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The Association Future Lectures SGM and Rules Adoption Japan Field Meeting December Lecture Circular ANNUAL DINNER NOTICE Oxford Geology Group Bristol District Field Meeting January Lecture GA Festival London Walk Curry Fund Report Library Notes Conservation - views sought Geology of NE Churches 2 EXETER MEETING Book Reviews Back Cover: URGENT NOTICE Barcelona Guide Magazine of the Geologists’ Association Volume 11, No 1, 2012

Published by the COUNCIL Geologists’ Association. MAY 2011 - MAY 2012 Four issues per year. Officers: CONTENTS Professor David Bridgland ISSN 1476-7600 Professor Rory Mortimore Production team: JOHN CROCKER, Dr Colin Prosser, Dr Michael Ridd 3 The Association Paula Carey, John Cosgrove, Dr Graham Williams 4 Future Lectures Vanessa Harley, Jon Trevelyan, Mrs Diana Clements 5 SGM and Rules Adoption Chris Woolston 8 Japan Field Meeting Postholders Printed by City Print, Milton Keynes Mr Roger Le Voir, Dr Michael Oates 12 December Lecture Mr Geoff Swann, Dr Michael Ridd 13 Circular The GEOLOGISTS’ ASSOCIATION Professor Susan Marriott 17 ANNUAL DINNER NOTICE does not accept any responsibility for Professor John Cosgrove Oxford Geology Group views and opinions expressed by Miss Elaine Bimpson individual authors in this magazine. Dr Paul Olver, Ms Barbara Cumbers 18 Bristol District Field Meeting Mrs Susan Brown 20 January Lecture The Geologists’ 21 GA Festival London Walk Association Non-Council Postholders 22 Curry Fund Report Proceedings Editor: The Association, founded in 1858, exists to Library Notes foster the progress and diffusion of the Professor Jim Rose, 23 Conservation - views sought science of geology, and to encourage Archivist: Dr Jonathan Larwood. research and the development of new 24 Geology of NE Churches 2 methods. It holds meetings for the reading Ordinary Members of Council 26 EXETER MEETING of papers and the delivery of lectures, Mr Andrew Ashley organises museum demonstrations, Mr David Greenwood Green Walk Trail publishes Proceedings and Guides, and Professor Richard Howarth, 27 Book Reviews conducts field meetings. Mr Peter Riches Back Cover: Annual Subscriptions for 2012 are £40.00, Dr Christopher Woolston Associates £30.00, Joint Members URGENT NOTICE £58.00, Students £18.00. Barcelona Guide For forms of Proposal for Membership and Co-opted members of Council further information, apply to the Executive Mr Neill Hadlow, Ms Leanne Hughes, Secretary, The Geologists’ Association, Dr. Keith Whittles Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0DU. Members of Council Retiring May E-mail [email protected] 2012 Telephone 020 7434 9298 Dr John Crocker, Dr Keith Duff, Fax 020 7287 0280 Charlie Underwood Website: © The Geologists’ Association. http://www.geologistsassociation.org.uk All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, President: David Bridgland stored in a retrieval system or Executive Secretary: Sarah Curry Fund Dates for 2012 transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior permission in Stafford Applications to Committee writing of the author and the to be received by Date Geologists’ Association. Cover picture: February 20 March 9 LAST Copy dates for the Circular & Mt Fuji is an andesite/basalt May 20 June 8 Magazine strato-volcano, and although now August 20 September 14 March Issue January 14 November 20 December 14 dormant it was active less than three June Issue April 22 September Issue July 22 centuries ago. This late evening December Issue October 21 photograph was taken from Lake Photographer found! The cover Kawaguchi during the 2011 GA field Items should be submitted as soon photograph of the GA Magazine 10.3 as possible and not targeted on meeting in Japan. these dates. We welcome September 2011 was taken by contributions from Members and others. Michael Cuming

2 Magazine of the Geologists’ Association Vol. 11, No. 1, 2012 THE ASSOCIATION On the eve of the Festival I chaired The Membership Team have been From the President the Local Groups meeting, which was busy having regular meetings around Just as I write we seem to be moved to the Janet Watson Lecture the country. The group is steered by experiencing the coldest spell of the Theatre, a reflection of the level of Paul Olver who is on the GA Council but current winter, which will soon be over, attendance. Group leaders were members are also drawn from local allowing us all to get back to our encouraged to increase the level of groups. The team are trying to set up gardens and our field work and, participation by their groups in GA regional meetings. The GA and perhaps, volunteer geoconservation activities, e.g. by organizing meetings Rockwatch will have a presence at the work. Much of what I have to report and festivals in their areas. I would like Newark Rock & Gem Show on through the magazine, as ever, to remind you all here that the GA September 22-23 and discussions are concerns geoconservation issues. You would be happy to facilitate a Festival of beginning with Manchester Geological will see that Colin Prosser has written Geology somewhere outside of London, Society on supporting their Broadhurst elsewhere in this Magazine, seeking in addition, and at a different time, to day of lectures in January 2014. The members' views on geoconservation the annual event at UCL. next meeting of the group will be at priorities and an agenda for the future. One of my last duties as GA President Stamford. This is by way of a follow-up to the GA will be the co-organization of the 2012 The GA Guides are selling well and conference 'Geoconservation for science Annual meeting on the topic of 'Rivers expanding fast under the editorship of and society: an agenda for the 21st through geological time'. This will be in Susan Marriott. Last November the Century' last September in Worcester. Exeter, at Royal Albert Memorial Roadside Geology of Wales by Jim Meanwhile the first papers to be Museum, on the 13th & 14th of October Talbot and John Cosgrove was submitted for the special issue in the and is being organized jointly with the published and by the time you read this Proceedings arising from that meeting Geology Section of the Devonshire the Barcelona Guide will soon be on the have begun the process of refereeing, Association, for whom it coincides with shelves. In addition guides to the so look out for the eventual publication their 150th Anniversary. The list of Dorset Coast, South Devon and Bristol of this collection of articles. Another speakers is well advanced now, Quaternary are all progressing well. It issue of potential concern to although there still room for some is hoped that the Dorset Guide will be geoconservationalists arose late in more, so I would welcome any out in time for the Lyme Regis Fossil 2011, just in time to make the suggestions. Festival on 4th-6th May. You are now December Magazine, this being the David Bridgland able to purchase the Guides at the proposal to designate a kite-surfing reduced members' price through the zone on the foreshore at Bracklesham, Report from Council GA website. West Sussex, including the geological One of the follow-ups to the GA SSSI and fossil-collecting locality. More At the February meeting of Council Conference in Worcester last details of developments concerning this the proposed updates to the Rules was September was to capture the list of appear in the General Secretary's agreed. These will incorporate the Geoconservation priorities that report. Regulations for the new Awards that emerged during the event. These are Also on the topic of geoconservation, the GA now offers. Please see the published for consultation on page 23 I am delighted to inform readers that, details of the proposed changes on and Council is committed to ensuring following consultation with the pages 5-7 of this Magazine. The that the GA plays its part in shaping membership, the GA Council has agreed amendments will be put before the and acting on the priorities that are that the Association will become a Membership for final approval at the outlined. partner in the production of the journal Special General Meeting called for 6 pm One of the issues that has been Earth Heritage. This journal will be on Friday 13 April, before the lecture brought to Council's attention is the published in future in electronic (pdf) (note that this is the second Friday of current conflict between visitors to the form and will be available to GA the month as the first is Good Friday). SSSI fossil beds and kite surfers on members free of charge. I have agreed The new Awards are mainly grants Bracklesham Beach and the local to represent the GA on the editorial towards research projects and are Council. board of Earth Heritage and will attend detailed on the GA website. In addition Leanne Hughes from the BGS, one of my first meeting in this capacity on there is an occasional grant available to our newly co-opted members to March 29th. Groups organising special regional Council, has initiated a Another item of President's business meetings. geology/geomorphology link to the late last year was to preside over the Thank you to all those who submitted Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award selection of Dr Stuart Archer, of nominations for the Foulerton, Scheme and is proposing that the GA Aberdeen University, to deliver the 2012 Halstead, Stopes and Richardson produce a landscape factsheet for each Halstead Lecture at the British Science Awards. The recipients will receive of the DofE expedition areas. Students Festival in that city next September. could then submit their final expedition Stuart's expertise in petroleum geology them at the Annual General Meeting on May 4th. After this meeting the project to the GA who may award seems admirably appropriate both for prizes for the best three. Council the venue and the theme of next years ANNUAL DINNER will be held again in the Lower Library. Many members approved in principle and Leanne is BSF ('Energise your Mind'). He is not to now hoping that the Local Groups can be confused with the completely enjoyed the meal last year and recommended a similar arrangement. act as a guide in the expedition different Stuart Archer, who received regions. With 1 in 7 young people the Curry MSc prize at the Festival of Please find details on page 17. You can now pay with Paypal via our website, taking part in the DofE scheme Leanne Geology in November, as reported in hopes that this initiative will bring the December Magazine. On the topic credit card over the telephone or by cheque through the post. geology to a wider audience. of the Festival, I would like to express This report covers discussions at the gratitude, on behalf of the GA, to all All the UK and overseas field trips were detailed in the December edition meetings in December and February, stall holders, speakers and field-trip there being no meeting in January. leaders, and especially to Sarah, of the GA Magazine. You will notice that Geraldine and Michael Susan & Wendy in this edition that we have been able Diana Clements Kirk, for all their hard work in ensuring to add most of the missing dates so do the success, once again, of this annual book up. In some cases places are General Secretary venture. going fast. Magazine of the Geologists’ Association Vol. 11, No. 1, 2012 3 April Meeting and SGM - Note the date - the 2nd Friday in April Dudley Geoconservation - Engaging thickest coal seam and therefore Public Interest at the Wren’s Nest energy resource driving the industrial National Nature Reserve. revolution. And due to its exceptional preservation and diversity of fossil Graham Worton, Keeper of Geology and marine invertebrates was the key Borough Geologist, Dudley Metropolitan palaeontological locality used by Sir Borough Council Roderik Murchison when defining the Silurian System in the 1830's. It is a Friday April 13 2012 place of spectacular geological and Geological Society, related human heritage. Unsurprisingly Burlington House, then , there are hundreds of geological Piccadilly, W1V 0JU localities in the coal field area, Arguably at 6.00 pm, tea at 5.30 pm. the most important of which is the Wren’s Nest National Nature Reserve. this geological heritage is widely The town of Dudley in the West This talk will review some of the appreciated and valued, and in Midlands sits on a lofty Silurian spectacular geology of the area and of consequence, conserved. The 'Strata limestone ridge surrounded by low the Wrens Nest in particular. It will use Project' geotourism vision sets the plains of the South Staffordshire stunning images and video to provide context for this engagement and within Coalfield. It is a compact and complex an insight into some novel projects that this context 'Ripples Through Time' and geological terrain that has engaged have been carried out here in the last 'The Wrosne Project' show how our practical geologist's minds for over few years to engage the general public science can be presented in ways that three centuries. It has been mined and the science community alike with can touch and change the lives of since at least roman times, it is the site this wonderful geodiversity. These young and old alike, whatever the of the world's oldest known geological projects were designed to have high knowledge or however difficult the map, it boasts the United Kingdom's visual and emotional impact such that background. May Meeting and AGM and Presidential Address Glamorous gravel: it has much to reveal these to be answered will be evident from a cursory inspection Professor David Bridgland of the section; others will require sampling and analyses or President perhaps detailed recording of bedding and/or pebble orientation. The address will explore these issues, with reference to Friday May 4 2012 examples and case studies, in an attempt to demonstrate that Geological Society, there is much of interest to be learned in the lowly gravel pit. Burlington House, Essentially, I won't be able to resist showing you some of my Piccadilly, W1V 0JU favourite pebbles, in the hope that they will excite you too. at 6.00 pm, tea at 5.30 pm. There might also be surprises in terms of the interpretations required to explain the composition of some gravels. Indeed, At first sight little in geology seems more gravels will never be dull again! mundane than gravel. Aggregate quarrying accounts for a high proportion of our mineral extraction industry, which essentially is because the (admittedly useful) stuff is all over the place. As someone who has made an academic career from expertise on the topic, I feel duty bound to try and improve its reputation. Of course there are interesting rare components to be found in some gravels, from valuable minerals like gold and diamonds to specimens that provide important information for palaeontologists, archaeologists and stratigraphers: fossils and Palaeolithic artefacts. Much can also be learned from gravels themselves, however, in terms of information about past environments and changes in these, from fluctuations in climate to altered drainage patterns. If one is lucky enough to find oneself in front of an exposure of gravel, a whole series of questions can be asked. Are they bedded? If yes, is it indicative of a river or a beach? Is there evidence of flow direction? Is there environmental evidence? Was the climate warm or cold? What was the source of this material? The clues to allow some of June Meeting Isthmus of Panama: molluscs, nutrients and five million years of Friday June 1 2012 Geological Society, environmental change Burlington House, No abstract available Piccadilly, W1V 0JU Dr Jon Todd at 6.00 pm, tea at 5.30 Natural History Museum pm.

