Richard has sent some photos of the installation of the new gas pipeline through the Cotswolds - refer to post of 11th August. These were taken at Winstone. He reports that the geology map gives White Limestone at GR SO968090 (top photo) and Hampen Marly Beds at SO968095 (bottom photo), but passing to Fuller's Earth 100m away from the photo position. A fault is shown 200m away throwing White Limestone up.
Monday, 23 August 2010
Photos of the Cotswolds gas pipeline
Richard has sent some photos of the installation of the new gas pipeline through the Cotswolds - refer to post of 11th August. These were taken at Winstone. He reports that the geology map gives White Limestone at GR SO968090 (top photo) and Hampen Marly Beds at SO968095 (bottom photo), but passing to Fuller's Earth 100m away from the photo position. A fault is shown 200m away throwing White Limestone up.
Friday, 20 August 2010
Wilshire fossils
Wilshire Heritage Museum, Devizes, has made available on-line records for a large collection of fossils found in Wiltshire in the late 19th century by William Cunnington III, a well-known amateur geologist. He started collecting fossils at the age of seven and his extensive collection, amounting to some 20,000 fossils and geological specimens, is divided between the Wiltshire Heritage Museum and the Natural History Museum in London.
Wednesday, 11 August 2010
Gas pipe-line through the Cotswolds
A gas pipeline is currently being dug into a route running the length of the Cotswolds. With liaison with the contractors, there could be interesting temporary exposures in nearly all the Middle Jurassic. The pipeline's route has been overlaid on to a geological map, and everything from the Lower Lias to the White Limestone/Great Oolite is crossed, in a trench to take the 1-metre diameter pipe. It will all be filled in soon.
Click here if you would like more details of the route.
NOTE: The following reply has been received about this post:
Members of Gloucestershire Geology Trust tried to get access through the AONB but the contractors are so worried about H&S they will not let anyone on site. The trench is dug, the pipe put in and then backfilled very quickly so the heavy machinery carrying the pipe is working all around the area where the trench has been dug.
Click here if you would like more details of the route.
NOTE: The following reply has been received about this post:
Members of Gloucestershire Geology Trust tried to get access through the AONB but the contractors are so worried about H&S they will not let anyone on site. The trench is dug, the pipe put in and then backfilled very quickly so the heavy machinery carrying the pipe is working all around the area where the trench has been dug.
11 - 12th September - Tavistock Quarries
Tavistock Quarries
Leaders: Eddie Bailey and Sam Rhodes
Saturday 11th - Sunday 12th September 2010
We will spend the first day in and around Greystone Quarry near Tavistock. We will look at the geology (dolerite sill intruded into the Greystone Formation which is an abyssal siltstone - a stretch of hornfelsed siltstone is clearly visible in the quarry). We may also be able to find one or two outcrops nearby that help expand the local geology being introduced. We will also introduce the quarry workings.
The following day we will visit Meldon Quarry famous for its volcanics, hornfels and slates and complex structure, which has recently had to find a new purpose! The traditional rail ballast contract has been withdrawn due to the recession but investigations found that the quarry had materials that could be worked competitively into the bulk fill market. This will help keep Meldon going until the ballast market resumes. Boreholes were also recently drilled to help elucidate the geology to the south of the current excavations - the first boreholes for years.
Although the cores may not be available for inspection in September (they will have been crushed and tested) they give an opportunity to unravel the enigmatic thrusting and folding that characterises Meldon. We will also introduce the Geodiversity plans we have for Meldon and have lunch at our new rock park!
Booking is required - contact the G.A.
Leaders: Eddie Bailey and Sam Rhodes
Saturday 11th - Sunday 12th September 2010
We will spend the first day in and around Greystone Quarry near Tavistock. We will look at the geology (dolerite sill intruded into the Greystone Formation which is an abyssal siltstone - a stretch of hornfelsed siltstone is clearly visible in the quarry). We may also be able to find one or two outcrops nearby that help expand the local geology being introduced. We will also introduce the quarry workings.
