I span TWO geological epochs!

It is now thought that the Anthropocene started about 1950. It has still to be formally approved - and may not be - but vigorous debate will, no doubt, ensue.

This link covers the press release

This link is the Geol Soc of America response

Lots of things to worry about

Weather bombs could help us see deep inside Earth

Using severe weather as a substitute for earthquakes! 

Link

The problem of Medieval villages and earthquakes

An interesting article about why there was so much destruction in the recent Italian earthquake.

Link

The Geological Society - Western Regional Group - September Events

Dear all,

After a quiet summer break (in terms of our even talks and events), we are pleased to announce two events for September:

What has laboratory testing got to do with it?

20th September 2016

The Western Regional Group is pleased to invite Dr Way Way Moinet form Atkins Ltd.  Dr. Moinet will be sharing her experience modelling engineering conditions in the laboratory on different geomaterials under a variety of conditions

S H Reynolds Lecture Theatre, Bristol University
Refreshments from 6pm, for a 6.30pm start.

Download Flyer

 

WRG Summer Field Trip
The Avon Gorge

2pm Sunday 25th September 2016

This year’s WRGS field trip will be led by Richard Arthur. We will be meeting on the Circular Road on the Downs at the Avon Gorge Viewpoint (Sneyd Park, Bristo, BS9 1PG, where the ice cream van parks). The fieldtrip will consist of a circular walk, probably taking 2.5hrs. We will be starting at the viewpoint, walking down to the Portway, along the Portway, up Bridge Valley Road and back to the original starting point. We will see lots of exposures including dolomitic conglomerates and fossilised crinoids along Bridge Valley Road (which will be shut to road traffic) and faulting amongst others. We recommend walking/safety boots as a minimum.

After the field trip we will be travelling back into Clifton and will order food and/or pint at one of the local pubs.
The cost of the trip is FREE.
Please e-mail louisa.mcara@atkinsglobal.com to reserve your place.

Download Flier

Britain’s recent wet summers can be blamed on the Atlantic jet stream, says new study

Not really geological but, even so, very interesting!

Link

Italy’s deadly earthquake is the latest in a history of destruction

Here are a couple of links about the recent Italian earthquake

Link 1

Link 2

Some GA Excursions

This has come my way. The second and last items may be of interest to us.

Dear Members, I hope you are all enjoying this spell of super Summer weather. This is a reminder of a few of the GA field trips coming up and of course the GA Conference which is in October.  You can book for all of these events through the GA Website http://www.geologistsassociation.org.uk Fossils in the City led by Mike Howgate Sunday 25 September at 2pm Spend an enjoyable afternoon fossil hunting in London. Most of us will be familiar with the use of Portland Roach Stone in London buildings with its abundant Portland Screws (Aptyxiella portlandica) and Osses ‘Eds (Laevitrigonia gibbosa) but there is much else to see. Danish Ordovician nautiloids will vie with Irish Carboniferous productids and crinoids for your attention. While German Solnhofen ammonites and belemnites abound on Fenchurch Street. Not forgetting the dinosaur footprint hidden in a back alley near Bank Underground Station. Equipment: Suitable clothing and footwear. Hand lens, note book, camera. Cost £5 Dorset/ Devon Weekend 1 - 2 October led by Prof John Cope The Dorset-Devon boundary coast has magnificent exposures of the transition from the desert conditions of the Late Triassic from red to green mudstones as the Triassic deserts were replaced by marine condition in the latest Triassic with marine faunas in the Penarth Group.  The latter is succeeded by Lower Jurassic fully marine rocks with a rich fauna dominated by ammonites.  The unconformably overlying Upper Greensand and Chalk cap the cliffs in the east along a spectacular landslipped coast, but are at beach level in the west where they can be examined in detail.  The trip will be based in Lyme Regis where there are many hotels, fossil shops and the Philpot Museum.   Precise locality details will depend upon the weather, but footwear providing ankle support is a must as are helmets.  There is no need for hi-vis jackets. Cost £15 Geology and Coastal Change around Selsey West Sussex led by David Bone Saturday 8 October An excursion around the Selsey area looking at coastal changes illustrated by Ice Age erratics, raised beaches, lost medieval harbours, offshore quarrying and the creation of one of the largest managed retreat and coastal realignment schemes in recent years. A wide-ranging day covering geology, landscape, archaeology and local history. Equipment: Suitable clothing and footwear. Hand lens, note book, camera. Pub or packed, Cost £5 GA Annual Conference, The Jurassic Coast - Geoscience and Education.  Friday 21 Conference, Field trips Saturday 22 October Full programme details are now on our website - Book Now! http://www.geologistsassociation.org.uk/conferences.html Best wishes   Sarah Stafford Executive Secretary