4 Magazine of the Geologists’ Association Vol. 11, No. 1, 2012 GA AWARDS

Over the past few years a number of new awards have been introduced and Council have now drawn up proposed amendments to the Rules to incorporate them. A Special General Meeting is required for Members to adopt the new Rules and Regulations

NOTICE OF SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE GEOLOGISTS' ASSOCIATION

This is to give notice that there will be a Special General Meeting of the Geologists' Association at 6 pm on Friday 13th April 2012 at Burlington House, London.

Agenda To revise the Rules of the Geologists' Association (details see below)

GEOLOGISTS' ASSOCIATION HALSTEAD MEDAL SUGGESTED 'RULES' UPDATE TO 4. Nominations for the award of the Medal shall be invited in INCORPORATE THE NEW AWARDS, 2012 the September Circular September circular

To read: As these are not separate charities but designated awards from GA 4. Nominations for the award of the Medal shall be invited in Funds there is no requirement for them to be put in the rules and the September notices to the membership so they will be termed 'REGULATIONS' and the document will be titled 'RULES & REGULATIONS' HENRY STOPES MEMORIAL FUND

REVISED RULES AND REGULATIONS OF 2. The medal to be made of bronze to be called the Henry Stopes THE GEOLOGISTS' ASSOCIATION Memorial Medal and to be awarded for work on the Prehistory of Man and his geological environment The existing Rules will remain unchanged apart from the following paragraphs. In each case both the existing Rule and the To read: proposed changed Rules and Regulations are given, with the 2. The medal to be made of bronze to be called the Henry Stopes proposed new phrases in bold type. Memorial Medal and to be awarded for work on the Prehistory of Hominins and their geological environment TITLE: GEOLOGISTS' ASSOCIATION RULES 6. Nominations for the award of the Medal shall be invited in the September Circular September circular To read: GEOLOGISTS' ASSOCIATION RULES & REGULATIONS To read: 6. Nominations for the award of the Medal shall be invited in the 3.2 FULL MEMBERS September notices to the membership

Full Members have the right of attending and voting at all THE G.W. YOUNG GEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION Meetings of the Association; of proposing candidates for election FUND to the Council; of serving, if elected, on Council or in any other Office of the Association; of bringing non-members to Ordinary 7. The Fund shall be administered by Council, who shall, from and Field Meetings; of using the Library; and of receiving by post time to time, by notices in the Circular and elsewhere such publications as Council may from time to time decide. To read: To read: 7. The Fund shall be administered by Council, who shall, from Full Members have the right of attending and voting at all time to time, by notices to the membership. Meetings of the Association; of proposing candidates for election to the Council; of serving, if elected, on Council or in any other THE WILLIAM BAKER - MURIEL ARBER FUND Office of the Association; of bringing non-members to Ordinary and Field Meetings; of using the Library; and of receiving such 4. The existence of the Fund shall be made known from time to publications as Council may from time to time decide . time by notices in the Circular

Magazine of the Geologists’ Association Vol. 11, No. 1, 2012 5 To read: from time to time, by notices to members, make known 4. The existence of the Fund shall be made known from time to the existence of the Funds and the amount of income time by notices to the membership available, and invite applications for grants from the (and to be placed after the G.W. Young Geological Investigation Funds. The Council shall decide annually the overall Fund) amount available for the grants, if any, and may attach conditions to grants. THE MIDDLEMISS FUND 4. Grants will normally be for sums up to £600 and can be used for any scientific purpose deemed suitable by the 5. The existence of the Fund shall be advertised from time to time Awards Committee. in the Circular 5. Applicants are required to complete a research proposal form (available on the internet or from the GA Office) To read: and submit either as hard copies and/or electronically to 4. The existence of the Fund shall be advertised from time to time the GA office. Deadlines are 15th February and 15th by notices to the membership September annually. 6. Successful applicants will be expected to submit a brief b. New regulations (to be added after The Middlemiss Fund and report (500-800 words) for publication in the GA before The Curry Fund) Magazine during the 12 months following expenditure of the grant. Applicants are encouraged to submit full-length GA RESEARCH AWARDS AND articles to the Proceedings of the Geologists' Association, NEW RESEARCHERS SCHEME which will be subject to the normal refereeing procedure REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO for papers. Applicants submitting full-length articles are ALL RESEARCH AWARDS not required to submit the brief report. 7. The financial support from the Geologists' Association 1. Not more than one award in all categories will be made to must be acknowledged in any publications. an individual in any one calendar year. 2. The allocation of awards and prizes shall be in the hands REGULATIONS FOR THE NEW RESEARCHERS' of a panel appointed by and responsible to Council. SCHEME for students (see also general Regulations above) When the allocation of an award or prize has been agreed by the panel it shall be reported at the next meeting of 1. The GA New Researchers' Scheme is designed for new or Council. younger researchers in any relevant field of earth 3. Applications for all awards can be submitted at any time sciences. and will be considered by the Awards Panel as follows: 2. Applicants must be registered for either an undergraduate Standard grants: twice a year (deadlines are 15th or postgraduate degree and must have been a GA February and 15th September, except for the Ivor Tupper Member for at least 6 months by the time of application. Fund and Curry MSc Prize). A letter of support from the applicant's dissertation or 4. Results of each grant round will normally be available doctoral supervisor must accompany the application. within 6 weeks of the deadline except for the Ivor Tupper 3. Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree or a Fund and Curry MSc Prize. tenured academic position. Preference will be given to 5. The GA will not consider retrospective applications, i.e. to those who have no other source of funding or whose support activities that will already have occurred prior to access to such funds is limited. the deadline date. 4. No grant shall be made to a Member of Council. 6. Where indicated in their award letter, successful 5. The Funds shall be administered by Council, who shall, applicants must submit a written report (suitable for from time to time, by notices to the membership, make publication in the GA Magazine ) and/or a statement of known the existence of the Funds and the amount of expenditure, by a specified deadline. income available, and invite applications for grants from 7. Successful applicants who do not provide the written the Funds. The Council shall decide annually the overall reports requested cannot be considered for future awards amount for the grants, if any, and may attach conditions until their reports have been received. to grants. 8. Successful candidates cannot be considered for further 6. Grants are normally for sums up to £600. awards until 12 months have elapsed following receipt of 7. Applicants are required to complete research proposal their written report and/or statement of expenses forms (available on the internet or from the GA Office) 9. The financial support from the GA shall be acknowledged and submit either as hard copies and/or electronically to in any publication, poster or presentation arising from the GA office. Deadlines are 15th February and 15th funded activities. September annually. 8. Successful applicants will be expected to submit a brief REGULATIONS FOR THE GA RESEARCH AWARDS report (500-800 words) for publication in the GA See below for student awards (see also general Regulations Magazine during the 12 months following expenditure of above) the grant. Applicants are encouraged to submit full-length articles to Proceedings of the Geologists' Association , 1. The GA Research Awards are available to all members of which will be subject to the normal refereeing procedure the Geologists' Association of at least one year's standing, for papers. Applicants submitting full-length articles are irrespective of age, to foster research in any area of earth not required to submit the brief report in addition. When sciences. indicated in their award letter, successful applicants must 2. No grant shall be made to a Member of Council. also submit a written a statement of expenditure. 3. The Funds shall be administered by Council, who shall, 9. The financial support from the Geologists' Association

