Best examples of geology lab report structure examples for geology majors

In geology, your observations are messy: weathered outcrops, incomplete cores, noisy seismic lines. A clear structure is what turns that mess into an argument. The best examples of geology lab report structure examples all do the same thing: they guide the reader from where you were, to what you saw, to what it means in Earth terms.

Unlike a generic science report, a geology lab report often has:

• Location‑rich titles and intros (formation name, quadrangle, basin)
• Maps, stratigraphic columns, or cross sections described in the text
• Emphasis on field methods and interpretation of spatial relationships

Below, you’ll find multiple real‑world style examples, each tuned to a different sub‑discipline, so you can pick the example of geology lab report structure that best matches your assignment.

Classic mineralogy: example of geology lab report structure for hand samples & thin sections

One of the most common examples of geology lab report structure examples in early courses comes from mineralogy labs where you describe hand samples and thin sections. A typical structure looks like this:

Title and header

A strong title is specific:

Optical and Physical Properties of Plagioclase Feldspar in Hand Sample and Thin Section

Under the title, students usually include:

• Course, lab number, date
• Instructor name
• Partner(s)

Abstract (short and focused)

In mineralogy, the abstract is often just a single paragraph summarizing:

• The minerals examined (e.g., plagioclase, hornblende)
• The main methods (hand lens, streak plate, petrographic microscope)
• The main conclusion (e.g., composition trends, zoning patterns)

For example:

This lab used hand specimen observations and petrographic microscopy to characterize plagioclase feldspar in three igneous rock samples. Physical properties (hardness, cleavage, luster) and optical properties (extinction angle, twinning, birefringence) were used to estimate composition. Results indicate a compositional range from oligoclase to labradorite, with normal zoning observed in thin section.

Introduction

In strong mineralogy reports, the introduction connects the lab to broader mineral science, often citing a textbook or teaching resource from a geology department (for example, an optical mineralogy guide from a university like MIT OpenCourseWare). You briefly explain:

• Why plagioclase composition matters (e.g., igneous classification)
• What optical properties can tell you about composition

Methods

Here, the examples include:

• Hand sample tests (streak, hardness, cleavage)
• Microscope settings (plane‑polarized vs. cross‑polarized light, magnification)
• How you estimated composition (e.g., extinction angles compared to a reference chart)

Clear, past‑tense, step‑by‑step prose is what instructors look for.

Results

In mineralogy, the best examples of geology lab report structure examples describe each sample in the same order:

• Sample ID
• Hand sample properties
• Thin section properties
• Estimated composition

Instead of a table screenshot, describe the pattern in text:

Sample M‑2 displayed polysynthetic twinning and moderate birefringence under crossed polars. Measured extinction angles between 18° and 22° suggest an andesine composition.

Discussion & Conclusion

Here you:

• Compare your composition estimates to expected values from the lab manual
• Explain sources of error (e.g., difficulty measuring extinction angle)
• Connect to igneous rock classification or tectonic setting

This mineralogy format is one of the most transferable examples of geology lab report structure examples: you can reuse the same skeleton for many mineral and rock ID labs.

Sedimentology: examples of geology lab report structure examples for grain size & facies

Sedimentology labs add another layer: spatial patterns. A common assignment in 2024–2025 courses is a fluvial–deltaic facies analysis based on measured sections.

A strong sedimentology structure usually follows this flow:

Title

Grain‑Size Trends and Facies Associations in a Measured Fluvial–Deltaic Section, Powder River Basin

Abstract

Summarize:

• Study location and stratigraphic interval
• Methods (grain‑size analysis, sedimentary structures, paleocurrent measurements)
• Main interpretation (e.g., fining‑upward cycles, channel‑bar migration)

Introduction with context

The introduction often references fundamentals of sedimentary processes from a core textbook or an online resource such as a university sedimentology course (e.g., USGS sediment transport resources). You:

• Define the depositional environment you expect (fluvial, deltaic, shoreface)
• State your objectives: identify facies, interpret environments, infer flow direction

Methods: field and lab

In sedimentology, a good example of geology lab report structure includes two clear subsections:

Field methods

• How you measured the stratigraphic section (Jacob staff, tape)
• How you recorded bed thickness, grain size, sedimentary structures
• How paleocurrent data were collected (e.g., imbricated clasts, cross‑bed foreset azimuths)

Lab methods

• Sieve analysis or laser particle size analysis
• How you calculated mean grain size and sorting

Results: facies‑oriented

The best examples of geology lab report structure examples in sedimentology organize results by facies, not by random observations. For instance:

Facies A (coarse, trough cross‑bedded sandstone) forms 0.4–1.2 ft‑thick units with erosive bases and scattered mud clasts. Paleocurrent measurements from cross‑bed foresets indicate flow toward the southeast.

