Please ignore reference to NZ and Queenstown.  All other information is correct.

Aims of the fieldtrip:

(refer also to the learning outcomes)

Themes: How have long-term geomorphic processes given us the landscape we see today? How does climate affect landscape processes? What are the interactions between climate, vegetation and geomorphic processes?

We want to introduce you to a range of geomorphic processes which occur over a range of timescales. This includes tectonic events and ‘mega-geomorphology’ down to human activities and recovery on the timescale of years or decades.

At Smith’s Lake/Seal Rocks you will choose a group project on a topic of your choice related to the fieldtrip goals, conduct fieldwork to gather data and write a report on this topic utilising results gathered on the fieldtrip.

We will also teach you a number of field skills, some of which you have had some introduction to and some which will be new to you.  Some of these will be ones you missed out on this year and last year, and some are specific to your particular research problem.

The topics for the individual Oral Presentations and A4 Handouts are designed to give you background information on the topic, mostly within the first few days of the fieldtrip.  The field book is where you record your own observations of the sites you visit throughout the trip.  The research report will be your presentation of the results and analysis of the main question ‘How do bushfires affect soil erosion?’ in the format of a scientific report or presentation.

What is required to complete this unit satisfactorily?

Attendance: (fairly obvious) you have to turn up to complete the unit

Assignments: you must hand in/complete ALL the assessment tasks to complete the unit

Attitude: look, read, ask, discuss, debate, enjoy (it’s an amazing landscape to be in)

Quality: your assessment items will be graded according to your achievement of the learning outcomes.  We are looking for deep understanding as well as competence in particular skills of data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation.

Honesty and sharing: you will often work in groups but all the assessment tasks are individual.  Group data must be shared freely but presentation, writing up and interpretation are to be the efforts of each individual. Macquarie's procedures relating to academic honesty and plagiarism can be found at http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Required and recommended readings

There are no set texts or readings.  You must research the topic of your A4 handout and oral presentations using peer-reviewed scientific literature. On-line materials should also be peer-reviewed and fully references wherever possible.

You are asked to write your final report in the field.  Bring the papers that you have found so we can pool them to create a mobile working library.

Technology used and required

We will be working in a remote environment – both remote from help and remote from Macquarie Uni – and this imposes some limitations on the technology we can use (i.e. what we can carry).

We will use mostly very simple technology in the field.   What you should buy and bring: hand lens; camera; notebook; calculator; USB memory stick What we will provide that you must carry: augers, survey equipment, spades etc, tape measures, GPS, geological hammer, grain size card, safety equipment.

If you have a laptop computer you will find it useful for producing your report.  Some are available for loan from Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. If you need to borrow one of these laptops, please contact Paul and arrange for pickup before the field trip.  Remember that ArcGIS only runs on Windows. If you have a Mac you can (potentially) partition your hard drive and install windows (at cost) on one side (using bootcamp to switch between operating systems), enabling you to install ArcGIS.

For your pre-field A4 report you are expected to undertake research using on-line research databases and electronic journals and other resources. Internet will be limited or unavailable in the field.

Timetable and Itinerary

Pre-field meeting (date TBD): We will hold a field safety induction session before the fieldtrip. We have also continued to work on improving GIS skills. This includes a day of safety induction, orientation and mapping on campus before the fieldtrip and a separate software installation clinic for those who need it. The map data will help orient you to the field area and the GIS skills will be useful to you when you are doing your research project and report in the field.

Wed 1^st Dec: Sydney to Bretti Reserve, via Pacific Hwy and Gloucester.

Thurs 2^nd Dec: Bretti Reserve

Fri 3^rd Dec: Drive to Apsley Gorge, via Walcha and ‘Eastlake’

Sat 4^th Dec: Drive to Smith’s Lake via Forster; supermarket shop and refuel in Forster

5^th Dec: Introduction to Smiths Lake/Seal Rocks and field methods

Wed 6^th Dec: Half day statistics and GIS workshop.  Half day of project development.

7^th -  9^th Dec: Work on field projects in Seal Rocks area.

Fri 10^th Dec: Write up field report.

Sat 11^th Dec: Hand in report, clean Research Station, return to Sydney

Notes:

Day 1 (1^st Dec): Meet at Deerubbun Reserve, Mooney Mooney (Hawkesbury River) 8am. Drive via Pacific Highway to Raymond Terrace, and then Bucketts Way to Gloucester. Follow Thunderbolts Way to Bretti Reserve. We will be working on the way (oral presentations; note-taking) so you must be prepared for these activities.

Day 11 (11^th Dec): You must submit your field report by 9am, then clean up and you are free to return to Sydney at your own pace.

The location of the fieldtrip has changed in response to ongoing travel restrictions.  Consequently, some themes of the trip have also changed even though the unit is still concerned with dynamic landscape processes in a range of settings.

Special Circumstances regarding COVID-19:

We have been given special permission to run this trip this year in a modified form.  We will also comply with NSW Government restrictions https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/easing-covid-19-restrictions/opening-in-dec

We must observe high levels of personal hygiene

We are only allowed limited contact with non-group members: petrol station and supermarkets.

In the field we will maintain social distancing between small work groups of 4 people.

