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The vandalizing effects of irresponsible core sampling: a call for a new code of conduct
Author(s) -
MacFadyen Colin
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
geology today
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.188
H-Index - 17
eISSN - 1365-2451
pISSN - 0266-6979
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2451.2010.00761.x
Subject(s) - coring , code (set theory) , sampling (signal processing) , value (mathematics) , reputation , geology , political science , environmental ethics , law , computer science , engineering , drilling , filter (signal processing) , philosophy , mechanical engineering , set (abstract data type) , machine learning , computer vision , programming language
In 1989 the UK's Geologists' Association (GA) published the Code of Conduct for Rock Coring , a best practice guide to rock sampling by means of coring. The preparation of a code in the UK was required following acts of thoughtlessness by some researchers that permanently defaced outcrops ruining their photographic value. Despite the existence of the GA Code the vandalizing effects of irresponsible coring continue to this day and the cumulative effects are becoming increasingly apparent to even the most casual observers. As well as damaging exposures, irresponsible coring is tarnishing the reputation of geological science and there is concern that relations with landowners may be threatened by irresponsible coring, which may impact upon future sampling and research in the worst affected areas. Consequently, there is an urgent requirement for the reestablishment and promotion of a ‘Code of Conduct for Rock Coring’ based on the principles of the GA Code. To maximize awareness of the code and to ensure good practice guidance is not lost with the passage of time, its ethos could become enshrined in Earth science educational programmes. Just as importantly, adherence to the code could become an integral component of the standard ethical procedure conditions, attached to research funding for projects involving rock sampling.