Italian Police help Dave Green with his enquiries

Italian Police Help Dave Green with his Enquiries

During a recent excursion to examine Neapolitan volcanoes, under the tutelage of Dave Green, we arrived in the small town of Pollena Trocchia. Dave's researches had told him there was a small scoria cone on the flanks of Monte Somma, somewhere near Pollena Trocchia.

Not sure of the exact location we did the obvious thing - we asked a policeman. And, surprisingly, got an extremely positive response. Not only did he know what we were talking about, (having a completely bilingual driver helped), he escorted us to the site and gave a well-informed summary of the geological history! 

Before the area - an old, vast, quarry - had been cleaned up, it had been a dumping ground for stolen cars. Which may explain his particular knowledge of the site. 

Dave Green (with bag and hammer) consults with policeman.

The cone was well worth visiting. Half had been quarried giving a view inside the cone.

The scoria cone. The feeder dyke is the grass covered area in the centre.

This was one of the older outcrops seen on our excursion. As far as I can remember it is about 17,000 years old. No doubt I will be corrected if I am wrong! You can see the picture in a larger format HERE.

Glacial pace picks up

Glacier Retreats in South Georgia

Unfortunately, unsurprisingly, retreat of glaciers is reported from many places. 

HERE the retreat of the Hindle Glacier in South Georgia is recorded in a couple of images. Until about 2002 it joined with the Ross Glacier. Now they are two separate - and smaller - glaciers.

Hindle Glacier comparison in 1989 and 2015 Landsat images.  Red arrow is 1989 terminus, pink arrow the 2015 terminus, yellow arrow the 2017 terminus location and green arrow the 2019 terminus location.

Hindle Glacier comparison in 2017 and 2019 Landsat images.  Red arrow is 1989 terminus, pink arrow the 2015 terminus, yellow arrow the 2017 terminus location and green arrow the 2019 terminus location. 

In 30 years it has retreated 6.1km. 2km of that retreat was in the last 4 years.

25th February to 3rd March 2019

NEXT WEEKS EVENTS

25th February to 3rd March 2019

THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXTRACT FROM BRISTOL AND WEST COUNTRY GEOLOGY CALENDARS

MORE DETAILS CAN BE FOUND IN THE BRISTOL AND THE WEST COUNTRY CALENDARS AND ON THE WEB SITES OF THE RELEVANT SOCIETY OR ORGANISATION.

MONDAY 25TH

Course - The Geology of Eruptions, Earthquakes and Tsunamis

When

Mon, February 25, 7:30pm – 9:30pm

Where

Wynstones School, Stroud Road, Whaddon, Gloucester (map)

Description

The Geology of Eruptions, Earthquakes and Tsunamis  

Three of the most devastating natural disaster-forming events are geological, all related to plate tectonics, and are very difficult, if not impossible, to accurately forecast.  What are the causes of these events and their various manifestations? Why are some more dangerous than others? How can we prevent or mitigate these effects? Examples of some of these phenomena will be used to illustrate these points Monday 7th for 10 weeks (not 18h Feb) until 18th March. Held at Wynstones School, Stroud Road, Whaddon, Gloucester from 7.30-9.30pm on Mondays . Cost £75

Contact Dave Green by email at davegeostudies@gmail.com, by phone at 01594 960858 and by post at Dave Green, Joys Green Farm, Lydbrook, Gloucestershire, GL17 9QU

Tuesday 26th

wednesday 27th

Bristol Nats - Lecture

When

Wed, February 27, 7:30pm – 9:00pm

Where

room G8, Wills Memorial Building, University of Bristol, BS8 1RJ. (map)

Description

GEOLOGY OF THE AREA NORTH OF BRISTOL

Dave Green

 7.30 p.m. Wednesday 27 February 2019

Dave Green is well known for his presentations on the subject of local geology. It is hoped that this talk will appeal to those BNS members who may not consider themselves to be specialist geologists but would nevertheless like to learn something of local geology which together with climate forms the foundation of the Natural History of the Bristol Region. It is intended that as a follow on from this talk a Field meeting will be held in the summer to look at the geology of the area north of Bristol and in particular Barnhill Quarry, Chipping Sodbury.

Thursday 28th

Course - Advances in Understanding Earth’s Structure and Operation

When

Thu, February 28, 7:30pm – 9:30pm

Where

The Chantry, Thornbury. (map)

Description

Advances in Understanding Earth’s Structure and Operation. 