You then describe vertical trends (e.g., repeated fining‑upward cycles) and any lateral changes if you had multiple sections.

Discussion & interpretation

Here you:

• Link facies to environments (e.g., channel, point bar, levee)
• Compare your observations to published facies models
• Discuss how your data support a specific depositional setting

This sedimentology format is one of the clearest examples of geology lab report structure examples for turning observations into a process‑based story.

Structural geology: example of geology lab report structure for mapping & cross sections

Structural geology labs often center on maps, stereonets, and cross sections. The structure shifts slightly to emphasize geometry and kinematics.

Title

Geologic Mapping and Structural Analysis of the Silver Peak Quadrangle, Nevada

Abstract

One paragraph that includes:

• The main structures (e.g., thrust faults, normal faults, folds)
• Main tools (field measurements, stereonet analysis, cross‑section construction)
• Key interpretation (e.g., two phases of deformation, extension overprinting compression)

Introduction

You briefly:

• Identify the tectonic setting (e.g., Basin and Range)
• Summarize previous work if provided in the lab handout
• State goals: map units, measure structures, build cross section, infer deformation history

Methods: field, map, and stereonet

A strong example of geology lab report structure here explicitly separates:

Field methods

• How attitudes (strike and dip, trend and plunge) were measured
• How you recorded fault kinematics (slickenlines, sense of motion)

Map and stereonet methods

• How data were plotted on the map and stereonet
• How you constructed the cross section (projection rules, line of section)

Results: from data to geometry

Instead of dumping measurements, the best examples of geology lab report structure examples group results by structure type:

The dominant structures are NNE‑striking, steeply dipping normal faults with dips between 60° and 75°E. Bedding in the hanging wall blocks dips moderately (25–45°) toward the faults, forming half‑graben geometries.

You then describe folds, minor structures, and cross‑cutting relationships.

Discussion: deformation history

This is where structure becomes narrative:

• Stage 1: compressional structures (if present)
• Stage 2: extensional faulting
• Evidence for timing (cross‑cutting, overprinting, growth strata)

This structural geology format is a widely used example of geology lab report structure in upper‑level undergraduate mapping courses.

Petrology: examples include igneous and metamorphic lab report structures

Petrology labs often blend mineralogy and tectonics. Two common examples of geology lab report structure examples are:

Igneous petrology example

Title

Petrography and Geochemistry of Basaltic Lavas from the Juan de Fuca Ridge

Abstract

• Samples, methods (thin‑section petrography, XRF geochemistry)
• Classification (tholeiitic vs. alkaline)
• Tectonic interpretation (mid‑ocean ridge, hotspot influence)

Introduction

• Brief overview of mid‑ocean ridge basalts (MORB)
• Objectives: classify rocks, interpret crystallization history, link to tectonic setting

Methods

• Thin‑section description protocol
• Geochemical data source (lab instrument or provided dataset)
• Classification diagrams used (e.g., TAS diagram)

Results

• Mineral modes and textures (e.g., intergranular, porphyritic)
• Major element chemistry summarized in prose

Discussion

• Crystallization sequence
• Evidence for fractional crystallization or magma mixing
• Comparison to global MORB averages from sources like USGS volcanic resources

Metamorphic petrology example

Metamorphic labs use a similar structure, but the emphasis is on metamorphic facies, P–T conditions, and deformation. The best examples of geology lab report structure examples here:

• Organize results by sample and mineral assemblage
• Tie assemblages to facies (e.g., greenschist, amphibolite)
• Interpret pressure–temperature paths using phase diagrams provided in the lab

Geomorphology & remote sensing: example of geology lab report structure using modern data

Recent 2024–2025 geomorphology labs increasingly rely on LiDAR, DEMs, and satellite imagery accessed through tools like QGIS or ArcGIS Online.

