday). Morning recovery from jet lag.
Afternoon Tour of Guiyang Huaxi Park and other attractions and geologic stops
surrounding Guiyang. Triassic Yangtze platform margin at Longtou Fm.-Qinyang
Guiyang-Mongguan-(Jurassic)-.Huaxi park. Dinner at Miao restaurant in evening.
Overnight at: Jinri hotel, Beijing Road, Guiyang; phone: 86-851-6891600
May 31 (Thursday) Morning lectures on regional Geology of Guizhou., at Guizhou
University. Afternoon field preparation Dinner at dumpling house.
Overnight at: Jinri hotel, Beijing Road, Guiyang; phone: 86-851-6891600
Geological Field Traverse Leg 1 – Great Bank of Guizhou
June 1 (Friday)
Morning Drive to Great Bank of Guizhou.
Examination of Yangtze Margin architecture in Guiyang syncline (Gutang). Overview
stops in Bianyang Syncline to view and discuss Nanpanjiang Basin and Great Bank of
Guizhou.
Overnight at: Shen Quan Hotel, Luodian; phone: 86-854-7620880
June 2 (Saturday)
Morning Overview stop on southern Margin of Great Bank of Guizhou. Examination of
Basin Filling Turbidite Deposits of Bianyang Fm.
Permian Triassic boundary and Lower Triassic sections (Dawen, Heping, Dajiang,
Langbai)
Overnight at: Shen Quan Hotel, Luodian; phone: 86-854-7620880
June 3 (Sunday)
Morning Basin Margin Traverse and section measuring exercises. Guandao section.
Escarpment and breccia apron. Afternoon: Platform margin Reef Traverse (Northern
margin of Great Bank of Guizhou).
Overnight at: Shen Quan Hotel, Luodian; phone: 86-854-7620880
June 4 (Monday)
Platform interior traverse Dajiang section.
Afternoon – drowning section termination of the platform in Bianyang syncline, visit
village town of Bangun and examine Ladinian patch reefs (escarpment).
Overnight at: Shen Quan Hotel, Luodian; phone: 86-854-7620880
June 5 (Tuesday) Dajing/ Xiaojing –Southern margin Reef and basin margin facies of
the Great bank of Guizhou, Karst features. Geologic mapping.
Overnight at: Shen Quan Hotel, Luodian; phone: 86-854-7620880
June 6 (Wednesday) drive back to Guiyang
Evening visit to Guiyang Xiaohe Paleontology Museum, visit Quangjiafu Miao restaurant
and village.
Overnight at: Jinri hotel, Beijing Road, Guiyang; phone: 86-851-6891600
June 7 (Thursday) day off in Guiyang, tour to Hongfenghu lake.
Overnight at: Jinri hotel, Beijing Road, Guiyang; phone: 86-851-6891600
Geological Field Traverse Leg 2 – Yangtze Platform
June 8 (Friday) depart for western Guizhou.
Drive to Zhejin and visit Zhejin Caves. Evening arrive in Anshun, visit Anshun
traditional market.
Overnight: at Tianpu hotel; Guihuang road, Dianlichen, Anshun, phone: 86-853-3516888
June 9 (Saturday) Drive from Anshun and Huangguoshu.
Tourism: Huanggoushu waterfall and Longgong cave and Stone forest.
Overnight: Grand Valley Hotel Resort, Huangguoshu, phone:86-853-3595800
June 10 (Sunday). Morning drive from Huangguoshu to Guanling. Yangtze platform
margin geology at Hongyan section: Lower Triassic ramp through Middle Triassic Reef
and platform interior traverse. Platform margin architecture at Dabang.
Overnight: Overnight at: QianLing hotel, Guanling; phone:86-853-7228888
June 11 (Monday) Morning: Yongningzhen section Yangtze platform interior and +
Xinpu lagerstätte.