6 Magazine of the Geologists’ Association Vol. 11, No. 1, 2012 shall be acknowledged in any publication, poster or 6. Each entry will be considered by the Awards Committee presentation arising from funded activities. of the Geologists' Association who reserves the right not to make the award in any one year. In all cases not provided for in these regulations, the decision of the chairman will THE IVOR TUPPER FUND OF THE GEOLOGISTS' be final. ASSOCIATION (for students in 2nd-4th years) 7. Family members of those comprising the judging panel and of Council members / employees of the Geologists' 1. An award in memory of G. Ivor F. Tupper, CEng, FIEE, Association are not eligible to have their work submitted (1927-2008). for the award of a prize 2. The fund is designed to give financial assistance - a single 8. Prize winners will be notified in April of the year award normally of £2000 cash annually - to a deserving following the date of submission and The Curry MSc undergraduate in their second, third or fourth year at Prizes will be presented annually to the recipients at the university, studying Geology or Earth Sciences. Association's Annual General Meeting, normally held 3. The nomination must be made through the student's Head early in May each year. of Department and only one entrant per degree programme can be accepted. REGULATIONS FOR THE GA MEETINGS AWARDS 4. The deadline for applications is 15th November and (members only, including student members) successful nominees will be notified by April of the following year. Nomination forms should be e-mailed or 1. The GA Meetings Awards are available to all members of sent by post to the Geologists' Association. at least one year's standing and student members of at 5. Each entry will be considered by the Awards Committee least six months' standing. Grants are made to assist of the Geologists' Association and the award will be made attendance at conferences and field meetings. Priority will to the best student who, in the opinion of the panel, most be given to those with limited alternative sources of clearly demonstrates commitment to the subject and funding, to GA-sponsored conferences and field meetings, academic excellence. The Awards Committee reserve the and to those making presentations (paper or poster) at right not to make an award in any one year. meetings or conferences. 6. The award will be made by the Council of the Geologists' 2. Applications from students must be accompanied by a Association to the student they feel best demonstrates letter of support from their supervisor. both a genuine commitment to the discipline and 3. Grants are normally for sums up to £250. The Awards academic excellence and will be presented to the recipient Committee will determine the number and amount of at the Association's Annual General Meeting, normally awards each year in consultation with the Treasurer. held early in May each year. 4. Applicants are invited to complete proposal forms (available on the internet or from the GA Office) and THE CURRY MSC PRIZES (for Masters students) submit either as hard copies and/or electronically to the GA office. Deadlines are 15th February and 15th 1. The aim of the Curry Prizes is to encourage student September annually. excellence. The prizes will be awarded for one or more 5. Successful applicants will be required to provide, within 3 Masters degree theses on a geology-related topic arising months after the event has taken place, a brief statement from an MSc taught course in a UK university, and of expenditure and activities undertaken, supported by considered to be of outstanding quality in the opinion of receipts. the judging panel. 6. Successful applicants attending meetings or conferences 2. Each Prize is a cash prize, normally of £1000, plus are requested to provide a brief review of the event for membership of the Geologists' Association for the publication in the GA Magazine . following calendar year. 3. Prize winners may also, at the judges' discretion, be REGULATIONS FOR THE GA REGIONAL MEETINGS invited to submit a manuscript based on their thesis to the GRANT Proceedings of the Geologists' Association for (available to Local and Affiliated Groups of the GA ) consideration for publication (subject to the normal refereeing process). 1. The GA Regional Meetings Grant is available to all Local 4. Nominations must be made by a tutor responsible for an and Affiliated Groups of the GA. Grants are made to MSc taught course in a geology-related field . MSc tutors enable local groups/affiliates to organise a regional may submit no more than one thesis for each MSc meeting in which a number of other groups will programme for students who completed their studies on a participate. taught course not longer than one year prior to the closing 2. Grants are normally for sums up to £350. The Awards date of the entry period. Each entry must be chosen and Committee will determine the number of awards each submitted with the agreement of the student concerned year in consultation with the Treasurer. and contain supporting information from the tutor 3. Applicants are required to complete a form (available on explaining why they are nominating it for an award. By the internet or from the GA Office) and to submit it either allowing their thesis to be entered for a prize, both as hard copy and/or electronically to the GA office. authors and course Directors affirm that they have read 4. A letter of confirmation from successful applicants that and accepted these conditions. the event has taken place must be sent to the Secretary 5. The closing date for submissions is November 15th. A and groups are requested to write a brief report for soft-bound paper copy of the dissertation must be sent to publication in the GA Magazine . the Executive Secretary, Geologists' Association, labelled "Curry Prizes submission"

Magazine of the Geologists’ Association Vol. 11, No. 1, 2012 7 The GA Field meeting in Japan, 2011

The idea for this - the GA's first visit Fujisan to the Fifth Station at 2305m the trip progressed, as English is not to Japan - came out of a day's on the north flank of the mountain. widely spoken, and signs, menus, yachting in November 2009. I was in From here among coach-loads of notices, etc. are generally in Dr Francis Hirsch's boat, sailing off mostly Japanese tourists we had good Japanese. the island of Shikoku, when he and I views of the surrounding peaks and of We based ourselves in the town of agreed to run a GA trip in which I Lake Kawaguchi where we would be Inuyama (Fig .1) for two days, taking would make the practical spending the night. Fujisan (3776m) the opportunity to visit a sixteenth arrangements and he would provide is a strato-volcano at the junction of century Inuyama Castle, perched on a the geological know-how. Francis is a three tectonic plates and its last low hill overlooking the Kiso River, as cosmopolitan European geologist who major eruption in 1707 darkened the well as the ocean-plate stratigraphy trained in the Alps and for the last skies over Tokyo with its ash. Over (OPS), which was well exposed decade has been teaching and the last 700,000 years the mountain further upstream and in the nearby researching in Japan, and so I knew has evolved and the present cone Hida River. Radiolaria in the banded we would be in good hands. engulfs several older ones. On the However when the Great Tohoku way down, we stopped at a lay-by, Earthquake and tsunami struck NE where we were able to study at close Japan on 11 March 2011, we quarters the vesicular basaltic and wondered if it might cause our plans andesitic lavas, discussing which blebs to collapse, but we need not have were phenocrysts and which were worried. GA members are not easily amygdales. Snow had not yet capped deterred and a party of 15 members the summit, but, even without it, the began this odyssey on 26 October in view of this perfect cone from our Tokyo. The next couple of days were hotel on the banks of Lake Kawaguchi spent sightseeing in this vast, bustling was stunning (see front cover). city, marvelling at its cleanliness, the The next day, after a Japanese courtesy of its people, and the breakfast of rice, miso soup, fish and juxtaposition of ancient shrines and pickles, our coach took us to Mishima, temples alongside stunning twenty- where we caught the bullet train to Fig. 2 Banded Triassic radiolarian chert (beds first century architecture. Most of us Nagoya. It's a big city with a seething up to a few centimetres thick) in the bed of the had overcome our jet-lag from the railway station but eventually we Hida River. This is a characteristic lithofacies of 12-hour journey by the 28th when the spotted Francis and his wife Chikako 'Ocean Plate Stratigraphy' and is now part of coach arrived at our hotel to take us who would be with us for the next an accretionary complex. to Mount Fuji, about a two hours drive eleven days. The translation and to the SW. interpreter skills of Chikako and of my cherts (Fig.2) and siliceous mudstones It is possible to drive part way up wife, Mikiko, would prove essential as of this Triassic-Jurassic succession have allowed several thrust sheets to be identified, stacked one on the other and the whole pile folded into a Hida Terrane broad west-plunging syncline. Apart Asian continental terranes from the rocks we would see near the Oki Terrane Japan Sea coast the following day, J A P A N S E A most of Japan is made up of slices of Pre-Jurassic accretionary terranes OPS contained in accretionary complexes which formed above the Jurassic-earliest Cretaceous accretionary terranes Katsuyama subduction zone at this margin of the Pacific Ocean. Subduction has been Cretaceous-middle Cenozoic Honshu occurring since the early Palaeozoic, accretionary as Pacific Ocean crust and its terranes Miyazu Inuyama overlying sediments subducted Nagoya beneath the margin of Asia. Underthrusting has been the Himeji Kobe Kyoto dominant deformation, which has Shodoshima Osaka meant that the oldest rocks tend to Hiroshima be highest in the structural pile, and Naruto Awajishima broadly speaking the oldest Tokushima N accretionary-complex rocks form the L Matsuyama MT NW side of the country, that is closest Kochi to the Asian continent, and the youngest form the SE side (closest to the Pacific Ocean) (Fig.1). If that were Shikoku not complex enough, the picture is made more difficult to unravel Cape Ashizuri because deep burial has resulted in Kyushu 200 km metamorphism over wide areas. In P A C I F I C O C E A N addition igneous activity accompanied the subduction, and strike-slip faulting has displaced large slices of the Figure 1 Simplified terrane map of part of SW Japan showing the route followed by the GA field meeting. Note that igneous rocks have been omitted, which are prolific in a broad country. zone north of the Median Tectonic Line (MTL). On 31 October we travelled north by coach toward Katsuyama, diverting up 8 Magazine of the Geologists’ Association Vol. 11, No. 1, 2012 a zigzag mountain side-road to search which are said to yield bivalves. for fusulinid fossils in a slice of Although none were found, the Permian limestone caught up in the presence nearby of a beautiful three- Jurassic-Cretaceous accretionary tier pagoda was a compensation complex. The landscape here (as (Fig.4). indeed over much of Japan) is of The reason for staying the night at steep-sided mountains with extensive the Japan Sea town of Miyazu was to areas of Japanese cypress forest enable us to examine 'The Bridge to (Cryptomeria japonica ) interspersed Heaven.' In Japanese this is known as with native forest which includes Amanohashidate and, in a nation that stands of maple. However we were a likes to categorise things, it is said to bit too early for the autumn colours be one of the three most important for which Japan is famous. Still natural sights in the country. In truth, heading north, beside the man-made it is interesting but hardly spectacular. Lake Kuzuryu we found our first Amanohashidate is a long and narrow outcrop of serpentinite, in the suture sand spit which resulted from an zone between the Jurassic-Cretaceous anticlockwise marine current in the accretionary complex and the adjacent bay (Fig.5). For Yen 640 we autochthonous Hida Terrane. took the cable car from a Shinto Japan rifted away from the Asian Fig.4 The beautiful Buddhist pagoda at Kongo- shrine at the foot of the hill by the NE continent (with the opening of the in, near the Japan Sea coast, compensated for end of the sand spit up to a lookout. Japan Sea) in the Miocene. Before our failure to find fossils in the nearby Upper Bizarrely, the best view of that, this 'inboard' part of Japan Triassic rocks. Note the maple trees showing Amanohashidate is obtained by facing (given the name Hida Terrane) was the first signs of autumn. away from it, bending over, and part of the Asian mainland. The viewing it between one's legs! This Jurassic-Cretaceous rocks of this 'continental' corner of Japan are largely non-marine, and important 133 134 Shodoshima 135 dinosaur fossils have been found in them. Not only does the town of Awajishima Katsuyama make the most of these Takamatsu 16 dinosaurs for publicity purposes (with Zentsuji Naruto some excellent life-size T. rex models 15 Tokushima beside the highway to greet visitors) 34 but a first-class dinosaur museum and Line nic research centre have sprung up. The Matsuyama Tecto dian 14 GA party were given VIP treatment, Me Ishizuchisan (1982 m) BTL

