Magical Cave

Is this the most magical cave in the world? The chambers carved through Kamchatka's glaciers by volcano-fed hot springs.
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Quote of the day

Rocks are records of events that took place at the time they formed. They are books. They have a different vocabulary, a different alphabet, but you learn how to read them.
John McPhee

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Quote of the day

“With their four dimensional minds, and in their interdisciplinary ultra-verbal way, geologists can wiggle out of almost anything.”
John McPhee

Down to Earth Extra

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Avian Bipedalism

A member of Bristol NATS - geology has had a request to look over a paper on the development of avian bipedalism.  Being a birdwatcher and a biology graduate, he has some knowledge, but wonders if there is someone better able to help from a geological perspective?
If you can help, please email.

29th June - On and around Cleeve Hill, Cheltenham

Geology and Landforms on and from Cleeve Hill, Cheltenham
Saturday 29th June. 10.00 am – 5.00 pm.
Dr. Nick Chidlaw
The imposing plateau country that rises E of Cheltenham to the highest point of the Cotswolds, affords spectacular views and contrasting landscapes all around. A circular 4-mile walk, slowly-paced and mostly on the level (some steep-slopes), will take you around Cleeve Hill with frequent stops to examine features such as the geology of limestone quarries (see photograph), and landslides formed at the end of the last glaciation. Distant landforms, including the Malvern Hills, and their underlying geology, will be explained. No previous knowledge of geology, of the locations to be studied, will be assumed.
A handout outlining the day’s programme, including location sketch maps, optional reading list, geological history, and written logs detailing the Middle Jurassic strata on Cleeve Hill, will be forwarded in advance of the course to those enrolled.
Please note that you will need to:
 - Arrange your own transport
 - Bring your own packed lunch, and any refreshments (e.g. flask of coffee, fruit juice, mineral water etc.)
 - Wear strong footwear with good tread and ankle support, and have waterproof clothing with you in case weather is poor.
 - Hard hat (we will be at times adjacent to overhead quarry faces) – if you do not possess one of these, let me know in advance and I will provide you with one for the day.
You would be insured against accident for the duration of the course.
Cost £25
Contact: Nick Chidlaw.
Deadline is May 11th

Tours to the Atlas Mountains

 Atlas Geo-Tours offers individual trips with 12 participants in two vans.
Tours on offer -
Atlas, and fossils in the desert of Erg Chebbi
Marrakech – rocks around the Atlas.
Contact.