Overnight: Overnight at: QianLing hotel, Guanling; phone:86-853-7228888
June 12 (Tuesday) Drive to Xingyi. Visit Huajiang gorge in route, platform margin
traverse, Keichousaurus lagerstätte, Malinghe George
Overnight: Qianshan Hotel, Xingyi. phone: 86-859-3116669
June 13 (Wednesday) Drive to Zhenfeng. Zhenfeng Platform margin traverse; tectonic
controls on margin architecture. Carbonate cyclostratgraphy and sequence stratigraphy
exercise at Beila section. Platform termination in upper part of Longchang section.
Evening tour of Zhenfeng, + visit of Miao village (Mrs. Yang’s house / village).
Overnight at: Jinzhou Hotel, Zhenfeng; phone: 86-859-6618777
June 14 (Thursday) Return from Zhenfeng to Guiyang. Visit Archosaur trackway site at
Liuchang on the way. Tour stop at Tianlong old town and traditional market (2hour) in
route to Guiyang (time permitting).
Overnight at: Jinri hotel, Beijing Road, Guiyang; phone: 86-851-6891600
June 15 (Friday) Depart Guiyang; arrive Beijing
Overnight in Beijing (Yuan Shan Hotel; address: 2 Yumin Road, Deshengmenwai,
Beijing).
June 16 (Saturday) Group tour to Great Wall and the Thirteen Ming Dynasty Tombs
Overnight in Beijing (Yuan Shan Hotel; address: 2 Yumin Road, Deshengmenwai,
Beijing).
June 17 (Sunday) Free time in Beijing to visit such places as Tiananmen Square, the Great
Wall and the Forbidden City
Overnight in Beijing (Yuan Shan Hotel; address: 2 Yumin Road, Deshengmenwai, Beijing).
June 18 (Monday) Free time in Beijing
Overnight in Beijing (Yuan Shan Hotel; address: 2 Yumin Road, Deshengmenwai, Beijing).
June 19 (Tuesday) Free time in Beijing
Overnight in Beijing (Yuan Shan Hotel; address: 2 Yumin Road, Deshengmenwai, Beijing).
June 20 (Wednesday) Depart Beijing; arrive U.S.
Safety issues in China:
See extensive recommendations in Study Abroad packets regarding safety issues.
Some of the issues I am most concerned about are discussed briefly below.
1) Crime: Crime in China is extremely low and, for foreigners has been usually
limited to theft. Crime has increased in the last few years, however, in major cities. My
experience in China suggests that the most likely incident that could happen is that
someone could pick your pocket and you would loose your money and passport!
Therefore always keep your passport safeguarded in a money belt/pouch under your
clothing. If a passport is lost or stolen this will cause a SERIOUS problem, i.e. lost field
days, trips to embassy etc. Another caution: although crime is low in China, getting
involved in any illegal activity (e.g. drugs, prostitution etc.) would put a traveler in
serious risk not only of being thrown in Chinese prison, but also of potentially being
abducted by criminals. DON’T MESS WITH ANYTHING ILLEGAL!
2) Emergency contact information: You will be issued an emergency contact card
with a variety of emergency contact phone numbers and e-mail addresses. These numbers
are also reproduced at the top of this syllabus. You will also be given Dr. Lehrmann’s cell
phone number in China when we arrive in China, and I will make sure everyone
purchases an international calling card in China that will enable you to call overseas from
phones in China. Please make sure you ALWAYS HAVE THE EMERGENCY
CARD, AND YOUR INSURANCE CARD WITH YOU (in your money pouch with
your passport). Remember also that that your emergency card also contains my e-mail
address (dlehrmann@trinity.edu). IF YOU EVER GET LOST OR HAVE AN
EMERGENCY SITUATION AND CAN’T MAKE A PHONE CALL REMEMBER
THAT YOU SHOULD E-MAIL me and other emergency contacts on the card. There
are lots of little internet café’s in china and if there is a problem one of the first things I
would do is check my e-mail!