ATL 13 Sakawa Kochi 12 L BT

Mino-Tamba Sambagawa 33 Chichibu Kurosegawa Chichibu Composite ATL Terrane Sambosan Tosashimizu Shimanto Fig.3 Extract from the Fukui Shinbun 11 50 km newspaper of 1st November 2011 with an Tatsukushi Coast article and photograph of the GA group in a Cape Ashizuri quarry near Katsuyama, searching for dinosaur remains but finding only plant fossils. Fig. 6 Shikoku Island, showing the principal terranes and the numbered stops of this latter part of the field meeting. including a conducted tour of the principal quarry from which many of way it is said to resemble a dragon the fossils have been obtained. Even flying heavenwards. the local newspapers were alerted to Crossing the entire width of the our presence in town, such that the main Japanese island of Honshu, following day we featured in the Fukui involved long drives on superbly Shinbun newspaper (Fig.3). engineered toll-roads to the small The coastal outcrops bordering the ferry port of Hinase on the Inland Japan Sea have been mapped as Sea. Typically, road exposures inland Permian accretionary complexes; and, are not good in Japan because of the although highly-sheared diamictite need to stabilise the steep-sided and serpentinite were seen, the cuttings with a layer of cement. outcrops were small and difficult to However we were able to examine a relate to the bigger picture. We were large quarry of granite cut by aplite luckier at the inland locality of Kongo- Fig.5 Some of the GA party viewing the dykes at Asago, although the relations in, where a large disused quarry Amanohashidate sand spit in the prescribed of these rocks to the mapped Yakuno exposes vertically dipping, Upper bizarre Japanese way, when it is said to Ophiolite was obscure - we suspect Triassic marine sandstone and shale, resemble a dragon flying up to heaven. that the large-scale engineering works

Magazine of the Geologists’ Association Vol. 11, No. 1, 2012 9 associated with a new toll-road is a major terrane boundary. A nearby led us to the wrong quarry! By winding side road took us south mid-afternoon we were boarding the among the looming mountains toward 'ro-ro' ferry to the island of Shikoku's highest peak, Ishizuchiyama Shodoshima in the Inland Sea. (1,982m), and, in the river bed were Shodoshima lies in the broad belt of excellent exposures of green, highly- plutonic and extrusive igneous rocks folded schist (Fig.7). This is the which form a belt bounded on its Sambagawa Terrane, a belt of high- south by the Median Tectonic Line. In pressure metamorphic rocks thought the seventeenth century it was from to correlate with the quarries on this island that the granite unmetamorphosed Mesozoic was hewn for the construction of accretionary-complex rocks we saw in Osaka Castle, and we were able to the Inuyama area earlier in the trip. examine some of the 2m long surplus Matsuyama is another city with an blocks of Cretaceous leucocratic ancient castle, but the attraction for biotite granite lined-up on the ancient many of the group was the Dogo quayside. The next day, still on Onsen. Housed in an attractive Meiji Shodoshima, we took an impressive Period building, this is said to be the airborne gondola ride up a steep oldest hot-spring complex in Japan. ravine flanked by vertical cliffs of Steaming water from the interior of Cenozoic agglomerate and lahar that Fig. 8 The more adventurous members of the the earth is channelled into the cap the island's higher hills. The GA party with their damp towels, after carved-granite pool through a spout Mediterranean ambience of enjoying a session at the Dogo Onsen, one of beneath a female stone figure, and Japan's oldest hot springs Shodoshima is made all the stronger bathers sit around the edge, half or valley marking the Median Tectonic fully immersed until they have had Line (MTL), and, although there were enough (Fig. 8). no outcrops of the fault-zone the MTL Heading south from Matsuyama

Fig.7 Green-grey schist of the Sambagawa Terrane in the bed of a north-flowing river, south of the Median Tectonic Line near Ishizuchiyama. Note strong folding (lower right). Fig.9 Steeply dipping Early Cenozoic turbidites crop out along the Tatsukushi coast of SW Shikoku. by the olive groves, founded in the nineteenth century with olives took us across progressively younger brought from Greece. However a tour terranes until we reached the SW of a soy sauce factory reminded us corner of the island where near- that we were still definitely in Japan. vertical Early Cenozoic turbidites form On November 3, another ferry took attractive coastal scenery (Fig.9). us south to the island of Shikoku, Before reaching our hotel at Cape Japan's least populated major island Ashizuri, there was a chance to (Fig.1 and Fig.6). The landscape in examine at low tide a succession of this northern part of the island is still younger, Miocene, sandstones dotted with a number of conical hills, (Fig.10). The beds are superbly which are in fact Quaternary exposed and offer great scope for volcanoes. Among them is Zentsuji lively discussion: cross-bedding temple, one of the 88 temples across truncations show they young toward Shikoku, which pilgrims come from all Fig. 10 Miocene marine sandstone of possible the NW. Some intervals exhibit large- shelf facies on the shore at Tatsukushi, on the parts of Japan to visit. As our coach scale soft-sediment deformation and SW corner of Shikoku. The beds 'young' toward sped SW toward Matsuyama, we the camera. At the top (oldest beds) are tracks and tubes of invertebrates are spotted several itinerant pilgrims, prominent invertebrate segmented burrows, locally common - the question on often white-robed and walking with while the thick paler sandstone shows everyone's lips was, what was the the traditional pilgrims' long staff. The pronounced folding caused by liquefaction environment of deposition? expressway follows the broad linear before the beds were consolidated. Cape Ashizuri is a tourist resort,

