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What is an outcrop

 

Geologists study the structure and history of the Earth, and specifically its rocky interior. Although complex and expensive equipment is used for such studies, a lot of information about the history and composition of the Earths interior can simply be obtained by having a close look at rocks in mountains, along roadsides, and any other site at the Earth’s surface. If a rock mass is visible at the surface, a geologists will say that the rock mass “outcrops”. Isolated masses of rock are named “outcrops” by geologists. Most of these outcrops are made of single, homogenous kind of rock, such as granite, but in many cases rocks are layered or cleaved, or show more complicated patterns on their surface. At high temperature and pressure inside the earth, rocks can move slowly like honey flowing from a pot, or can break creating earthquakes. These data can be used to reconstruct what happenedin the history of the rock. The Outcropedia is a website meant to show a collection of such outcrops

 

Who owns the photographs of outcrops?

 

When you submit your own material to Outcropedia, such as text, photographs or drawings, you remain the owner of the copyright of this material. If you are uploading material where the copyright belongs to someone else, you should first ask permission from the owner to do so. We advice all Outcropedia users about this copyright, but cannot take responsibility or action if photographs are used without permission. Please be aware of this when you submit material. If you do not wish to see your photographs used elsewhere, limit their resolution or place a digital watermark in the photograph.

 

Can I download pictures of outcrops?

 

Copyright of photographs, drawings and text in Outcropedia remain with the owners, usually the person who submited the photograph. You should ask permission to the owner of any material, before using it in other context. Contact us to get in touch with the owner of your favorite outcrop photograph.

 

How can I cite this website?

 

You can cite this website as “Outcropedia”: www.outcropedia.org

 

Who can use Outcropedia?

 

Anybody can use Outcropedia but before you submit an outcrop you have to register. Registration is free.

 

Who can submit new outcrops?

 

Anybody who owns photographs of beautiful outcrops can enter material to Outcropedia, preferably with some geological explanation. We restrict entry to geologically interesting outcrops and we will remove unsuitable material such as entries where persons or advertisements are dominant.

 

How do I get a login username and password?

 

To create an account, please use the official Outcropedia app.
You will be asked to provide your name and email address. These data remain confidential.

Already registered in the previous version of the app?

 

If you had an account in the previous version of Outcropedia, your data is still available.
To regain access, simply request a password reset directly through the new app using your registered email address.

 

How to propose your own Outcrop

 

Once logged in with your credentials through the official Outcropedia app, you can submit your outcrops in two ways:

  • Via the web version of the app:
    Activate the “Draw” function located at the top right of the interactive map and click on the desired point to place your outcrop. You will be able to enter a title, select the outcrop type, write an optional description, and upload related images.

  • Via the mobile app on your device:
    Use the GPS-based recording function located at the bottom right of the interactive map to geolocate yourself and register an outcrop directly on the spot. As with the web version, you can provide a title, select the outcrop type, add an optional description, and attach images either from your gallery or by taking photos in real time.

After submission, your outcrop will be visible to the platform administrators, who will review it before approval and publication.

How to propose your own Geological Field Trip (GeoTour)

 

You can suggest a new GeoTour to be added to Outcropedia using one of the following two methods:

  • Via the web version of the app:
    By activating the “Draw” function, you can click directly on the interactive map to draw the desired route. You will be able to add a title, select the type of field trip, write an optional description, and upload related images.
    Once saved, scroll down to the “Useful links” section, where you can download the GPX file of the route. Send this file via email, along with the same information you entered in the form (title, type, description, images), to the indicated contacts for review.

  • Via the mobile app:
    Use the recording feature located at the bottom right of the interactive map to record your geological field trip in real time. Once completed and saved, you’ll find your recording in your personal track list. Open the desired track, scroll down to the “Useful links” section, and send the GPX file via email directly from your device, including the necessary details (title, type, description, and images).

For both methods, please send the GPX file along with the relevant information to the contact emails provided for review and approval.

 

Please send a message to: rodolfo.carosi@unito.it or salvatore.iaccarino@unito.it  to let us know of the pending submission.

Geoethics and Outcropedia

 

Outcropediais intended as a web platform where geoscientists and Earth sciences lovers can share picture (and location) of spectacular outcrops. In this way geological sites all around the world (and their pictures) are easily accessible, carrying numerous advantages, for instances in teaching activities and geosites promotion. On the contrary, the main disadvantage is that exposes the same sites to the risk of irresponsible sampling. So please, use your hammer only for scale.

 

However, in the case of indispensable sampling, following Druguet et al. 2013 (Episodes, 36, 11-18) we recommend to:

– Drill sampling is particularly threatening because it has a negative visual impact, whilst many times unnecessary. Before sampling, geologists should think about the question “is drill sampling really necessary for the study being carried on?”

 

– Do not take samples from the centre of a geological type locality or a site of especial scientific, didactic interest or aesthetical/photographic value. If an outcrop is spectacular enough that deserves being photographed, then you should not core or sample the rock face that has been recorded.

 

– Sample other parts of the same or a neighbouring outcrop where there is less impact. Core samples must be discrete in location; take cores from the least exposed faces and try to plug the holes using the outer end of the core, if possible.

– Before sampling ask experts and authorities (e.g. Natural Reserve or National Park managers if the area is protected) for advise and permission.

Enjoy the outcrops and do not destroy them!