This 10 week course aims to introduce you to relatively new ideas, some accepted, some controversial, about the internal structure and tectonics of the Earth. Many ideas have changed radically since the inception of the Plate Tectonic hypothesis, and especially in the period from the 1990s, partly as a result of new technology, and the re-examination of parts of the theory that evidence did not support. Each week we will examine a different topic, such as subduction, mantle dynamics, mantle plumes.   Held at The Chantry, Thornbury.  First meeting 7.30 – 9.30, Thurs 10th January until March 21st (not Thurs 21st Feb). Cost £75

Contact Dave by email at davegeostudies@gmail.com, by phone at 01594 960858 and by post at Dave Green, Joys Green Farm, Lydbrook, Gloucestershire, GL17 9QU

Friday 1st

Saturday 2nd

Sunday 4th

18th to 24th February 2019

NEXT WEEKS EVENTS

18th to 24th February 2019

THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXTRACT FROM BRISTOL AND WEST COUNTRY GEOLOGY CALENDARS

MORE DETAILS CAN BE FOUND IN THE BRISTOL AND THE WEST COUNTRY CALENDARS AND ON THE WEB SITES OF THE RELEVANT SOCIETY OR ORGANISATION.

MONDAY 18TH

Field Course - The Geology of Neapolitan Volcanoes and their Eruptions

When

15 – 22 Feb 2019

Description

Field Course: The Geology of  Neapolitan Volcanoes and their Eruptions  

Dates will be for a week trip from Fri 15th to Monday 25th February.  

Contact Dave by email at davegeostudies@gmail.com, by phone at 01594 960858 and by post at Dave Green, Joys Green Farm, Lydbrook, Gloucestershire, GL17 9QU

Tuesday 19th

FIELD COURSE - THE GEOLOGY OF NEAPOLITAN VOLCANOES AND THEIR ERUPTIONS - see above.

------------------------

OUGS Oxford - Evening Lecture

When

Tuesday, 19 Feb 2019

Where

St Peters Church Hall, Earley, Reading RG6 1EY (map)

Description

The Dinosaur Resurrection

Speaker: Dr Daniel Field

Venue: St Peters Church Hall, Earley, Reading RG6 1EY

Date: February 19th 2019 (Tuesday)

Type: Talk (Evening)

Summary: How modern birds rose from the ashes of an asteroid. Talk commences at 20:00 in Winch Room.

More info:

Birds are the most diverse group of terrestrial vertebrate animals, with nearly 11,000 living species. But how did this incredible diversity arise? In this talk, we will investigate how the asteroid impact that eliminated the giant dinosaurs influenced the evolutionary history of birds—the only living dinosaurian descendants. birds_on_fire.pdf

Contact: Helen Craggs   [helencraggs@aol.com]

---------------------------------

SMFS - Photographic Competition

When

Tue, 19 February, 19:30 – 21:00

Where

The Friends' Meeting House, Ordnance Road, Southampton (map)

Description

The popular Annual SMFS photographic competition. Cash prizes for the best photographic print in each of five different categories and the Philip Bampton trophy for the overall best photograph judged by the members present. The winning photograph will feature on the 2019 Hampshire Mineral & Fossil Show poster.

Members' Display: None this month.

wednesday 20th

FIELD COURSE - THE GEOLOGY OF NEAPOLITAN VOLCANOES AND THEIR ERUPTIONS - SEE ABOVE.

Thursday 21st

FIELD COURSE - THE GEOLOGY OF NEAPOLITAN VOLCANOES AND THEIR ERUPTIONS - SEE ABOVE.

----------------------

Thornbury Geology Group, 7.30pm, The Chantry, Thornbury

When

Thu, 21 February, 19:00 – 21:30

Description

Thornbury Geology Group, 7.30pm at The Chantry, Thornbury, and every 3rd Thursday in the month.  

Friday 22nd

FIELD COURSE - THE GEOLOGY OF NEAPOLITAN VOLCANOES AND THEIR ERUPTIONS - SEE ABOVE.

saturday 23rd

Sunday 24th

OUGS Severnside - AGM and talks

When

Sunday, 24 Feb 2019

Where

National Museum of Wales, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NP (map)

Description

The branch AGM will be followed by a talk from Cindy Howells on the Geological History of Wales.

Doors open at 10 am, and the AGM itself will start at 11 am. Tea and coffee will be available from 10 am in the Oriel Suite. The meeting will include a short presentation of the various events we held during 2018.