10 Magazine of the Geologists’ Association Vol. 11, No. 1, 2012 younger fore-arc basin turbidites, and (hoodoos) formed by subaerial siltstone with the tell-tale Triassic erosion of Quaternary alluvial-fan bivalve, Monotis . The Cretaceous deposits (Fig.12). strike-slip faulting mentioned above That evening, a farewell dinner was resulted in narrow down-faulted held at the Awa Surfrider Restaurant basins in which partly non-marine in Tokushima, where we were able to sands and conglomerates were thank Francis and Chikako for all their deposited and some of the party were efforts in making this such a fortunate enough to find bivalve successful trip, and Prof. Kozai for his fossils. With plenty to see in this guidance over the two days we spent geologically complex part of central in the Kochi area. southern Shikoku we stayed two The next day we returned to the nights in Kochi. On the coast east of main island of Honshu, but not before Kochi there were oceanic, pillow lavas stopping at a large quarry at Izumi on Fig.11 Members of the GA party boating on the and radiolarian chert to examine, both the NE tip of Shikoku to examine Oboke River in central Shikoku, where the river units of the Cretaceous Shimanto Cretaceous non-marine beds infilling a cliffs expose schists of the Sambagawa accretionary complex. pull-apart basin on the Median Terrane. The next day, we drove north Tectonic Line. Awaji Island lies partly for its rugged coastal scenery through deep valleys flanked by between Shikoku and Honshu in the and the chance to watch the sun set forested mountains where the maples Inland Sea, and on 17 January 1995 over the Pacific. However we were were now beginning to don their the island suffered severe damage in more interested in the cliff sections fabled autumn colours. An amusing the Kobe Earthquake. The Nojima where Miocene granites can be seen boat ride along the Oboke River Fault Preservation Museum was (albeit from a distance, since the cliffs (Fig.11) took us past cliffs of the established following the earthquake, are inaccessible) in contact with dark green-grey schists of the Sambagawa and one hall houses the actual fault gabbroic rocks. Terrane, the same as we had seen scarp which has been preserved for Our next stop was at the Sakawa earlier on our way to Ishizuchisan, posterity. Another 'attraction' of the Geology Museum where we met Prof. and still more of these beautifully museum is the opportunity to Kozai of Naruto University, an expert folded metamorphic rocks were seen experience a simulated earthquake on the geology of this part of at the site of the Iya Vine Bridge, a where, for obvious reasons, one is Shikoku. Some rocks in this area lie in tourist re-creation of a vine recommended to sit in one of the the narrow Kurosegawa Terrane and suspension bridge built by warring armchairs provided, rather than are thought to have been deposited a clans at about the end of the twelfth attempt to remain standing. The longest suspension bridge in the world connects Awaji Island to Honshu, and a truly magnificent structure it is. The Kobe Earthquake occurred during the bridge's building, and an interesting fact is that instead of the main span measuring 1,990m as planned, it needed to be 1,991m long, because the intervening strait had widened by one metre when the earthquake struck. On the afternoon of 9 November the coach deposited us at the Toyoko Inn, Kyoto. This city abounds with places of interest and the final days of the trip were taken up with sightseeing, before a final coach-ride to Kansai Airport and the Air France flight back to London via Paris. Was it a good trip? It must be admitted that the geology is very complex, outcrops are widely spaced, and it is generally difficult to see the big picture. On the other hand we visited many places on and off the beaten track, saw some unusual and Fig. 12 The GA party backed by earth pillars (hoodoos) at Dochu in the valley of the Median fascinating sights, ate a lot of Tectonic Line. unfamiliar foods, learned a few simple Japanese phrases, and experienced at great distance away, closer to SE century (now reinforced with first hand the friendliness and Asia, before being emplaced alongside cunningly-concealed steel cables, for courtesy of the people. the other Japanese terranes by H and S reasons). Cretaceous strike-slip faulting - in We were now on the last lap of this much the same way as the so-called geological trip. Emerging from the Michael F Ridd 'suspect terranes' of the Pacific Shikoku mountains once again on to coastal regions of USA and Canada the broad valley of the Median were emplaced by such faults. Tectonic Line we headed east toward Escorted by Prof. Kozai we looked at Tokushima, stopping at a motorway Jurassic fossiliferous reef-limestone service area to walk the short blocks which occur as olistoliths in distance to see a cliff of earth pillars Magazine of the Geologists’ Association Vol. 11, No. 1, 2012 11 Evening Lecture: December 2 nd 2011 ‘The Star-crossed Stone’ Kenneth McNamara, Cambridge University .

I like sea urchins. They were always afterlife? Or were they potent symbols an easy revision topic for exams - of ritual sacrifice associated with functional morphology and mode of supernatural powers, regeneration and life. Or so I thought at the time, some fertility? 40 years ago. Therefore I was The speaker also described further intrigued by the promotional account compelling evidence of cognitive of this talk in the GA Magazine and process: a Palaeolithic Acheulian hand- decided to attend. The talk was largely axe made by Homo heidelbergensis along the lines of Kenneth McNamara's from Swanscombe, fabricated from a book, of the same title - an historical Conulus -bearing flint; and Neanderthal trawl through history. From Neolithic Mousterian implements from France and Bronze Age to Classical, bearing Micraster and Cyclaster . There Mediaeval, Renaissance and Victorian are finds of Neolithic flint implements times, the talk charted the use of fossil which have been worked so that echinoids in a cultural context, echinoids are incorporated into the They fall from the sky during a combining archaeology, anthropology, design of functional flint products. thunderstorm and the finder of one is folklore and much more. The lecture Furthermore, it appears that fossil protected against lightning, as is the enthralled the audience, prompting echinoids were used in 'stone-age' house in which they are placed. They numerous questions at the end. It was jewellery. Was such use merely further protect against trolls, witches fascinating stuff! decorative, or was there a deeper, and evil creatures. They are thus I have here selected just some special significance and symbolism? linked to Thor, who rules the weather, examples from the many described by The evidence from countries around and the mark of his hammer. The link the speaker to illustrate the talk. the Mediterranean suggests that the extends to the stars, fate and destiny. In 1887 the skeleton of a woman, in association of fossil sea urchins and The 'new' church of St. Peter's, in her early 20s, and a small child, burials continued from Neolithic to Iron Linkenholt on the northern Salisbury possibly as young as two years old, Age, Pharaonic times, through until at Plain, was consecrated in 1871, were excavated by botanist and least Roman times. To the Romans replacing an older one nearby. A small naturalist Worthington George Smith they were known as ovum anguinum mediaeval window was retained for the from a Bronze Age tumulus grave on (snakes' eggs), referring particularly to new church, situated in the 'eternal the Chalk Downs near Dunstable. The a cidaroid urchin, even being described twilight' of the north wall 'where the woman was christened Maud - the by Pliny. To the Celts the urchins may sun has never shone' - the Devil's side speaker suggests maybe after have been integral to an ancient belief of the church. Cemented round the top Tennyson's long poem. Strangely, it centred on rebirth of the spirit in an of the window are 22 fossil echinoids. was recorded that over 200 fossil after-world. They had their everyday This thirteenth century theme was echinoids, mostly Micraster and uses, too, being worn as pendants and continued during the nineteenth Echinocorys , were found in the grave amulets as lucky charms protecting century rebuild when 25 fossil urchins accompanying the bones. The question against evil. Even in Anglo-Saxon were placed above a new window on posed and explored by the speaker times fossil echinoids were buried with the south side of the church. While this was: why? It would appear, the the dead - the 'star of the dead'. may have been for entirely decorative speaker argued, that the people who It appears that there is much folklore reasons, it is possible that the motive buried Maud 4,000 years ago felt surrounding these creatures and many was apotropaic - warding off the devil, strongly about some supernatural 'alternative' names for them. the speaker argued, as was evidently powers or spiritual significance that the Numerous names, such as ’Colepexies the case with the earlier window, and a urchin may possess, the power of good Head’ and ’Fairy's Nightcap’, are physical manifestation of long- over evil, protection from evil spirits, associated with fairies, pixies and established folklore. the power to achieve immortality or elves. For example, in Suffolk they are The recurrent theme throughout the even reach 'the starlit heavens'. known as ’Pharisee Loaves’ - the talk, and hence the title of both lecture An even older (by 1,000 years) owner of one should never want for and book, is the 'star-crossed stone', a example comes from the Neolithic food and, when placed next to a reference to the five pairs of causewayed Whitehawk Camp, baker's oven, will ensure that the ambulacral plates and pentameral surveyed by archaeologist Cecil bread rises (I must confess that I have symmetry seen in echinoids - a five- Curwen in the winter of 1922/1923 never heard of this before, despite pointed star, a pan-cultural symbol of before the extension of Brighton living in the County for many years!). the Heavens, a symbol of the triumph Racecourse. The excavations revealed A ’Shepherd's Crown’ placed on a of good over evil. For time two graves. The first was that of a window sill wards off the Devil, brings immemorial, mankind has looked to young woman of around 25 to 30 luck and can be used as a house the stars - and wondered. Are fossil years old, and with her in the grave charm. A ’Fairy Loaf‘ ensures bread in sea urchins a representation of the was a single Echinocorys. The second plenty. To break one is very bad luck! mysteries of the universe? grave revealed the bones of another Sometimes, the names are specific to woman, around 20 to 25 years old, certain genera: Conulus is a and, amazingly, the tiny bones of a ’Shepherd's Knee‘, Micraster a Roger Dixon baby, possibly a late stage foetus. Here ’Beggarman's Knee-cap‘ or ’Sheep's was found two Echinocorys , maybe one Heart‘, Echinocorys a ’Shepherd's Hat‘ Post script: For further reading, The Star- for each body. Were the urchins merely - and many more with much local Crossed Stone: the secret life, myths, and curios placed there as grave goods or variation. history of a fascinating fossil , by Kenneth McNamara, 2011, is published by The of deep significance and accompanying One common name, derived from University of Chicago Press, and is available the souls on their long journey into the Norse mythology, is ’Thunderstone‘. from all good book shops. 12 Magazine of the Geologists’ Association Vol. 11, No. 1, 2012 CIRCULAR No. 990 March 2012

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION FOR FIELD PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE for field meetings is provided but MEETINGS personal accident cover remains the responsibility of the participant. Further details are available on request from the GA office. ENQUIRIES & BOOKINGS Geoff Swann organises day and weekend meetings in the UK. Michael Ridd is responsible for overseas and SAFETY IS TAKEN VERY SERIOUSLY. SHOULD YOU BE UNSURE longer excursions. Sarah Stafford at the GA office is responsible for ABOUT EITHER THE RISKS INVOLVED OR YOUR ABILITY TO bookings, payments and general administration. PARTICIPATE, YOU MUST SEEK ADVICE FROM THE GA OFFICE BEFORE BOOKING. PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU STUDY THE You must book through the GA office to confirm attendance. Please RISK ASSESSMENT PREPARED FOR ALL GA FIELD MEETINGS do not contact the field meeting leader directly. Meeting times and AND THAT YOU HAVE ALL THE SAFETY EQUIPMENT SPECIFIED. locations will be confirmed on booking. These are not normally YOU MUST DECLARE, AT THE TIME OF BOOKING, ANY advertised in advance, as there have been problems with members DISABILITIES OR MEDICAL CONDITIONS THAT MAY AFFECT turning up without booking or paying and maximum numbers being YOUR ABILITY TO ATTEND A FIELD MEETING SAFELY. YOU exceeded. Field meetings are open to non-members although MAY BE ASKED TO PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION ON ANY attendance by non-members is subject to a £5 surcharge on top of PRESCRIPTION DRUGS ETC THAT YOU MAY USE WHILST the normal administration fee.Some meetings may have restrictions ATTENDING A FIELD MEETING. IN ORDER TO ENSURE THE on age (especially for under 16s) or be physically demanding. If you SAFETY OF ALL PARTICIPANTS, THE GA RESERVES THE RIGHT are uncertain, please ask. TO LIMIT OR REFUSE ATTENDANCE AT FIELD MEETINGS.

