Thursday, 4 October 2018
Wednesday, 3 October 2018
Mendips consultation
Mendip Hills AONB Management Plan
Late as ever, it has come to my notice that there is a consultation on the 2019 - 2024 Mendip Hills AONB Management Plan. This came to an end on September 30th. I heard about it on the 1st October. There was a questionnaire but it is no longer available.
Saturday, 29 September 2018
1st to 7th October 2018
NEXT WEEKS EVENTS
1st to 7th October 2018
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 1st
Course - Geology of the Bristol and Gloucester Region.
When
Mon, 1 October, 19:30 – 21:30
Where
Wynstones School, Stroud Road, Whaddon, Gloucester (map)
Description
Geology of the Bristol and Gloucester Region.
One of the most varied regions of Britain, spanning the major divisions of the Variscan Front/Bristol Channel-Bray Fault, and the Malvern fault/ Worcester Graben, incorporating rocks varying in age from late PreCambrian to Cretaceous, and three of the terranes making up the geological “jigsaw” of Britain. The course will cover roughly the area covered by the eponymous BGS publication in the British Regional Geology series (3rd edition 1992). Starts Mon 17th September for 10 weeks (not 22nd or29th Oct or 5th Nov), until 10th December Held at Wynstones School, Stroud Road, Whaddon, Gloucester from 7.30-9.30pm on Mondays. Cost £75 (including tea, coffee etc at breaktime!).
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 2nd
Wednesday 3rd
Thursday 4th
Course - Understanding Geology and Scenery around Ross-on-Wye
When
Thu, 4 October, 10:00 – 10:30
Description
Understanding Geology and Scenery around Ross-on-Wye
Starts September 21st (not 25th Oct or 8th Nov), finishes 6th December.
This 10 week course aims to introduce you to the ways in which the varied and beautiful landscape round our area has come into being. The effects of folds, faults and tectonic dip in exposing different rock types, and the past and present processes of uplift, weathering, erosion and deposition that have acted upon them, will be examined by reference to local scenery. Use will be made of local maps and cross-sections across them, both geological and topographic; together with specimens of local rocks. Contact Paul Mason on 01989 760399. Cost £60 Enrol before 15th September to ensure that the course runs.
-------------------------------------------
Bath Geol Soc - Lecture
When
Thu, 4 October, 19:30 – 21:00
Where
Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, 16 Queen Square, Bath (map)
Description
Creating the critical zone: dissolving, fracturing, and eating rocks
Dr Heather L. Buss - Senior Lecturer in Biogeochemical Weathering - School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol
The critical zone is the region of terrestrial Earth extending from the treetops to where rock begins to weather. It's critical because it provides many essentials that we need to survive on this planet - energy, nutrients, food, groundwater; it also mediates the release of toxins to the biosphere, controls water runoff and infiltration, affects the concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and generates dust and sediments. The creation of the critical zone from solid rock is a complex but fascinating set of interlinked processes of chemical reactions, physical transport, fracturing, and metabolism.
The feedbacks amongst these very different processes determine many of the characteristics of the critical zone, such as the shape of it, the depth of it, how fast it evolves, and the fertility of it. Because the critical zone is so critical, it's essential that we are able to preserve (or restore) its functions in the face of global and local environmental change. To do that, we need to understand exactly how these feedbacks work so that we can make accurate predictions of the consequences of environmental change as well as of our interventions. In this talk, I will discuss how these different processes are interlinked with a case study of spheroidal weathering in a tropical granitic rock, with extension to other lithologies and climate zones globally.
friday 5th
saturday 6th
Sunday 7th
Course - Geology of the Bristol and Gloucester Region.
When
Mon, 1 October, 19:30 – 21:30
Where
Wynstones School, Stroud Road, Whaddon, Gloucester (map)
Description
Geology of the Bristol and Gloucester Region.
One of the most varied regions of Britain, spanning the major divisions of the Variscan Front/Bristol Channel-Bray Fault, and the Malvern fault/ Worcester Graben, incorporating rocks varying in age from late PreCambrian to Cretaceous, and three of the terranes making up the geological “jigsaw” of Britain. The course will cover roughly the area covered by the eponymous BGS publication in the British Regional Geology series (3rd edition 1992). Starts Mon 17th September for 10 weeks (not 22nd or29th Oct or 5th Nov), until 10th December Held at Wynstones School, Stroud Road, Whaddon, Gloucester from 7.30-9.30pm on Mondays. Cost £75 (including tea, coffee etc at breaktime!).
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
Course - Understanding Geology and Scenery around Ross-on-Wye
When
Thu, 4 October, 10:00 – 10:30
Description
Understanding Geology and Scenery around Ross-on-Wye
Starts September 21st (not 25th Oct or 8th Nov), finishes 6th December.