Anyone showing COVID symptoms must isolate completely.

COVID-Safe Emergency Response Plan

Scenario 1: a member of the field party develops COVID symptoms

Response: immediately isolate member from group. Contact local medical authorities for advice (which may include testing), and/or Coronavirus Health Information Line 1800 020 081 (general information), and/or Healthdirect Hotline 1800 022 222 (registered nurse).  Terminate trip and prepare for return to Sydney – maintaining strict isolation and hygiene.

Scenario 2: a cluster is identified in the field area

Response: reduce (already minimal) contact with non-group individuals unless absolutely essential (emergency medical, food, fuel). Contact local police and/or Coronavirus Health Information Line 1800 020 081 (general information) for travel advice and prepare to leave if advised.

Scenario 3: an area goes into lockdown, travel restrictions change. 

Response: contact local police and/or Coronavirus Health Information Line 1800 020 081 (general information) for travel advice and prepare to leave if advised. Observe all police directives. 

Emergency Health contacts:

From Bretti

Gloucester Soldier’s Memorial Hospital, Church St Gloucester, 6538 5000

Manning Base Hospital, 26 York St, Taree, 6592 9111

From Apsley Falls

Walcha Multipurpose Service, 11 Middle St Walcha, 6777 4200

From Smiths Lake

John Hunter Hospital, 29 Booth St Newcastle, 4921 3000

Cost

Accommodation (paid to University before the trip): ($18 x 7) + ($10) = $136 (tbc)

Food – covered by you.  There are cooking facilities available at Smiths Lake (and no opportunity to eat out).  We will camp for the first three nights and you will need your own stove (or make a fire).

Transport – private vehicle: we’ll organise car pooling and you can share the costs

Accommodation

We have booked all accommodation for the fieldtrip.  You will be asked to pay the final amount (once confirmed) to the University (online).

All locations are quite isolated.  You will not be able to eat out or go shopping at any of these locations (as part of the University-approved conditions). You should shop before the fieldtrip for the first 3 days and then in Forster for the last week.

Bretti Reserve campground (2 nights) – toilet only.  You will need a tent, sleeping gear, cooking equipment and food

Apsley Falls campground – toilet only. You will need a tent, sleeping gear, cooking equipment and food.

Smiths Lake Research Station (UNSW) – (7 nights)

Personal field equipment required

Each student should bring the following aids/comforts on each field trip:

• sturdy shoes (‘no visible skin below the ankles’)- sandals, thongs, or high heels are for après-field activities
• an extra pair of shoes for getting wet in rivers
• water bottle (full, of course!)
• wet weather gear – a waterproof jacket with a hood and waterproof pants
• hat (with a wide brim, front and back) and sunscreen
• field note book and pencils (see note below)
• calculator, hand lens
• camera; binoculars (if you have them)
• your lunch, drinks & snacks for the day - we do not stop at shops!!!
• a back pack to store it all in
• any medications you may need.  We cannot provide you ANY medications (even paracetomol).  
• Camping equipment (more later)

Other personal items

cooking/eating – we will have cooking facilities at Smiths Lake. You will need cooking equipment while camping.

towel/toiletries – bring these.  

Fieldwork fundamentals

Weather: We never cancel fieldtrips for bad weather!  You must be prepared to work in the rain with the appropriate clothing. Likewise you should always protect yourself from the sun and dehydration.

Transport: Because of COVID restrictions, transport must be by private vehicle.  We will arrange car-pooling for those without cars and you should then arrange to share costs.

Cost: You must cover your own food costs and pay for your transport. Prior to the fieldtrip you will be advised of the estimated cost for accommodation.  You must pay this amount before leaving on the fieldtrip.  

Accommodation: Field accommodation is in dorm rooms with communal kitchens, dining, bathroom/toilet and work areas, and camping.  You should bring a towel and bedding for camping. 

Safety in the field

Any student who has a disability or health condition that may limit their participation in field work or that could result in a medical emergency in the field should notify the unit convenor immediately.  As a general guide to the level of physical fitness required, you should be able to walk 10 km over open undulating terrain in 2 hours.  You must accept the fieldtrip invitation in Field Friendly before the fieldtrip and complete your contact and personal details there.

Each student must ensure his/her own safety at all times during field excursions.

•Do not undertake fieldwork alone.  You must work with at least one other person.

•You must be adequately equipped to undertake fieldwork, including wet weather clothing, warm clothing, hat and sun protection, protective footwear (closed toe boots or shoes).

•You should bring a first aid kit if you have one (basic kits will be provided to each group) and any medications you require.

•Do not undertake any activity you feel to be unsafe.  Discuss with the fieldtrip leader any concerns you have about particular tasks.

•Be watchful of the safety of your fellow students, if they become separated from the group or are at some other risk.  Tell the fieldtrip leader as soon as you notice a potentially dangerous situation.

Accommodation and contacts 

Satellite phone (held by Paul Hesse):

Bretti Reserve, Thunderbolts Way (no phone)

Apsley Falls Campground, Oxley Hwy (no phone)

Smiths Lake Research Station, Horse Point Road, Bungwahl.  Mobile coverage.