PAYMENTS for day and weekend meetings must be made before EMERGENCY CONTACT: if you are lost or late for the start of a attending any field meeting. Cheques should be made out to meeting, an emergency contact is available during UK field meetings Geologists 'Association Field Meetings. If making multiple bookings, by calling the GA mobile phone (07724 133290). PLEASE NOTE THIS please enclose a separate cheque for each meeting unless you have NEW NUMBER. The mobile phone will only be switched on just before first confirmed that there are places available. A stamped addressed and during field meetings. For routine enquiries please call the GA envelope is appreciated. Please give a contact telephone number and, office on the usual number. if possible, an email address and provide the names of any other TRAVEL REGULATIONS are observed. The GA acts as a retail agent persons that you are including in your booking. PLEASE ALSO for ATOL holders in respect of air flights included in field meetings. PROVIDE AN EMERGENCY CONTACT NAME AND TELEPHONE All flights are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (see NUMBER AT THE TIME OF BOOKING. GA Circular No. 942, October 2000 for further details). Field meetings of more than 24 hours duration or including accommodation There are separate arrangements for overseas meetings. are subject to the Package Travel Regulations 1992. The information provided does not constitute a brochure under these Regulations. TRANSPORT is normally via private car unless otherwise advertised. If you are a rail traveller, it may be possible for the GA office to arrange for another member to provide a lift or collect you from the nearest railway station. This service cannot be guaranteed, but please ask before booking.

FIELD MEETINGS IN 2012 their own. Pub lunch or sandwiches. central England. Indeed it is arguably the finest Equipment: Please bring appropriate clothing inland site in the UK. Rocks from the We are hoping to arrange additional fossil and footwear. Footpaths can be muddy and Northampton Sand Formation to the Upper collecting opportunities during the year. There uneven in places. Jurassic Kellaways Formation are exposed; the may not be time to advertise these in the Circular Cost & booking: Numbers will be limited to base of the Oxford Clay Formation may be so if you would like details when they become 25. Further details will be available from Sarah exposed at the top of the sequence. The quarry available contact Sarah Stafford at the GA office. Stafford at the GA office. Register with Sarah was opened to exploit thick deposits of sending an administration fee of £5 per person to Lincolnshire Limestone Formation, used for PLEASE ALSO REFER TO OUR WEB SITE: confirm your place. cement production. Certain levels are very (http://www.geologistsassociation.org.uk) FOR fossiliferous, particularly the Rutland Formation, ANY CHANGES TO THE PROGRAMME THE CHALK OF THE SUSSEX COAST the Blisworth Limestone Formation and the AND FOR FINALISED DATES Leader: Rory Mortimore Cornbrash Formation. Andrew Swift is a Visiting Saturday 14th - Sunday 15th April 2012 Fellow at the Geology Department at Leicester THE CHALK OF THE SEAFORD AREA This will be a weekend trip based in and University and has wide experience in the quarry. Leader: Geoff Toye around Lewes. Please note the GA will not be Equipment: You must bring a hard hat, high Saturday 17th March 2012 arranging accommodation. We will be arranging vis jacket and suitable footwear. Packed lunch. This meeting has unfortunately had to be an evening Indian meal on the Saturday night in Attendees must be capable of dealing with the cancelled. Lewes if there is sufficient interest. conditions to be found in a working quarry. Both days will be spent mainly on pebbly Cost & booking : Numbers will be strictly THE GEOLOGY OF DUNDRY HILL beaches so attendees should be able to cope with limited to 20 (regrettably no children will be Leader: Simon Carpenter this sort of walking and also with climbing steep allowed). Further details will be available from Saturday 28th April 2012 stairways up and down chalk cliff faces. GA Sarah Stafford at the GA office. Dundry Hill is located south of Bristol and Guide No. 57, The Chalk of Sussex and Kent will exposes rocks of Lower and Middle Jurassic age. be useful. Localities to be visited include Hope COTSWOLD COACH TRIP Fossils are abundant and well preserved - Gap, Cuckmere Haven, Newhaven, Peacehaven Leader: Mike Howgate particularly ammonites. Simon will lead a and Saltdean. Saturday 2nd June 2012 circular walk (3 - 4 miles long) taking in some of This meeting has been arranged in response to the most interesting geological sites (some KETTON QUARRY requests from members for coach trips "like the SSSI's) including the remains of the former Leader: Andrew Swift GA used to run". Details are yet to be confirmed building stone quarries. Simon will bring Saturday 19th May 2012 but we hope to visit at least one working quarry examples of Dundry Hill fossils with him for The huge quarry at Ketton is a magnificent and and a Stonesfield Slate mine. There will be at participants to see - but it is also hoped that there very important site, exposing the best and most least two pick up points , one in central London will be collecting opportunities for people to find complete sequence of Middle Jurassic strata in and one en route.