There will be a lunch break when you will have the choice of eating your packed lunch in the meeting room; obtaining food at the museum restaurant; or visiting one of the many eateries in the city centre.

After lunch there will be a talk entitled "The Geological History of Wales" from Cindy Howells, curator of palaeontology at the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff.

The branch library will be available throughout the day and you will be able to borrow geology-related books from its large collection, as well as return any books borrowed previously.

A visitor car park is situated behind the Museum, off Museum Avenue. The charge is £6.50. You will have to purchase an exit token from the Museum Shop.

Contact: Norman Nimmo-Smith  [nrnsmith@hotmail.com]

11th to 17th February 2019

NEXT WEEKS EVENTS

11th to 17th February 2019

THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXTRACT FROM BRISTOL AND WEST COUNTRY GEOLOGY CALENDARS

MORE DETAILS CAN BE FOUND IN THE BRISTOL AND THE WEST COUNTRY CALENDARS AND ON THE WEB SITES OF THE RELEVANT SOCIETY OR ORGANISATION.

MONDAY 11TH

Course - The Geology of Eruptions, Earthquakes and Tsunamis

When

Mon, 11 February, 19:30 – 21:30

Where

Wynstones School, Stroud Road, Whaddon, Gloucester (map)

Description

The Geology of Eruptions, Earthquakes and Tsunamis  

Three of the most devastating natural disaster-forming events are geological, all related to plate tectonics, and are very difficult, if not impossible, to accurately forecast.  What are the causes of these events and their various manifestations? Why are some more dangerous than others? How can we prevent or mitigate these effects? Examples of some of these phenomena will be used to illustrate these points Monday 7th for 10 weeks (not 18h Feb) until 18th March. Held at Wynstones School, Stroud Road, Whaddon, Gloucester from 7.30-9.30pm on Mondays . Cost £75

Contact Dave Green by email at davegeostudies@gmail.com, by phone at 01594 960858 and by post at Dave Green, Joys Green Farm, Lydbrook, Gloucestershire, GL17 9QU

Tuesday 12th

Cardiff University Lecture - When Sea levels Change...

When

Tue, 12 February, 18:30 – 20:00

Where

The 2018-2019 monthly Tuesday evening lectures in the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences will be held in the Wallace Lecture Theatre (0.13), Main Building, Cardiff University, Park Place, CF10 3AT. Lectures begin at 18.30. Booking is not needed. (map)

Description

Of Darwin and dwarfs: sea levels, ice ages and evolution.

Adrian Lister (Natural History Museum)

--------------------------------

WEGA Lecture - 3 research students

When

Tue, 12 February, 19:30 – 21:00

Where

Wills Memorial Building Tower, Queens Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1RJ, UK (map)

Wednesday 13th

DGGA Lecture - A Look at the Microscopic Fossil Record of the Jurassic Coast

When

Wed, 13 February, 19:00 – 21:00

Where

Dorset County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ, United Kingdom (map)

Description

Talk by Richard Hallett. It will give an introduction to Mesozoic microfossils, discuss their distribution in the local fossil record and contribution to understanding the stratigraphy of the Wessex Basin. 

Richard has worked in micropalaeontology and stratigraphy for nearly 30 years. His professional career started as a palynologist for Kingston Geological Services working on North African petroleum basins. Following a period of doctorate research, he moved to Indonesia where he was a stratigrapher and consultant for Robertson Research and Core Laboratories analysing and advising on petroleum basin stratigraphy of South-east Asia. In 2012, he moved to the Sultanate of Oman where he was appointed Head of Stratigraphy for a leading petroleum exploration and development company.

Richard returned to Dorset last year and has established Chalk Newton Geoscience, a Dorset-based specialist geological advisory and education company.

Richard received a B.Sc. degree in Geology and MSc degree in Micropalaeontology from the University of Southampton and a Ph.D. degree in Dinoflagellate (Palaeo)ecology from the University of Westminster. 

This is the second of a series of Earth Science-based lectures organised by DGAG in collaboration with other groups. 

As the Dorset County Museum is closed for refurbishment, ’til summer 2020,  the lectures will take place in Committee Room 1 at County Hall. They will follow the familiar pattern of being on the second Wednesday of the month starting at 7 pm. 

Parking is available behind County Hall and is free in the evening. 

20180110 DGAG Feb 2018 Talk Flyer

Thursday 14th

Course - Advances in Understanding Earth’s Structure and Operation

When

Thu, 14 February, 19:30 – 21:30

Where

The Chantry, Thornbury. (map)

Description

Advances in Understanding Earth’s Structure and Operation. 