3) Don’t get yourself lost! Every time we arrive at a hotel in a new town get the
business card, match book, brochure, or have someone write down the NAME AND
ADDRESS OF THE HOTEL IN CHINESE LANGUAGE. You will be in China, where
you can’t speak the language nor read the signs. Almost no one speaks English and the
towns can be large and with a complex network of streets. I suggest never going off on
your own –take at least one other student with you when you venture away from the
group. Try to keep careful track of landmarks and don’t wander beyond knowing how to
get back! If you do get lost use the hotel business card to get pointed back or taxied back
to the hotel!
4) Be careful with traffic on the streets. According to the OIE office, the most
common injuries on overseas trips happen to travelers crossing the streets! The traffic is
crazy in China, and with all the sights and sounds you may be disoriented especially
when you first arrive. Always be aware and look both ways when crossing the street!
Safety issues while doing field work: This course involves a number of activities
that are potentially dangerous. Just a few safety reminders:
1. Climate
We will be doing field work in a variety of weather conditions at a variety of
elevations. Be prepared. Take special care to protect yourself from the sun.
2. Terrain
We will be venturing over some spectacular terrain, some of which will consist of
very steep slopes. Use good judgment and extreme care for yourself, and for others.
Your decisions on where to go could literally be critical. Take seriously your
responsibilities when moving around in the field. Stay away from cliffs and
excessively steep slopes! BE AWARE of the people above and below you. Safety
first!!! WEAR APPROPRIATE GEAR –e.g. HIKING BOOTS are required, no
hiking in the mountains with flip flops or tennis shoes!
3. Biota
We will ask our Chinese colleagues whether there are any poisonous plants,
insects, snakes etc. and try to make sure everyone is aware of such dangers. As in
all geological field work it is best to be cautious, do not reach under overhangs or
pick up rocks etc. without observing to make sure there are no such dangers.
4. Equipment
Be sure that you have sturdy field boots. Be careful when using your rock
hammer. Don't pound rocks near anyone else. Use safety lenses (e.g. shatterresistant sunglasses/ safety glasses) whenever you are hammering. No one uses a
hammer unless they have on eye protection!
5. General Precautions
Use common sense! Inform an instructor if you are uncomfortable with any of the
tasks that you are asked to perform, if you become aware of a potential safety
hazard.
Hazard
Precaution
Hammering Rocks
(1) Always wear eye protection and shield your
eyes with your spare hand when hammering.
(2) Never hammer near other people!!!!!
(3) New hammers are particularly dangerous, for
metal chips tend to spall off the sides when you hit.
Be especially careful when using them.
Rugged Country
(1) Always stay with the group or keep track of
your "buddy." Never work alone.
(2) Use common sense.
Falling Down
(1) Watch your step. (2) Stay away from steep
escarpments or slopes. (3) Be cognizant of loose
stones and stay off them.
(4) Always step on top of a rock, not on side. Feel
for looseness. (5) No running or jumping on
outcrop. (6) If you hurt yourself falling, stay put,
shout for help. (7) Do not work when overtired, sick
etc..
Clobbered by a Rock
(1) Be careful of people below, (2) Don't kick rocks
loose. (3) If a rock starts to move, shout ROCK!!!
(4) Watch for people above.
(5) Don't sit in low areas or at the base of a cliff. (6)
Keep your ears and eyes open.
Sun Stroke/Dehydration
(1) Take plenty of water and drink it. (2) Don't
overexert yourself. (3) Wear a hat and sleeves.
(4) Rest in the shade.
Sunburn
(1) Wear hat and sleeves (2) Wear sunglasses
(3) Wear sunblock and chopstick
Angry Animals
(1) Stay away from houses with dogs. (2) If a dog is
barking and approaching pick up a few rocks and be
ready to pelt the dog! (3) Do not ever touch wild
animals (if they allow you to get close, they may
have rabies). (4) Always be cognizant of where you
put your hands and feet in case there are poisonous
biota.
Roadside Geology
(1) Geologists are not exempt from being hit by cars, look
both ways before stepping on pavement. (2)
Roadcuts are inherently unstable. Do not stand
under overhangs or loose fragments. (3) Listen and
look for falling rock.(4) Do not climb roadcuts.