Magazine of the Geologists’ Association Vol. 11, No. 1, 2012 13 Equipment: You must bring a hard hat, high HOLBROOK BAY, HARKSTEAD, recommended. Good waterproof clothing may vis jacket and suitable footwear. Packed lunch. SUFFOLK well be needed as the coast is exposed to Atlantic Attendees must be capable of dealing with the Leaders: Graham Ward and Bill George weather. We hope to be in the vicinity of at least conditions to be found in a working quarry and in Saturday 15th September 2012 one hostelry each day for lunch. underground workings. The foreshore here is a wave-cut platform in Cost & booking: Numbers will be limited to Cost & booking: The attendance fee is the lower part of the London Clay (Harwich 25. Car sharing may be necessary. We will be dependent on the final arrangements. Further Formation) and yields sharks' teeth, teleost bones based in Wareham which has a mainline railway details will be available from Sarah Stafford at and the occasional Phyllodus palate. Articulated station and is well equipped with hotels, pubs the GA office. skeletons of mammoths/elephants have also been with accommodation and B&Bs. Please note the found in an Oxygen Isotope Stage 7 interglacial GA will not be arranging accommodation. If BYTHAM 3 - THE LOWER REACHES channel deposit in the foreshore. Palaeolithic there is sufficient interest we will a group dinner Leaders: Jim Rose and David Bridgland artefacts have been found on the foreshore, on the Saturday night. Further details will be This meeting has had to be postponed until washed out of overlying Stour terrace gravels available from Sarah Stafford at the GA office. 2013. derived from older interglacial deposits. Register with Sarah sending an administration fee Equipment: Wear suitable footwear. Packed of £10 per person to confirm your place. WEALDEN EXCURSION lunch. Attendees must be capable of walking on Leaders: Peter Austen et al rough tracks and a muddy foreshore. FOSSILFEST VIII Saturday July 2012 (date to be confirmed) Cost & booking: Numbers will be limited to Leader: Nev Hollingworth Details are yet to be confirmed and will be 25. Further details will be available from Sarah Saturday October/November 2012 (date to be dependent on which pits are working at the time. Stafford at the GA office. Register with Sarah confirmed) Equipment: You must bring a hard hat, high sending an administration fee of £5 per person to Location(s) have still to be decided but plenty vis jacket and suitable footwear. Packed lunch. confirm your place. of fossils can be expected. Attendees will need to Attendees must be capable of dealing with the be sure they can safely cope with the conditions conditions to be found in working quarries. THE GEOLOGY OF EARLY MIDDLESEX to be found in working quarries. Cost & booking: Further details will be CHURCHES Equipment: You must have a hard hat, hi vis available from Sarah Stafford at the GA office. Leader: Prof John Potter vest and suitable footwear. Register with Sarah sending an administration fee September - October 2012 (date to be Cost & booking: Numbers will be limited to of £5 per person to confirm your place. confirmed) 25. Register with Sarah Stafford at the GA office This a full day excursion to a range of early sending an administration fee of £5 to confirm THE GEOLOGY OF MID WALES - Joint Middlesex churches particularly for the benefit of your place. meeting with the South Wales GA Group John's regular attendees. The limited range of Leaders: Jerry Davies (BGS) and Dick Waters unusual building stones available for early OVERSEAS TRIPS 2012 (National Museum of Wales) builders in stone in the London Basin will be Saturday 4th - Sunday 5th August 2012 examined. We are hoping to arrange a coach with CANADIAN ROCKIES The aim of this meeting is to see some of the at least two pick up points starting in central 14 June - 9 July results of the BGS mapping that has taken place London. This will avoid problems with large Leaders: Prof. Dick Moody with assistance in Mid Wales over the last 25 years. numbers of cars. from local Canadian geologists. The trip will focus on the early Silurian Equipment : Bring a quality lens and This trip is now full. (Llandovery), deep water basinal systems of the binoculars. Packed or pub lunch. area between Rhayader and Aberystwyth. The Cost & booking: Numbers may be limited FIELD MEETING IN TURKEY succession is dramatically displayed in the depending on whether coach travel is possible. 13 September to 20 September 2012. spectacular exposures of the Elan valley and the The attendance fee is also dependent on the final Professor David Bridgland, Rob Westaway. dramatic wilderness country to the west. arrangements. Further details will be available Further details from Sarah at GA Office. Equipment: You must bring a hard hat, high from Sarah Stafford at the GA office. vis jacket and suitable footwear. Packed/pub VIENNA AND THE NATURHISTORISCHES lunches. Attendees must be capable of walking on ISLE OF PURBECK MUSEUM rough tracks and dealing with the conditions to be Leader: Prof John C.W. Cope (National 27 - 31 October 2012 found in working quarries. Museum of Wales) Leader: Dr Mathias Harzhauser, Director of Cost & booking: Numbers will be limited to Friday 28th - Sunday 30th September 2012 Geology & Palaeontology 30. Car sharing will be necessary. The trip will be This meeting is arranged to coincide with the This trip is now full. run from Rhayader, where there is a wide range publication of Prof Cope's revised GA Dorset of B and Bs, pubs and hotels. Please note the GA guide. It will begin with an introductory talk, GEOLOGISTS' ASSOCIATION will not be arranging accommodation. If there is probably in Wareham Public Library, on the LOCAL GROUPS sufficient interest we will arrange an Friday evening. Saturday and Sunday will be introductory talk in Rhayader on the Friday night spent in the field examining the succession in the Amateur Geological Society and a group dinner on the Saturday night. Further Isle of Purbeck, which ranges in age from the March 13 Organic Matter, meteriorites and life details will be available from Sarah Stafford at Upper Jurassic, through the Cretaceous and into the Solar System - Dr Richard Matthewman. the GA office. Register with Sarah sending an the Palaeocene; many of the rocks are April 10 Challenges in mineral resource administration fee of £10 per person to confirm fossiliferous. The principal structure of the area investigation at la Granja Copper project, Peru - your place. is a major monoclinal fold which has caused local Mark Howson. overturning of the succession. The area is also May 8 From Tectonics to Disaster Mitigation - WRENS NEST famous for magnificent coastal scenery and its the causes and effects of the 2011 March 11 Leader: Graham Worton (Dudley Museum) evolution, whilst economically Purbeck is Japan earthquake and tsunami - Dr Simon Day. Saturday 11th August 2012 important as the site of the largest onshore Contact Meetings: Julia Daniels 020 8346 1056 This meeting will follow on from Graham's oilfield in western Europe. The new guide should Field trips: [email protected] GA lecture on April 13th - Dudley be available before the trip. Cambridgeshire Geology Club Geoconservation - engaging public interest at Equipment: Hard hats are essential but there March 12 The Pleistocene Geology and Fauna of Wrens Nest. Details are still to be finalised but is no requirement for high visibility jackets. the Thames Valley -Dr David R .Bridgland - will be available from Sarah Stafford at the GA Please note that the trip will be quite strenuous April 16 A Lot of Hot Air: volcanic eruptions and office. physically. There are steep climbs from sea-level their climate impacts- Dr Marie Edmonds - Cost & booking: Numbers may be limited. to some 130 m (425 ft), together with steep Department of Earth Sciences, University of The attendance fee is dependent on the final descents that are likely to be muddy. Beaches are Cambridge arrangements. often rough and traverses will involve boulder- Contact - Ken Rolfe on 01480 496973, mobile hopping, seaweed covered rocks and soft shingle. 07777 678685. Boots with good ankle support are strongly www.cambridgeshiregeologyclub.org.uk

14 Magazine of the Geologists’ Association Vol. 11, No. 1, 2012 Dorset Local Group North Staffordshire Group Black Country Geological Society Contact Doreen Smith 01300 320811. Contact for details Eileen Fraser 01260 271505 March 19 The Permafrost - Dr Richard Waller, Email: [email protected] Contact Field trips: Gerard Ford 01630 673409. Keele University. www.dorsetgeologistsassociation.com Oxford Geology Group For information contact Barbara Russell 01902 Farnham Geological Society March 15 British Plesiosaurs: history (200a), 650168. www.bcgs.info March 16 Mineralization in the rocks of South evolution (55 Ma) and new research - Dr Roger Brighton & Hove Geological Society West England. Benson. Contact John Cooper 01273 292780 April 13 Tectonic archaeology in Japan: March 25 Field meeting: The Ercall, Shropshire email: [email protected] volcanoes and earthquakes in the archaeological April 19 How well do we know the major Bristol Naturalists' Society record. environmental change events in the Jurassic? - Contact 01373 474086 May 5 Field meeting: The Hertfordshire Professor Stephen Hasselbo April 20-22 Field Email: [email protected] Puddingstone Mystery - Graham Williams. meeting: The Peak District. Carn Brea Mining Society May 11 Introduction to Ecclesiastical Geology - May 6 Field meeting: Fairlight Cove, East March tbc Society Annual Dinner. To be Dr John Potter. Sussex. arranged June 8 Geology of Northumberland - Dr Lesley May 17 Dwarf elephants on Pleistocene islands: March 20 The Great Flat Lode and Three Dunlop. insights from the western and eastern Dimensional Model of South Crofty' June 10-16 Field meeting: The Geology of Mediterranean - Victoria Herridge. - Dr Keith Russ. Provisional subject to be Northern Northumberland - Leslie Dunlop www.oxgg.org.ukor call programme secretary confirmed. Field Trip Contact - Dr Graham Williams tel: 01865 272960. Contact Lincoln James 01326 311420 01483 573802 Ravensbourne Geological Society Further details www.carnbreaminingsociety.co.uk Email [email protected] March 13 London Earth - David Bailey. Cheltenham Mineral and Geological Society www:farnhamgeosoc.org.uk April 10 Volcanic Experiences - Alan Clewlow. For more information on lectures contact Ann Contact - Mrs Shirley Stephens tel: 01252 May 8 Tsunami in the Australian Holocene - Neil Kent 01452 610375 680215 Thomas. For more information on Field trips contact Kath Harrow & Hillingdon Geological Society June 12 Geology of Crossrail - Ursula Lawrence. Vickers 01453 827007. March 14 Not just Sticks and Balls: A New July 10 Recreating an Ancient Environment - Craven & Pendle Geological Society Perspective on the Origin of Life on Land (a talk Tony Mitchell. March 9 Meteorites, Stardust and the Early Solar about the finding of fossil eukaryotic cells at Contact Carole McCarthy Secretary: 020 8854 System- Professor Jamie Gilmore Loch Torridon) - Leila Battison 9138 email: [email protected] or Vernon More information: April 11 The Geology of the High Atacama, Marks: 020 8460 2354. http://www.cpgs.org.uk/ Northern Chile - Dr Chris Carllon Cymdeithas Daeaereg Gogledd Cymru: North Cumberland Geological Society May 9 AGM followed by Sheppy There's more Wales Geology For details on the activities of the Cumberland to sand than you might think Contact Jonathan Wilkins 01492 583052 Email: Geological Society June 13 Wolves and wildcats: surviving the end [email protected] www.ampyx.org.uk/cdgc www.cumberland-geol-soc.org.uk/ of the last Ice Age in Somerset - Prof. Danielle Cymdeithas Y Daearegwyr Grwp De Cymru - The Devonshire Association (Geology Section) Schreve South Wales Group Contact Jenny Bennett 01647 24033 July 11 Minerals and the countryside - Dr Brian March 17 AGM and Presidential Address: Where [email protected] Marker OBE plates meet: Danger and Delight - Malcolm Shaw. www.devonassoc.org.uk/ Email: [email protected] Contact Lynda Garfield at The Dinosaur Society Field trip information: [email protected] www. Dinosaursociety.com. Contact: Prof Allan Wheeler 01344 455451. West of England Richard Moody [email protected] www.hhgs.org.uk March 13 Medical origins of the Geological Dorset Natural History & Archaeology Society Kent Geologists Group Society - Cherry Lewis Contact Jenny Cripps email:jenny@dor- March 20 AGM Bob Higgins display and talk on Contact Allan Insole email: mus.demon.co.uk fossils and dinosaurs on stamps. [email protected] Earth Science Teachers Association April 17 Egyptian geology and the Pharoahs - Dr www.wega.org.uk For membership contact: Mike Tuke Geoff Turner. West Sussex Geological Society [email protected]. Tel 014804 57068 May 15 Topley and the Geology of the Weald - March 16 The Landscape of Mars - Dr Sanjeev ESTA website www.esta-uk.net Dr Alan Heyes. Gupta. East Herts Geology Club June 19 When brachiopods thrived - some March 18 The Seven Sisters - Rory Mortimore. Check website for venue or contact Diana Perkins thoughts about the Middle Jurassic - Dr Brian April 20 Black Smokers - Dr Richard Herrington. 01920 463755. Marker. May 18 The Salt Terranes of Iran - Tony www.ehgc.org.uk Contact Indoor Secretary Mrs Ann Barrett Tel: Waltham. email: [email protected] 01233 623126 June 15 Pterosaurs - Dr Mark Witton. Visitors most welcome - £2 email: [email protected] Contact Betty Steel 01903 209140 East Midlands Geological Society Contact information www.kgg.org.uk Email: [email protected] March 10 AGM followed by:New Zealand's The Kirkaldy Society (Alumni of Queen Mary Earthquakes -Ian Sutton College) AFFILIATED SOCIETIES April 21 Members' Evening April 13 Annual Dinner in London. May 20 Field meeting:Wren's Nest, Dudley and October AGM and Alumni day at QMC. Amateur Geological Society the Saltwells Local Nature Reserve -Graham Contact Mike Howgate 020 8882 2606 or Contact Julia Daniels 020 8346 1056. or Dave Worton email:[email protected] or Greenwood [email protected] , field trips: May 23 Field meeting: Alstonefield area - [email protected]. [email protected] evening walk -Albert Benghiat Lancashire Bath Geological Society June 20 Field meeting: The Rock Cemetery, Contact Acting Secretary Jennifer Rhodes 01204 March 1 In the shadows and over the heads of the Nottingham - evening walk - Tim Colman and 811203 Email:[email protected]. Isle of Wight dinosaurs -Dr. Steven Sweetman. Neil Turner Mole Valley Geological Society April 5 Tidal circulation in ancient epicontinental www.erms.org March 8 The 2011 Christchurch Earthquakes - seas - Dr. Peter Allison, Essex Rock and Mineral Society John Gahan. www.bathgeolsoc.org.uk March 13 Fossils as Drugs: Pharmaceutical April 12 How geology can mitigate Belfast Geologists' Society Palaeontology. environmental disasters - Prof Andy Gale. March 19 Flying Reptiles during the age of April 10 Unusual Microfossils - Dr Adrian May 10 A chemist's view of life: where should be dinosaurs Dr Gareth Dyke. Rundle. seek ET? - Tony Sizer. April 16 AGM. Contact Graham Ward 01277 218473 or see www.radix.demon.co.uk/ mvgs Email: Chas www.erms.org Cowie: [email protected]

