November 23, 2024 – 156 Geological Engineering students from the Class of 2024 conducted a field trip to Wonogiri and Gunungkidul. The activity was accompanied by 4 lecturers along with 12 student assistants. The purpose of this activity is as part of the Basic Geology and Mineralogy course learning program, namely to provide students with basic knowledge and skills in the field.
The geological theory obtained by students in class and laboratory practice must of course be supported by field skills. Students are taught to be able to recognize geological conditions such as lithology, geomorphology, and geological structures that can be observed in the areas visited. Geological features that cannot be seen in the laboratory can be identified and measured in the field. This is one of the basic skills of geology students needed in field work.
The first destination visited was the rock excavation site in Sendang Village, Wonogiri District. At this location, students can observe the cliffs of sedimentary rock outcrops that are quite high and wide. Observations were carried out carefully and paying attention to safety factors due to mining activities at the location. Students can observe sedimentary rocks of pyroclastic origin with diverse rock and mineral compositions, as well as fairly ideal sedimentary structure features. In addition, geological structures in the form of fractures and faults are also clearly observed in the outcrops.
Observation of outcrop of sedimentary rocks from pyroclastic material origin at Wonogiri District
Next, the group moved to the Sewu Mountains karst area, one of the UNESCO Global Geopark locations. The visit began at the Indonesian Karst Museum in Pracimantoro District. Students learned about karst geomorphology, carbonate rock formation, carbonate rock minerals, and the potential and environmental aspects in the karst area. Direct observation at Gua Tembus was an interesting experience for students who could see firsthand the karst formations due to the dissolution of carbonate rocks.
Visiting Museum Karst Indonesia at Pracimantoro District
The journey continued south to the last fieldtrip destination, Wediombo Beach. Wediombo Beach is located in Jepitu Village, Girisubo District, Gunung Kidul, D.I. Yogyakarta. This beach is quite popular among domestic and foreign tourists. In addition to being able to observe coastal geomorphology, students observed igneous rock formations resulting from volcanic activity.
The fieldtrip activities went smoothly until the group returned to the Undip Geological Engineering Campus, Semarang. Students gain a richer learning experience by going directly to the ideal geological sites. From this activity, it can be concluded that learning geology is important not only to provide theoretical knowledge, but also its application in the field as basic skill for future geologists.
