Mapping : Tanjung Tuan, Port Dickson

Here's a recollection of my recent trip to Tanjung Tuan, PD in the form of a rough guide of some sorts. :D

I dedicate this unofficial guide to mapping Tanjung Tuan, Port Dickson to my juniors here in UKM and all budding geologists out there. Hahaa. :D

[Photos are from my IXUS130, Qayyum's camera and Iffah's camera.] 

Day #1

Mission #1: Complete base map of Tanjung Tuan.

What to bring along: Pencil, paper, compass, rope and oh, your partner of course. (:

Here's my partner! This, ladies and gents - is Kurniawan.

Things can get out of hand when collecting lots and lots of data. So, collaborations are kind of necessary. Grab another group and COLLABORATE! :D This step is only a go if Dr. Zaiton permits you to do so. So make sure she's fine with you collaborating. (Like for our trip, we were only allowed to combine 2 groups.)

Here's the team we chose to collaborate with. (:
Ardian Pratama and my bestie, Mahira Mahmod.

Got your groups together? Now decide on which roles each team member should play - get the member with neater handwriting (this is important, so you could read your data later on!) to write down all the data (usually, that'll be the girls' job. Hahaa.) and get the other member to take readings (usually, guys. But you can always switch things around. No problem.)

The thing with areas like Tanjung Tuan is that it's a tidal flat. Every single thing you plan to do depends on the rise and fall of the tides. So, in case the tides are up - don't fret. Have some fun instead while waiting! (:

Play some beach volley! :D

Or make some sand castles? :D

Or just spend some time getting acquainted with nature.
Loads of crabs here. See if you can get big ones!

Once Dr. Zaiton gives you the green light, it's go time! :D

Get your clipboard and compass and ropes out. Pencils at the ready... START!

Observe your outcrop. What features can you see? Hmmm...

Mark each station clearly and get your bearings right.
The rope is used to make sure your bearings are correct.
And it helps you calculate distance faster than counting your steps! (:

Once you've collected your data, you should get a little something like this!
Only YOU can understand your data.
Keep it neat and simple. (:

Mission #2: Sketch!

This field trip may require you to sketch out some outcrops! So sharpen those pencils and have a keen eye for details. These are scientific drawings, so keep things neat and precise. Shading isn't exactly necessary. This is not art class. Time is of the essence, so draw quickly! Or the tides will sweep you away. (Oh no!)

Like this area!
Observe the whole outcrop from afar to get a general idea.
Then, sketch! (:

You should get something like this.
(Or a better sketch. Mine isn't pretty. Hahaa)
Don't forget your bearings, scale and other info!

Once you complete your sketches and all, you're pretty much done! YAY!

What do you do when you're done? Well, get those cameras out and take pretty pictures! (:

Like pictures of pretty quartz crystals! :D
You're a geologist - don't forget to put a scale in your pictures!

Once Dr. Zaiton says you can go, you're free to head back to your rooms. Day 1 : Complete!

Don't forget to finish your base map before you sleep! (:

Day #2

Mission #1: Complete map of Tanjung Tuan with geological data

Things to bring: BASE MAP! And your compass.


Again, this requires you to wait for the tides to fall. So, in case you end up waking up waaay too early (like I did) you can explore what the beaches have to offer and have fun in the sun. (:

Go kayak-ing!

Or try the Banana Boat!

Then it's back to business. Get moving and plot all geological data directly into your map! (: 

Use appropriate symbols and where necessary, include close-ups. Don't forget to include your readings for each and every single observation. This map is, after all, EXAM material. 

Safety always comes first. The waters can get really high when the tides rise, so when the skies get all dark and ominous like this...

Drop whatever you're doing and RUN. Hahaa. 

SAVE YOUR MAP. 

KEEP IT DRY!

Like Dr. Zaiton said, "Even people at war need to retreat sometimes." True. (:

Once on dry land, with a roof over your head and a proper desk, get to work and complete what you can before submitting your final map. 

Remember, this is no longer a base map - it's a geological map. The title of your map gives you marks too, you know. (: So this map you're handing in will be called... 

"PETA GEOLOGI TANJUNG TUAN, PORT DICKSON"

No, it's NOT Tanjung Biru. The condo you're staying at is at Tanjung Biru. To the left of Tanjung Biru is Tanjung Tuan, the one we're mapping. To the right is another tanjung that we'll map the next time we come to Port Dickson. (:

Don't forget your bar scale and the legend to your map. And definitely remember to have both your name and your partner's name and matrix number on the cover. Or else, only one of you will be graded for the exam.(That wouldn't be so nice!) Double check and triple check everything.

Then grab a stapler and put everything together; map, sketches and data. 

Ta-da! You are DONE! Go hantar cepat-cepat! :D

Until next time, everyone! This is Suraya Hazim, signing out.

P/S: Forgive me kalau ada silap salah anywhere. Feel free to point out my mistakes. Karang kalau ada info yang salah, semua ikut yang salah pulak. Hahaaa. :D