This 10 week course aims to introduce you to the ways in which the varied and beautiful landscape round our area has come into being. The effects of folds, faults and tectonic dip in exposing different rock types, and the past and present processes of uplift, weathering, erosion and deposition that have acted upon them, will be examined by reference to local scenery. Use will be made of local maps and cross-sections across them, both geological and topographic; together with specimens of local rocks. Contact Paul Mason on 01989 760399. Cost £60 Enrol before 15th September to ensure that the course runs.
-------------------------------------------
Bath Geol Soc - Lecture
When
Thu, 4 October, 19:30 – 21:00
Where
Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, 16 Queen Square, Bath (map)
Description
Creating the critical zone: dissolving, fracturing, and eating rocks
Dr Heather L. Buss - Senior Lecturer in Biogeochemical Weathering - School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol
The critical zone is the region of terrestrial Earth extending from the treetops to where rock begins to weather. It's critical because it provides many essentials that we need to survive on this planet - energy, nutrients, food, groundwater; it also mediates the release of toxins to the biosphere, controls water runoff and infiltration, affects the concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and generates dust and sediments. The creation of the critical zone from solid rock is a complex but fascinating set of interlinked processes of chemical reactions, physical transport, fracturing, and metabolism.
The feedbacks amongst these very different processes determine many of the characteristics of the critical zone, such as the shape of it, the depth of it, how fast it evolves, and the fertility of it. Because the critical zone is so critical, it's essential that we are able to preserve (or restore) its functions in the face of global and local environmental change. To do that, we need to understand exactly how these feedbacks work so that we can make accurate predictions of the consequences of environmental change as well as of our interventions. In this talk, I will discuss how these different processes are interlinked with a case study of spheroidal weathering in a tropical granitic rock, with extension to other lithologies and climate zones globally.
Jade mining and landslides
800 Deaths in Last 4 Years
One of my favourite blogs, The Landslide Blog, reports that there has been 800 deaths in the last 4 years in the jade mining area of Myanmar (formerly Burma). The blog records 33 fatal landslides in that period. It is the global hotspot for landslide fatalities.
Google Earth images show that environmental protection (and health and safety) were not prioritised. They seem to have been completely forgotten! Put Hpakant into the Google Maps search box and look at the Satellite images. The place is dreadful. Zoom out and you see that it is in an area of wooded hills which looks idyllic.
Sunday, 23 September 2018
Minerals of the English Midlands
Minerals of the English Midlands
Roy Starkey the author of "Minerals of the English Midlands" has told me that this book is now available for purchase. I am sure some of you will be interested in getting a copy. He writes:-
I wanted to let you know that I have just published a major new book Minerals of the English Midlands (see attached pdf flyer) which may be of interest to your members.
The book is a private project funded entirely by myself and is being distributed on a not-for-profit basis – I seek only to recoup the cost of producing it.
You can see more information on my website HERE and order a copy HERE.
I wanted to let you know that I have just published a major new book Minerals of the English Midlands (see attached pdf flyer) which may be of interest to your members.
The book is a private project funded entirely by myself and is being distributed on a not-for-profit basis – I seek only to recoup the cost of producing it.
You can see more information on my website HERE and order a copy HERE.
Saturday, 22 September 2018
24th to 30th September 2018
NEXT WEEKS EVENTS
24TH TO 30th SEPTEMBER 2018
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.
MENDIP HILLS AONB HAVE A SERIES OF EVENTS WHICH HAVE ONLY RECENTLY COME TO MY NOTICE. THEY CAN BE DISCOVERED HERE. I HAVE INSERTED SOME OF THEM BELOW. VISIT THE WEBSITE FOR BOOKING DETAILS.
MONDAY 24TH
Course - Geology of the Bristol and Gloucester Region.
When
Mon, 24 September, 19:30 – 21:30
Where
Wynstones School, Stroud Road, Whaddon, Gloucester (map)
Description
Geology of the Bristol and Gloucester Region.
One of the most varied regions of Britain, spanning the major divisions of the Variscan Front/Bristol Channel-Bray Fault, and the Malvern fault/ Worcester Graben, incorporating rocks varying in age from late PreCambrian to Cretaceous, and three of the terranes making up the geological “jigsaw” of Britain. The course will cover roughly the area covered by the eponymous BGS publication in the British Regional Geology series (3rd edition 1992). Starts Mon 17th September for 10 weeks (not 22nd or29th Oct or 5th Nov), until 10th December Held at Wynstones School, Stroud Road, Whaddon, Gloucester from 7.30-9.30pm on Mondays. Cost £75 (including tea, coffee etc at breaktime!).
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 25th
wednesday 26th
thursday 27th
Course - Understanding Geology and Scenery around Ross-on-Wye
When
Thu, 27 September, 10:00 – 10:30
Description
Understanding Geology and Scenery around Ross-on-Wye
Starts September 21st (not 25th Oct or 8th Nov), finishes 6th December.