Stomach bugs
(1) Do not drink any water unless in purchased bottle with
secure seal or boiled! Never drink water from the
tap, don’t swallow water while taking a shower! (2)
Do not eat food cooked by small food vendors on
the street. (3) Generally food needs to be cooked
well. Fresh fruit should only be eaten is washed
thoroughly with bottled water. (4) I recommend
brushing teeth using bottled or boiled water (even
asmall amount of tap water can sometimes make
one sick).
GEOS 3319 Field Geology in China, Summer 2012
]
Recommendations for packing
Money: Bring cash for buying gifts etc. and for miscellaneous meals. The course fees
will cover group meals, but you will want to have additional money for individual
meals and souvenirs etc. I would recommend bringing cash and or travelers checks.
You should also bring a credit card with a reasonable cash limit for use in case of
emergency.
Money belt/ pouch: Having a money belt to carry your passport and money is absolutely
essential, especially so that your passport does not get lost! Make two Xerox copies
of your passport and put them in your backpack and duffle bag.
Medicines: See the OIE orientation packet. I recommend bringing along any prescription
and non-prescription medicine you need or might need. I also suggest you bring along
preventative medicines such as immodium for travelers diarrhea and get your doctor
to prescribe some antibiotics in case you develop an infection (intestinal, tooth,
urinary tract). Topical antibiotic and bandaids are also an essential part of your travel
medicine pack. Sun screen + mosquito repellent are also essential.
Immunizations: See OIE packet and talk with your doctor.
Personal gear:
NO LARGE SUITCASES! NO GIANT DUFFLE BAGS. There will not be enough
room on the bus!
Pack all your stuff in one backpack and one duffle bag (NO LARGER THAN 80CM
x 40CM x 30CM).
Hiking boots + extra pair of street shoes (e.g. tennis shoes).
Backpack + duffle bag.
Lock for duffle bag (useful to use small combination lock to secure bag when left in
hotel room; note unless you have a special TSA lock you cant lock luggage for the
flight.
Clothes (including the ones you wear on the plane) jeans or other sturdy pants (at least 3
pair), shorts, 4 short sleeve shirts/ T-shirts, 2 long sleeve shirts, 1 light jacket or
sweatshirt, 5 pair socks, underwear, rain jacket. hat or cap to keep sun off face.
Camera: Now days everyone has gone digital, I recommend about 2 gigs space on flash
memory. I recommend bringing plastic zip loc bag with camera bag to protect camera
during rain. Most cameras have rechargeable batteries; you will need an AC power
adaptor (universal types available at Radio Shack).
Bath etc. Tooth brush, tooth paste, towels, shampoo, soap, comb etc. (tooth paste,
shampoo and bar soap are available in china but may not be as good as familiar
brands). You might consider bringing one roll of toilet paper for emergency.
Personal field gear: field book, hand lense pens, pencils, rock hammer, plus others:
colored pencils, binoculars, scales. Zip loc bags and sharpie marker for taking samples.
Note hammer. must be in check on bag for flight (it will be confiscated if its in your carry
on). Taking small rock samples is recommended because of space and weight imitations
on our travel.
GEOS 3319 Field Geology in China, Summer 2012
]
Recommended readings on language, culture, history:
Chinese language phrase book (e.g. Lonely Planet Mandarin phrasebook; Berlitz
Mandarin phrasebook).
Damian Harper, 2007, Lonely Planet China. (somewhat older China travel guides from
Lonely Planet series are also useful; other guidebooks such as Fodor’s exploring China;
Frommer’s China, or Eyewitness Travel Guide to China may be equally useful).
Patricia Buckley Ebrey, 1996, The Cambridge illustrated History of China: Cambridge
University Press, London, p. 352.
Jonathan D. Spence, 1981, The Gate of Heavenly Peace: The Viking Press, New York,
465p.
Jonathan D. Spence, 1999, The Search For Modern China: W.W. Norton Company, New
York, 876p.
Philip F. Williams Ph.D. and Yenna Wu Ph.D., 1999, Chinese the Easy Way: Barron’s
educational series.