A modern geomorphology report structure often looks like this:

Title

Analysis of Fluvial Terrace Development along the Colorado River Using LiDAR‑Derived DEMs

Abstract

Summarize:

• Study reach and data sources (e.g., USGS 1‑m LiDAR)
• Methods (profile extraction, slope analysis, terrace mapping)
• Main findings (number of terrace levels, relative ages, incision rates if estimated)

Introduction

You:

• Explain why terraces matter for understanding Quaternary climate and river incision
• Cite background from geomorphology texts or online lecture notes from a university department

Methods

The example of geology lab report structure here is very method‑heavy:

• Data acquisition (USGS National Map, state GIS portal)
• Software and processing steps (DEM clipping, hillshade, profile extraction)
• Criteria for identifying and mapping terraces

Results

You describe:

• Terrace elevations and spacing in feet
• Longitudinal profile shapes
• Any correlation with lithology or structure

Discussion

You interpret:

• Possible controls (climate cycles, base‑level changes, uplift)
• How your mapped terraces compare to published studies in similar settings

This format is now one of the best examples of geology lab report structure examples that reflect how professional geomorphologists actually work with digital terrain data.

Geophysics: examples of geology lab report structure examples for seismic & gravity labs

Applied geophysics labs often feel different because the “data” are waveforms, travel times, or anomalies. Yet the underlying structure is familiar.

Seismic refraction example

Title

Near‑Surface Velocity Structure from Seismic Refraction Profiles, Campus Survey Line A

Abstract

• Survey line length and layout
• Methods (shot spacing, geophone spacing, travel‑time picking)
• Main result (two‑layer model, velocities, depth to bedrock)

Introduction

• Why near‑surface velocities matter (engineering, groundwater, hazards)
• Brief explanation of seismic refraction principles, referencing a geophysics text or open university notes

Methods

• Field acquisition parameters
• Data processing workflow (filtering, picking, time–distance plotting)
• Modeling approach (e.g., intercept‑time method)

Results

• Apparent velocities described in text
• Interpreted layer velocities and thicknesses

Discussion

• Interpretation of layers (soil, weathered rock, bedrock)
• Comparison with expected values for local lithologies

This is another widely used example of geology lab report structure in upper‑level applied geophysics courses.

Putting it together: choosing the right structure for your geology lab

Across all these real examples of geology lab report structure examples, a pattern shows up:

• Title and abstract: specific to the geologic setting and data type
• Introduction: connects the lab to broader geologic questions
• Methods: tailored to field vs. lab vs. digital workflows
• Results: organized by sample, facies, structure, or data product
• Discussion: interprets Earth processes and history

When you’re unsure how to structure your own report, scan your assignment for keywords—“facies,” “cross section,” “P–T path,” “terraces,” “velocity model.” Then pick the example of geology lab report structure above that matches, and mirror that flow.

For more formal guidance on scientific writing that aligns with how geology is taught and practiced, many instructors point students to general science writing resources from universities, such as:

• Harvard University’s guide to scientific writing
• Purdue OWL’s lab report guidelines

These don’t replace the discipline‑specific examples of geology lab report structure examples you’ve seen here, but they do reinforce the same logic: clarity, consistency, and a direct line from observation to interpretation.

FAQ: geology lab report structure examples

Q: Can you give a short example of a geology lab report structure for an intro‑level class?
Yes. For an introductory rock identification lab, a common structure is: Title; Brief Introduction (purpose of rock ID); Methods (tests used: hardness, streak, acid test); Results (organized by sample, describing properties and rock name); Discussion (how confident you are in each ID and where mistakes might occur); Conclusion (one short paragraph summarizing what you learned about rock classification).

Q: How detailed should Methods be in these examples of geology lab report structure examples?
Detailed enough that another student in your course could repeat the work using only your report and the same equipment. In geology, that often means including measurement spacing, instrument types, map scales, and any classification schemes or diagrams you used.

Q: Are there best examples of geology lab report structure examples I can see from real universities?
Many geology departments post sample lab reports or style guides. Search for terms like “geology lab report example site:.edu” and you’ll find PDFs from U.S. and U.K. universities. These real examples show exactly how sections, headings, and citations are formatted in current courses.

Q: Do all geology labs need an abstract?
Not always. In lower‑division labs, instructors sometimes skip the abstract and go straight to an introduction. In upper‑division and graduate‑level geology, most formal lab reports and project reports do include a short, structured abstract.

Q: What are common mistakes students make when copying examples of geology lab report structure?
Two big ones: copying headings without adapting them to the actual assignment, and dumping raw observations into Results without organizing them into patterns (facies, structural domains, sample groups). Use these examples as templates, not scripts.