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Connor Small (Graduate Geologist)

Connor Small (Graduate Geologist)

Which Geological Survey Ireland programme do you work in?
Geological Mapping

What do you do?
This past summer I mapped and sampled quaternary sediments in Co Wexford. Now I am currently producing a 3D model of the area using the data we collected from boreholes, exposures, and geophysics profiles.

Why does your programme do the work it does?
The geology mapping programme maintains an online data set of bedrock and subsoils geological maps which is accessible to everyone. It is continuously updated, and work is always being done on areas where data coverage is low, to improve the national maps.

When do you do fieldwork and what does it involve?
Fieldwork takes place mainly in the summer season. It involves mapping and sampling of quaternary sediments, boreholes, and gathering geophysics profiles.

Where does your work take you?
Fieldwork can take you all over Ireland. There are also opportunities to go to international conferences such as PDAC in Canada, which is where I was introduced to the GSI.

Which Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can be met by the work your programme does?

  • SDG 9: Industry Innovation and Infrastructure
  • SDG 13: Climate Action
  • SDG 15: Life on Land
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Skills involved:

  • Mapping
  • Proper Planning
  • 3D modelling
  • Teamwork

Left to right: coastal sediment sampling at Carnsore Point, Co Wexford, geophysical data collection of 2D resistivity maps, Quaternary drilling for sample collection and analysis