SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Construct and interpret a geological cross-section in a familiar area 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
376282  Construct and interpret a geological cross-section in a familiar area 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Fabrication and Extraction 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Fabrication and Extraction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  3 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
115684  Construct and interpret a geological cross-section in a familiar area  Level 4  NQF Level 04  3   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate the knowledge and understanding required to construct and interpret a geological cross-section.
  • Construct a geological cross section.
  • Interpret a geological cross section.
  • Compile and present a geological cross-section and relevant reports. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in the following:
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding to construct and interpret a geological cross-section. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The methodology to construct a geological cross-section within an area with potential structural deformation is described in terms of standard geological practice and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The methodology to extrapolate available data into areas with no data on a geological cross section is explained in terms of standard geological practice and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The potential and actual implications of inaccurately constructing and interpreting a geological cross section are explained in terms of specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Potential geological structures that may be encountered during the construction or interpretation of a geological cross section are identified and described in terms of legal and site-specific requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include the following:
  • Faulting.
  • Folding.
  • Intrusive bodies.
  • Unconformities.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The potential sources of data for the construction of a geological cross section are identified and potential problems with their utilisation described in terms of standard geological practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The identification of anomalous and inadequate data points in terms of the effect on the reliability of the cross-section is explained in terms of standard geological practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The contents of the work instruction and the consequences of non-compliance with the requirements are described in terms of the potential impact on the construction and interpretation of the cross section. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The means of dealing with anomalous data points are described according to sound geological principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include the following:
  • Faulting.
  • Folding.
  • Intrusive bodies.
  • Unconformities.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The orientation of a plane is explained and the appropriate calculation method to define these features demonstrated in accordance with sound geological practice. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include the following:
  • Strike.
  • True dip.
  • Apparent dip.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    The characteristics of a geological stratum are identified and explained in terms of standard geological terminology. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include the following where relevant:
  • Upper contact relationships.
  • Lower contact relationships.
  • Lateral variations.
  • Thickness and thickness variations.
  • Dip and strike.
  • Variations in dip and strike.
  • The effect of intrusive bodies.
  • The effect of folding and faulting.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    The importance of the position and orientation of the section is explained in terms of its relevance in interpreting relationships between different stratigraphic units. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Strike sections.
  • Dip sections.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    The means of correlating geological units and its importance in section construction is described in terms of standard geological practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
    The aspects relating to occupational health and safety and environmental considerations are described in terms of specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Plan a geological cross section. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The instruments that are required for the construction of a geological cross section are selected, examined and verified in accordance with the work instruction received. Defective items are dealt with in accordance with site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The workplace details are determined and verified, all in accordance with the work instruction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The format of the data supplied is confirmed, verified, sorted into different data types and corrected in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include the following:
  • Mean sea level.
  • Datum Line.
  • Coordinates.
  • Units of measure.
  • Stratigraphic units.
  • Thickness.
  • Dip and strike.
  • Structural features.
  • Intrusive bodies.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The orientation of the cross section is determined and verified, all in accordance with the work instruction and confirmed to provide optimum interpretive potential. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Construct a geological cross section. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Work related hazards and associated risks that have an effect on a safe and healthy work environment are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include the following:
  • Eyestrain.
  • Injuries as a result of incorrect posture.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The data are transferred manually onto the relevant cross section at an appropriate vertical and horizontal scale in accordance with standard geological practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The data are systematically and manually interpolated for each identified stratum and geological feature in accordance with standard geological practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Anomalous data points, when found, are compared and confirmed with the original data and errors in the data are immediately marked in accordance with standard geological practice. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include the following:
  • Sudden change in the gradient of the values between any two or more points.
  • Sudden change in the strike direction of individual stratigraphic units.
  • Specific data that is not consistent with that of adjacent data.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The completed cross section is examined for any inconsistencies and anomalous data identified and corrected in accordance with site-specific requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Interpret a geological cross-section. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The geological structural features identified on the cross section are confirmed, marked as per standard and their characteristics determined in accordance with standard geological practice. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include the following:
  • Strike.
  • Dip.
  • Throw on fault.
  • Type of fault.
  • Axial planar trend.
  • Type of fold.
  • Intrusive bodies.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The characteristics of the identified stratigraphic units are correctly determined and recorded according to the relevant procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include the following:
  • Strike.
  • True dip direction.
  • Thickness.
  • Lateral variations.
  • Top contact relationships.
  • Bottom contact relationships.
  • Effect of structural relationships.
  • Intrusive bodies.
  • Lithologies.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The relationship between the individual stratigraphic units is Explained in terms of standard geological terminology. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Compile and present a geological cross-section report. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The instruments, materials and equipment are cleaned and ensured to be ready for future use and any defective items are reported in accordance with site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The workplace is cleaned in accordance with documented and good housekeeping practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The necessary report(s) and/or plots are compiled in the required format, submitted to the relevant personnel and archived if required, all in accordance with legal and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The completion of the work is communicated to the relevant personnel, and anomalous conditions emphasised in accordance with site-specific requirements. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following embedded knowledge will be addressed in an integrated manner in the context of the unit standard:
  • The ability to construct a geological cross section within a familiar area.
  • The ability to determine stratigraphic and structural relationships from a geological cross section.
  • The ability to determine specific characteristics of stratigraphic units and structural features.
  • The ability to identify and recognise anomalous conditions that affect the accuracy and interpretation of the cross section. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking:

    Note: The ability of the learner to identify anomalous data will indicate that the learner is proficient in problem solving and in the use of creative thinking processes. The cognitive ability of the learner to construct and interpret a geological cross section, contributes to his/her problem solving ability and will indicate the learner's problem solving capabilities by using critical and creative thinking to make decisions. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community:

    Note: The ability of the learner to accept and interpret work instructions and report anomalous conditions identified during the course of the assignment indicates that he/she can work effectively as a team member in the bigger organisational environment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively:

    Note: The selecting of the appropriate data types from the specific data set will indicate that the learner can manage and organise activities responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information:

    Note: The correct formatting and plotting of data and the interpretation of the cross section will indicate that the learner can collect, analyse, organise and evaluate information. The identification of anomalous data that can affect the reliability of the final product will enhance the learner's ability to critically evaluate geological data. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations:

    Note: The construction and interpretation of the cross section and the recording and reporting of the results in the correct format will indicate the learner's efficiency in mathematical reasoning and written/oral presentations. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others:

    Note: The effective interpretation of stratigraphic and structural relationships from geological cross sections in accordance with accepted geological procedures would indicate that the learner is proficient in the appropriate use of science and technology. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation:

    Note: The ability of the learner to identify anomalous data and to deal with this by applying problem solving techniques will indicate his/her proficiency in understanding that a specific action or decision taken has more than one effect. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 115684, "Construct and interpret a geological cross-section in a familiar area", Level 4, 3 credits.

    Terminology:

    Specified requirements and/or laid down procedures are contained in one or more of the following:
  • Working guides.
  • Training manuals.
  • Education manuals.

    A familiar geological environment implies that the local geological conditions are known and the area is generally located within a mining lease area, with all the stratigraphic markers and potential economic zones being previously identified. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  77963   Further Education and Training Certificate: Mining/Exploration Geology  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.