This 10 week course aims to introduce you to relatively new ideas, some accepted, some controversial, about the internal structure and tectonics of the Earth. Many ideas have changed radically since the inception of the Plate Tectonic hypothesis, and especially in the period from the 1990s, partly as a result of new technology, and the re-examination of parts of the theory that evidence did not support. Each week we will examine a different topic, such as subduction, mantle dynamics, mantle plumes.   Held at The Chantry, Thornbury.  First meeting 7.30 – 9.30, Thurs 10th January until March 21st (not Thurs 21st Feb). Cost £75

Contact Dave by email at davegeostudies@gmail.com, by phone at 01594 960858 and by post at Dave Green, Joys Green Farm, Lydbrook, Gloucestershire, GL17 9QU

Friday 15th

Field Course - The Geology of Neapolitan Volcanoes and their Eruptions

When

15 – 22 Feb 2019

Description

Possible Field Course: The Geology of  Neapolitan Volcanoes and their Eruptions  

Dates will be for a week  trip around a period from Fri 15th to Friday 22nd.  LET ME KNOW BEFORE CHRISTMAS IF YOU WANT TO COME to take advantage of cheaper air fares and determine the viability of such a trip.

Contact Dave by email at davegeostudies@gmail.com, by phone at 01594 960858 and by post at Dave Green, Joys Green Farm, Lydbrook, Gloucestershire, GL17 9QU

Saturday 16th

NEAPOLITAN VOLCANOES

--------------------------

SWGA - Lecture

When

Sat, 16 February, 11:00 – 12:30

Where

Lectures at University of Wales, Swansea, are held in the department of Geography in the Wallace building. We meet on the landing area (first floor) just upstairs from the main entrance to the building for refreshments with lectures in the main lecture theatre. (map)

Description

(Swansea): Wholesale reconfiguration of the biosphere in the Anthropocene: a sustainable or unsustainable pattern? Prof. Mark Williams (Leicester)

Click here to see the building location on a map from Swansea University. It is numbered 9 in the key.

All meetings commence at 11.00am except for the AGM which begins at 10.30am.

Refreshments are served from about 45 minutes before each meeting. We take the speaker

to lunch after the meeting and all members are very welcome to join us.

Sunday 17th

NEAPOLITAN VOLCANOES

An interesting blog

An Interesting Blog

A correspondent has brought THIS BLOG to my attention and it is well worth a look. 

The latest entry is a review of last years earthquakes and the conclusion is that 2018 was an entirely "normal" seismic year. And he has the statistics to prove it!

The post which I found most interesting was THIS ONE linking earthquakes and volcanism in last years activity in Hawaii. There is an interesting video showing the many small earthquakes. It is best seen in the blog but the following gives you a flavour. (Sorry for the crappy quality but this is the first time I have tried to put a video onto the blog and I am finding it difficult. Now if only he had put it on YouTube...)

Brazilian tailings dam collapse

Brazilian Tailings Dam Collapse

Much has been written about this. HERE is the best video I have come across. If you speak Portuguese you will get more out of it but even without it is horrifying. The most terrifying thing is that there is no warning - the hillside starts moving. THIS PAGE gives much more information.

THIS PAGE shows some photos of the aftermath

4th to 10th February 2019

NEXT THREE WEEKS EVENTS

4th to 10th February 2019

THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXTRACT FROM BRISTOL AND WEST COUNTRY GEOLOGY CALENDARS

MORE DETAILS CAN BE FOUND IN THE BRISTOL AND THE WEST COUNTRY CALENDARS AND ON THE WEB SITES OF THE RELEVANT SOCIETY OR ORGANISATION.

MONDAY 4TH

Course - The Geology of Eruptions, Earthquakes and Tsunamis

When

Mon, 4 February, 19:30 – 21:30

Where

Wynstones School, Stroud Road, Whaddon, Gloucester (map)

Description

The Geology of Eruptions, Earthquakes and Tsunamis  

Three of the most devastating natural disaster-forming events are geological, all related to plate tectonics, and are very difficult, if not impossible, to accurately forecast.  What are the causes of these events and their various manifestations? Why are some more dangerous than others? How can we prevent or mitigate these effects? Examples of some of these phenomena will be used to illustrate these points Monday 7th for 10 weeks (not 18h Feb) until 18th March. Held at Wynstones School, Stroud Road, Whaddon, Gloucester from 7.30-9.30pm on Mondays . Cost £75