The following day we will visit Meldon Quarry famous for its volcanics, hornfels and slates and complex structure, which has recently had to find a new purpose! The traditional rail ballast contract has been withdrawn due to the recession but investigations found that the quarry had materials that could be worked competitively into the bulk fill market. This will help keep Meldon going until the ballast market resumes. Boreholes were also recently drilled to help elucidate the geology to the south of the current excavations - the first boreholes for years.
Although the cores may not be available for inspection in September (they will have been crushed and tested) they give an opportunity to unravel the enigmatic thrusting and folding that characterises Meldon. We will also introduce the Geodiversity plans we have for Meldon and have lunch at our new rock park!
Booking is required - contact the G.A.
Practical Sustainability in Geo-Science and Engineering
On Wednesday 17th November 2010, 1.30 - 6.30. The Western Regional Group of the Geological Society and the University of Bristol Department of Earth Sciences will hold their first joint annual half-day conference. The theme is 'Practical Sustainability in Geo-Science and Engineering'. This event will be FREE to attend, we just ask that you let us know if you wish to attend as, unfortunately, there is a limit on the numbers.
The conference is proposed to comprise a mixture of:
* Keynote speakers from industry, academia and statutory bodies
* Offered papers and posters
* Networking opportunities
making this a key event for geological professionals in the region.
The aim of the conference is to inspire the geological community in the Western UK though the opportunity to showcase the latest sustainable geological developments, present new research, introduce innovative technologies and in general, share current knowledge of practical ways
sustainability is being addressed within geo-science and engineering.
We are inviting entries for speakers, papers and posters which will enthuse and challenge delegates - entries from all areas of geology are welcome. As suggestions, topics could include:
* Carbon footprinting of geo-engineering projects
* Sustainable brownfield remediation
* Innovative engineering waste management
* Carbon capture and storage
* Climate-proofing geological schemes
Prospective speakers and those wishing to present papers and posters should submit an abstract via e-mail using the attached submission form to the conference convenor. The submission deadline is Wednesday 15th September 2010.
For further details contact the event convenor, Nicola Berry.
The conference is proposed to comprise a mixture of:
* Keynote speakers from industry, academia and statutory bodies
* Offered papers and posters
* Networking opportunities
making this a key event for geological professionals in the region.
The aim of the conference is to inspire the geological community in the Western UK though the opportunity to showcase the latest sustainable geological developments, present new research, introduce innovative technologies and in general, share current knowledge of practical ways
sustainability is being addressed within geo-science and engineering.
We are inviting entries for speakers, papers and posters which will enthuse and challenge delegates - entries from all areas of geology are welcome. As suggestions, topics could include:
* Carbon footprinting of geo-engineering projects
* Sustainable brownfield remediation
* Innovative engineering waste management
* Carbon capture and storage
* Climate-proofing geological schemes
Prospective speakers and those wishing to present papers and posters should submit an abstract via e-mail using the attached submission form to the conference convenor. The submission deadline is Wednesday 15th September 2010.
For further details contact the event convenor, Nicola Berry.
Friday, 30 July 2010
Field Geology in South Pembrokeshire
These field trips will be led by Dr. Nick Chidlaw and are thoroughly recommended!
The Pembrokeshire landscape differs from much of Wales in that it is largely unmountainous, with extensive areas forming plateaux lying below 183m (600 ft). This course will visit a number of key coastal locations in south Pembrokeshire, examining rocks formed during the Silurian, Devonian and Carboniferous.
Pre-course handout: the course assumes no prior knowledge of geology or the field locations on the part of attendees. A handout covering all necessary logistical information (including meeting locations) and background information (including list of optional reading) on the geology will be sent to those enrolled a week or two before the course runs. Information on how to study for accreditation (see below) will also be provided in this handout.
Course Dates: Course held entirely in the field. Four days, spread over 2 weekends with a 2 week gap in between. This format allows safe study of beach sections for longer – maximum use of low tides; it also allows people who are working and live within reasonable driving distance to avoid using some of their ‘floating’ holidays. The course is offered for October and dates chosen when low tides are at the most suitable time (c. middle) of the day:
Saturday 9th, Sunday 10th October
Saturday 23rd, Sunday 24th October
Tuition fee per person: £94.00.
