Geology For Non-Geologists
Nov 12 & 13, 2008

This two-day course is particularly effective for geophysicists, engineers, geological technicians, exploration administrative staff and office managers. For those who just want a better understanding of geology, its importance to the oil and gas industry and to what geologists do as well as for those who want an appreciation of the world around us, this course is designed for you.

In Calgary, we are surrounded by fascinating geology both on the surface and in the subsurface. It is intriguing to postulate how features such as the Rocky Mountains were formed, or the significance of the Dinosaur Badlands, or the way glaciation has shaped our landscape, or how oil and gas is trapped beneath the surface.

This continues to be a popular course, in large part due to the contouring exercise, the rock identification exercise, the “field-trip” around one city block and the description of the ten most interesting geological areas within a day’s drive of Calgary.

This two-day course reviews:

• The formation and structure of the earth
• The Geological Time Scale
• Geological processes at work
• The Geology of Western Canada
• How geologists collect and interpret information leading to the discovery of oil and gas fields.

What People Say:

"Bill Ayrton shares a passion for Geology."

"(I like) the instructors ability to draw from personal experience. Rock samples, slides, field trip and contouring were invaluable."

"I liked the ‘rock walk’ the most. Great course, would recommend it."

"I loved “the show & tell” and exercises made the course interesting."

"Loved the slides and my manual will stay within arms reach in my
office."

"Bill obviously loves what he does and it shows!"

"Would recommend this course to those new to the industry or to
those wanting to expand beyond their current job within the industry."

"This is the best short course I've ever taken."

The Magnificent Mountain Scenery!

During the Ice-ages 1 to 2 million years ago glacial ice advanced and retreated over the plains, filling the mountain valleys and leaving only mountain peaks ("nunataks") protruding above the thick blanket of ice. The "bulldozing" of the advancing ice sheet sculpted and gouged the mountains and left a trail of evidence of its unrelenting journey.

The magnificent mountain scenery of the Banff area is a combination of both the underlying geological structure and the subsequent erosion of ice and rivers.
(see diagrams on the right) ->