Contact Dave Green by email at davegeostudies@gmail.com, by phone at 01594 960858 and by post at Dave Green, Joys Green Farm, Lydbrook, Gloucestershire, GL17 9QU

Tuesday 5th

Wednesday 6th

Bristol University - Inaugural Lecture

When

Wed, 6 February, 17:30 – 19:30

Where

Wills Memorial Building, Reception Room, Queens Road, Bristol, BS8 1RJ (map)

Description

Joachim Gottsmann, Professor of Volcanology, delivers his Inaugural Lecture. Introduction by Prof. Jens Marklof, Dean of the Faculty Science, University of Bristol

Title: Mechanism of volcanic unrest: a tale from four continents

Abstract: Volcanic unrest comes in many forms including anomalous earthquake activity and ground deformation. Unrest can be a prelude to future eruption but fingerprinting the mechanisms behind unrest and forecasting its outcome remains challenging. Here Professor Gottsmann presents insights from studies across the globe to unravel some enigmatic internal workings of volcanoes.

There will be a drinks reception following this event.

Register for a free ticket HERE

 

Thursday 7th

Course - Advances in Understanding Earth’s Structure and Operation

When

Thu, 7 February, 19:30 – 21:30

Where

The Chantry, Thornbury. (map)

Description

Advances in Understanding Earth’s Structure and Operation. 

This 10 week course aims to introduce you to relatively new ideas, some accepted, some controversial, about the internal structure and tectonics of the Earth. Many ideas have changed radically since the inception of the Plate Tectonic hypothesis, and especially in the period from the 1990s, partly as a result of new technology, and the re-examination of parts of the theory that evidence did not support. Each week we will examine a different topic, such as subduction, mantle dynamics, mantle plumes.   Held at The Chantry, Thornbury.  First meeting 7.30 – 9.30, Thurs 10th January until March 21st (not Thurs 21st Feb). Cost £75

Contact Dave by email at davegeostudies@gmail.com, by phone at 01594 960858 and by post at Dave Green, Joys Green Farm, Lydbrook, Gloucestershire, GL17 9QU

-------------------------------

Bath Geol Soc - Lecture

When

Thu, 7 February, 19:30 – 21:00

Where

Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, 16 Queen Square, Bath (map)

Description

LIMESTONES, MICROBES, VIRUSES

MAURICE TUCKER

School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol

Carbonate rocks, that is limestones and dolomites, are a feature of the sedimentary record, right back to the oldest strata (~4200 Ma old). Common types are skeletal-bioclastic-reefal limestones, oolites (like the Bath stone) and microbialites (like the Cotham Marble). Although the roles of bacteria are well known in the formation of stromatolites, totally ignored is the possibility that viruses may be involved in limestone deposition. Viruses are everywhere, in greater abundance than bacteria, but dependent upon them. New evidence from modern microbial mats and from lab experiments is showing that viruses can be permineralised and can influence carbonate precipitation. Could viruses provide the seeds for limestone formation?  This talk explores the potential role of viruses in carbonate precipitation. Viruses are the new frontier in Earth Science ……

Friday 8th

OUGS Severnside - Aberystwyth Weekend

When

8 – 10 Feb 2019

Where

Park Lodge Hotel, Aberystwyth, West Wales (map)

Description

Leader: Charlie Bendall

Severnside's annual geological workshop at Aberystwyth is suitable for both beginners and the more experienced, and never fails to please.

Final details of the workshop programme have still to be confirmed.

The sessions will allow you to learn new geological topics (or perhaps refresh previous studies) in a friendly and convivial atmosphere with plenty of support and guidance on hand.

 All geology sessions will be held in the hotel's conference room. Charlie will give an introductory talk on Friday evening, and lead full-day sessions on Saturday and Sunday.

Bed and breakfast accommodation is available at the Park Lodge Hotel. Cost: £38.75 pppn for a twin/double room, £60.00 pn for a single room.

There will be extra costs for lunches and leader's expenses.

Please contact Janet Hellen [jdhellen@btinternet.com] for a booking form. 

------------------------------

Cheltenham Mineral and Geological Society - Lecture

When

Fri, 8 February, 19:00 – 21:00

Where

Shurdington at The Century Hall (map)

Description

 ' Minerals of the English Midlands'

Our guest speaker is   Roy Starkey

saturday 9th

OUGS SEVERNSIDE - ABERYSTWYTH WEEKEND

Sunday 10th

OUGS SEVERNSIDE - ABERYSTWYTH WEEKEND