This 10 week course aims to introduce you to the ways in which the varied and beautiful landscape round our area has come into being. The effects of folds, faults and tectonic dip in exposing different rock types, and the past and present processes of uplift, weathering, erosion and deposition that have acted upon them, will be examined by reference to local scenery. Use will be made of local maps and cross-sections across them, both geological and topographic; together with specimens of local rocks. Contact Paul Mason on 01989 760399. Cost £60 Enrol before 15th September to ensure that the course runs.
friday 28th
saturday 29th
BANWELL BONE CAVES TOUR– “GEOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF BANWELL CAVES AND FOLLIES”
September 29 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
£15.00
£15pp, (children under 16 free). Tea/cake or refreshments available.
A chance to see an early 19th Century pleasure garden with unique bone cave and follies/grottoes, not often open to the public.
Address: The Caves, Banwell Lane, BS29 6NA.
Limited places – booking essential. Payment in cash only at the gate to tour guide please. No card facility at the Caves.
Please arrive promptly for 2.15pm for start of tour at 2.30pm. Car parking inside gates of The Caves to the left.
Access and footwear: please wear grippy boots/shoes as their are approx 20 stone steps down into the caves, also grounds and gardens have some uneven ground and steps. Grounds and caves are unsuitable for limited mobility or young children or pushchairs.
sunday 30th
CHARTERHOUSE HISTORY AND BLACK DOWN INDUSTRIAL ARCHAEOLOGY WALK
September 30 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
FREE
Join Dr Andrew Newton to discover the fascinating history of the Mendip Lead and other history on this walk of ~ 6miles. Drinks/waterproofs.
Parking at Blackmoor Reserve, Charterhouse, ST505 556.
Course - Geology of the Bristol and Gloucester Region.
When
Mon, 24 September, 19:30 – 21:30
Where
Wynstones School, Stroud Road, Whaddon, Gloucester (map)
Description
Geology of the Bristol and Gloucester Region.
One of the most varied regions of Britain, spanning the major divisions of the Variscan Front/Bristol Channel-Bray Fault, and the Malvern fault/ Worcester Graben, incorporating rocks varying in age from late PreCambrian to Cretaceous, and three of the terranes making up the geological “jigsaw” of Britain. The course will cover roughly the area covered by the eponymous BGS publication in the British Regional Geology series (3rd edition 1992). Starts Mon 17th September for 10 weeks (not 22nd or29th Oct or 5th Nov), until 10th December Held at Wynstones School, Stroud Road, Whaddon, Gloucester from 7.30-9.30pm on Mondays. Cost £75 (including tea, coffee etc at breaktime!).
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
Course - Understanding Geology and Scenery around Ross-on-Wye
When
Thu, 27 September, 10:00 – 10:30
Description
Understanding Geology and Scenery around Ross-on-Wye
Starts September 21st (not 25th Oct or 8th Nov), finishes 6th December.
This 10 week course aims to introduce you to the ways in which the varied and beautiful landscape round our area has come into being. The effects of folds, faults and tectonic dip in exposing different rock types, and the past and present processes of uplift, weathering, erosion and deposition that have acted upon them, will be examined by reference to local scenery. Use will be made of local maps and cross-sections across them, both geological and topographic; together with specimens of local rocks. Contact Paul Mason on 01989 760399. Cost £60 Enrol before 15th September to ensure that the course runs.
BANWELL BONE CAVES TOUR– “GEOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF BANWELL CAVES AND FOLLIES”
September 29 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
£15.00
£15pp, (children under 16 free). Tea/cake or refreshments available.
A chance to see an early 19th Century pleasure garden with unique bone cave and follies/grottoes, not often open to the public.
Address: The Caves, Banwell Lane, BS29 6NA.
Limited places – booking essential. Payment in cash only at the gate to tour guide please. No card facility at the Caves.
Please arrive promptly for 2.15pm for start of tour at 2.30pm. Car parking inside gates of The Caves to the left.
Access and footwear: please wear grippy boots/shoes as their are approx 20 stone steps down into the caves, also grounds and gardens have some uneven ground and steps. Grounds and caves are unsuitable for limited mobility or young children or pushchairs.
CHARTERHOUSE HISTORY AND BLACK DOWN INDUSTRIAL ARCHAEOLOGY WALK
September 30 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
FREE
Join Dr Andrew Newton to discover the fascinating history of the Mendip Lead and other history on this walk of ~ 6miles. Drinks/waterproofs.
Parking at Blackmoor Reserve, Charterhouse, ST505 556.
Friday, 21 September 2018
South Africa's newest Unesco World Heritage Site
Makhonjwa Mountains Declared Unesco World Heritage Site
When I was in South Africa this was known as Barberton Mountain Land - a name somewhat younger than the rocks. Henry and Fred Barber found gold there in 1884. The rocks have been there for about 3.57 billion years.
This web site tells the story of the rocks and the gold mining history of the area. (If you cannot get the site to open with your browser try another one. Chrome and Edge work in Windows, Opera does not.) This is very much a web site for tourists but there is a lot of geology to be found in the area and it is well worth visiting if you are in South Africa. And the pictures are nice.
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