Wednesday 29 April 2015

May 7th - Numerical modelling of sedimentary systems

Bath Geological Society - May lecture
Numbers, models and layered rocks: what can we learn from numerical modelling of sedimentary systems?
Professor Peter Burgess, Head of Department of Earth Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London
While many other areas of science, for example physics and chemistry, can use experiments to help understand how physical systems work, sedimentary geology has for most of its history been limited to observation of natural systems recorded in outcrop and beneath the surface in sedimentary basins. This has been especially problematic for our understanding of how sediments from modern depositional systems, for example deltas and shallow carbonate seas, are incorporated into the stratigraphic record and preserved as layered rocks or strata. An understanding of how sediments are deposited and preserved as strata is key to our understanding of Earth surface systems, and also of significant economic interest for water and hydrocarbon resource exploitation. New developments in the numerical modelling of sedimentary systems have much potential to address many of these issues. This talk will focus on examples of numerical computer modelling and attempt to show how results from these models are changing how we think about the nature of strata. Perhaps most importantly, the examples demonstrate how new hypotheses can be generated from these models, to drive a new generation of data collection from sedimentary rocks in outcrop and in the subsurface.
7.30 p.m. 16 Queen Square, Bath
Everyone welcome - visitors £4 - free refreshment

Monday 20 April 2015

4th July - Geology of the Black Mountain, western Brecon Beacons

Bath Geological Society is planning to book a coach for this exciting field trip to be led by one of our favourite leaders!
The coach will start in Box at 8.00 a.m. and then pick up in Bath and Bristol en route. The cost will be £25.
Please email the field secretary to book your place as soon as possible.

Geology of the Black Mountain, western Brecon Beacons 
Saturday 4th July 
Geraint Owen (Swansea University)
The Black Mountain (Mynydd Du) is the western part of the Brecon Beacons. It lies within the Fforest Fawr Geopark and the Brecon Beacons National Park and is traversed by the Beacons Way. The geology comprises gently southward-dipping Palaeozoic strata on the north side (“North Crop”) of the South Wales Coalfield, ranging in age from late Silurian to late Carboniferous. As befits its location within the National Park, the area is scenically attractive, with extensive views to the south over the industrialised South Wales Coalfield and to the north into rural mid Wales. Although outside the area of coal-bearing rocks, the area contains an important legacy of extractive industries and associated infrastructure.
Several sites will be visited and the ground conditions may be rough and wet underfoot in places. Bring warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy, waterproof footwear. Please bring a packed lunch. Safety helmets are advisable at one site.
Further details and suggested reading list are available on request from the Society.

Friday 17 April 2015

21st April - Mine Water Temperatures in the South Wales Coalfield: A Potential Source of Low-Carbon Heating Energy

Mine Water Temperatures in the South Wales Coalfield: A Potential Source of Low-Carbon Heating Energy
David Tucker (WDS Green Energy) & Gareth Farr (BGS)
Abandoned mine workings within the South Wales Coalfield are often flooded with groundwater that has the potential to be a major energy source for heat pumps.
Venue: Atkins, The Hub (Ground Floor), 500 Park Avenue, Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4RZ.
6:30pm

Further details

Monday 13 April 2015

April 22nd Landscapes and Geology of the Shepton Mallet area

Click here for details
Everyone welcome.

Permian Triassic greatest mass extinction driven by acidic oceans

200th anniversary of Tambora eruption - remonder of volcanoc perils

























Read more

The spheres above represent the volume of erupted tephra for some of the most widely-known volcanic eruptions. Most people believe that Vesuvius in AD79, Mount St. Helens 1980, Mount Pinatubo 1991 were enormous but, as you can see, they were very small compared to ancient eruptions such as Wah Wah Springs, Toba, Yellowstone and Long Valley.

Wednesday 1 April 2015

Geological specimens - Rocks and Crystals need a good home

OFFER: Box of Geological Specimens - Rocks & Crystals (Larkhall)
A heavy box of specimens collected from mines and spoil-heaps around the UK many years ago.
May be interesting for a budding geologist or someone with more experience. Too good for the tip!
Contact email