Payment: contact Cardiff University Centre for Lifelong Learning tel: 029 2087 0000
Final Enrolment Date: prior enrolment essential to ensure course viability. If you wish to attend, early enrolment is strongly encouraged. If the course reaches sufficient enrolments to make it viable, we can then begin to make accommodation arrangements (see below) – the earlier this date is, the more accommodation is likely to be available from which to choose what suits you best. Final enrolment likely to be 24/9/10 (two weeks before the course is due to run).
Accreditation: University Lifelong Learning courses are supported by government funding, allowing universities to offer these courses, and keep tuition fees as low as possible. In order to maintain funding, attendees are required to undertake some assessed work. On this course, the question paper is designed for quick and simple responses, to be completed in your own time in the 2 weeks following the course. The pass mark is 40%, and in practise, students usually score very highly. They find undertaking assessments helps to consolidate in their minds what they have learned, and enables them to get the most out of their course.
Accommodation and Transport: Attendees organise their own. Please do not make any accommodation arrangements until you are informed if the course is to run or not. Organizing your own accommodation allows you to arrange what suits your personal preference and budget. Sharing transport is a good idea to save costs, and arrangements can be made if you enquire to the University to make contact with other attendees. The recommended general area for accommodation is to the south of a line along the waterway of Milford Haven eastwards to the coastal town of Saundersfoot. Information on accommodation can be obtained from tourist
information centres including one in Pembroke town tel. (01437) 776499 and in Tenby (01834) 842404.
The Pembrokeshire landscape differs from much of Wales in that it is largely unmountainous, with extensive areas forming plateaux lying below 183m (600 ft). This course will visit a number of key coastal locations in south Pembrokeshire, examining rocks formed during the Silurian, Devonian and Carboniferous.
Pre-course handout: the course assumes no prior knowledge of geology or the field locations on the part of attendees. A handout covering all necessary logistical information (including meeting locations) and background information (including list of optional reading) on the geology will be sent to those enrolled a week or two before the course runs. Information on how to study for accreditation (see below) will also be provided in this handout.
Course Dates: Course held entirely in the field. Four days, spread over 2 weekends with a 2 week gap in between. This format allows safe study of beach sections for longer – maximum use of low tides; it also allows people who are working and live within reasonable driving distance to avoid using some of their ‘floating’ holidays. The course is offered for October and dates chosen when low tides are at the most suitable time (c. middle) of the day:
Saturday 9th, Sunday 10th October
Saturday 23rd, Sunday 24th October
Tuition fee per person: £94.00.
Payment: contact Cardiff University Centre for Lifelong Learning tel: 029 2087 0000
Final Enrolment Date: prior enrolment essential to ensure course viability. If you wish to attend, early enrolment is strongly encouraged. If the course reaches sufficient enrolments to make it viable, we can then begin to make accommodation arrangements (see below) – the earlier this date is, the more accommodation is likely to be available from which to choose what suits you best. Final enrolment likely to be 24/9/10 (two weeks before the course is due to run).
Accreditation: University Lifelong Learning courses are supported by government funding, allowing universities to offer these courses, and keep tuition fees as low as possible. In order to maintain funding, attendees are required to undertake some assessed work. On this course, the question paper is designed for quick and simple responses, to be completed in your own time in the 2 weeks following the course. The pass mark is 40%, and in practise, students usually score very highly. They find undertaking assessments helps to consolidate in their minds what they have learned, and enables them to get the most out of their course.
Accommodation and Transport: Attendees organise their own. Please do not make any accommodation arrangements until you are informed if the course is to run or not. Organizing your own accommodation allows you to arrange what suits your personal preference and budget. Sharing transport is a good idea to save costs, and arrangements can be made if you enquire to the University to make contact with other attendees. The recommended general area for accommodation is to the south of a line along the waterway of Milford Haven eastwards to the coastal town of Saundersfoot. Information on accommodation can be obtained from tourist
information centres including one in Pembroke town tel. (01437) 776499 and in Tenby (01834) 842404.
Sunday, 11 July 2010
Nature's Treasures - registration open
Nature’s Treasures 3Mineralogical Society one day meeting at the Natural History Museum
Sunday 12 December - 10.00 a.m.
Registration £20 includes refreshments and lunch.
Click here for Programme details and registration
Photo:Campylite, courtesy of D. Green
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