Magazine of the Geologists’ Association Vol. 11, No. 1, 2012 15 Friends of the Sedgwick Museum, Cambridge to the venue within the Leeds University Campus Contact email: [email protected]. Contact: Dr Peter Friend 01223-333400. visit www.leedsga.org.uk 01209 860410. Geological Society of Glasgow Visitors welcome; tea and biscuits. The Russell Society Contact Dr Iain Allison email: Details : Judith Dawson 0113 2781060 or Email Frank Ince: [email protected] leedsga.org [email protected] Geological Society of Norfolk Liverpool Geological Society www.russellsoc.org Contact Email: [email protected] Contact: Joe Crossley: 0151 426 1324 or email Shropshire Geological Society or Peter Hoare [email protected] [email protected]. March 14 Mineralization in the Triassic rocks in Hastings and District Geological Society Manchester Geological Association the Cheshire Basin, mainly at Alderley Edge, but Contact email: [email protected] March 7 Joint Meeting with the Geographical with a little about occurrences nearer Shrewsbury, www.hastingsgeolsoc.btik.com Association, 6.30 pm around Clive - Geoff Warrington Hertfordshire Geological Society Natural Hazards in the Caribbean: Causes and www.shropshiregeology.org.uk March 9 AGM Impacts - Dr. Servel Miller, Sidcup Lapidary and Mineral Society April 5 New ventures Exploration in under Contact email: Sue Plumb, 0161 427 5835 email Meets every Monday evening at Sidcup Arts explored regions - Dr Andy Racey. [email protected] . Centre. May 5 The Geology of gypsum - Noel Worley. All meetings in the Williamson Building, www.sidcuplapminsoc.org.uk June 14 The Bytham River Story -Prof. Jim Rose. University of Manchester. Contact Audrey Tampling 020 8303 9610 Email: www.hertsgeolsoc.ology.org.uk www.mangeolassoc.org.uk [email protected]. Contact Linda Hamling 01279 423815. Mid Wales Geology Club Southampton Mineral and Fossil Society HOGG (History of Geology Group of the www.midwalesgeology.org.uk Contact: Gary Morse, 01489 787300 Email: Geological Society) Contact Bill Bagley 01686 412679. [email protected] March 20 2012 Tuesday Open Meeting: at Newbury Geological Study Group Web site: Burlington House, Piccadilly. Field Meetings season runs from October to July. http://members.lycos.co.uk/SMFS/smfsshow.htm Exciting array of presentations during the day, Normally meets on the third Sunday of the Contact Gary Morse 01489 787300. including 'Old 4 Legs: Scientists, Coelancanths month. Details www.ngsg.org.uk or Mike & Stamford and District Geological Society and Controversies' and 'The Anthropocene: the Helen 01635 42190". Contact: Bill Learoyd on 01780 752915 email: Current Geological Period??', and many more Norfolk Mineral & Lapidary Society [email protected], [email protected]; controversial topics, from late 18th C to the Meetings at St Georges Church Hall, Churchfield Ussher Society Postwar era. To register your interest, and thereby Green, Norwich. 19.30hrs every first Tuesday of Contact Clive Nicholas 01392 271761. receive a Registration Form in November, please the Month except August. Warwickshire Geological Conservation Group email the Conference Organiser, Anthony Brook, [email protected] March 21 The Mineralogy of Scotland: a personal on [email protected], who would North Eastern Geological Society view - Roy Starkey, Venue: Senior Citizens also love to hear from anyone who has a potential March -16 Shetland; the evolution of geology, Club, Southbank Road, Kenilworth; 7.30pm 25-minute talk in this area of research. language and people - Dr. Mike Norry, Univ. 18 April Coal Forests and Climate Change - Dr. Horsham Geological Field Club Leicester Howard Falcon-Lang Venue: to be advised. March 14 Unusual Microfossils - Dr Adrian www.northeast-geolsoc.50megs.com Contact Ian Fenwick 01926 512531 emails Rundle. [email protected] tel: 0191 [email protected]. April 11 The Chalk Revolution - Prof. Rory 261 1494 www.dur.ac.uk/g.r.foulger/NEGS.html www.wgcg.co.uk Mortimore. Open University Geological Society Wessex Lapidary and Mineral Society May 9 AGM. Events - listed on http://ougs.org, or contact Contact Pat Maxwell 02380 891890 email: June 13 William Buckland - Dr Chris Duffin. [email protected] [email protected] Contact Mrs Gill Woodhatch 01403 250371 The new membership secretary is Phyllis Westmorland Geological Society www.Hgfc.club.officelive.com Turkington and can be contacted by e-mail at March 21 The Green River faunas. Dr John Hull Geological Society [email protected] or by phone 0289 081 Nudds, Manchester University Contact Mike Horne 01482 346784 7470 Contact Brian Kettle email: Email:[email protected] Reading Geological Society [email protected] www.hullgeolsoc.org.uk March 5 The Geology of Global warming - Prof. The Woolhope Naturalists' Field Club The Jurassic Coast Peter Worsley. March 16 Archean Nickel Sulphide Deposits in Details are available on the web site at www. March 18 Field meeting: Great Tew Quarry - Australia - Dr Chris Fletcher. Jurassiccoast.com. Banbury Ironstone - Paul Keyte. April 22 Llangorse Basin - Duncan Hawley. Leicester Literary & Philosophical Society April 2 Limestones: Their evolution through May 12 Loxter Quarry led by its Champions and (Geology) Time - Prof. John Murray. Dr John Payne. March 7 A view of quarrying in the East April 15 Field meeting: North-South traverse of Contact Sue Hay on 01432 357138 or Midlands Ian Brown (Lafarge Aggregates. the Weald Alison Barraclough and David Ward. svh.gabbros@btinternet .com March 17 Annual Saturday Seminar, University May 14 So We thought the Oceanic Crust was Yorkshire Geological Society of Leicester. Geodetectives: solving Earth's simple - Dr Bramley Murton. March 10 University of Leeds: Joint meeting with mysteries. May 18-20 Field Weekend: North Norfolk Coast - British Cave Research Association and Leeds March 21 Annual General Meeting and Cretaceous and Quaternary: chald and glacial Geological Association: "23rd BCRA Cave Chairman's Address by Mark Evans (New Walk deposits - Peter Worsley. Science Symposium" Museum, Leicester). Hilary Jensen, General Secretary - for more May 27: Yorkshire Geology Month Field Contact Joanne Norris 0116 283 3127 details and general information tel:0118 984 1600 Meeting: "Permian carbonates in North-East Email:[email protected]. email: [email protected] England - Mike Mawson and Noel Worley www.Charnia.org.uk Contact David Ward - for field trips 01344 June 23, 24 Field Meeting: Weekend programme Leeds Geological Association 483563 to visit sites on the newly mapped BGS Hexham March 10 Cave Science Symposium Royal Geological Society of Cornwall Sheet - Dr David Millwards and BGS staff Joint Meeting with BCRA and YGS March 21 Lode structures at Geevor mine - July 22 Field Meeting: Ketton Quarry (Rutland) - March 15 Middle Jurassic Floras from the Charles Smith. Middle Jurassic Sequence - Dr Peter del Strother. Neuquen Basin, Argentina, and their Application April 18 Williams mineral collection at Tucson Contact Trevor Morse 01833 638893 to Hydrocarbon Exploration - Dr Stephen Stukins and Munich mineral shows - Courtenay V Smale. www.yorksgeolsoc.org.uk April 19 Understanding the Tectonic Evolution April 21 Williams mineral collection at Caerhays of Central Europe: a Seismological Perspective- castle - Courtenay V Smale Prof Graham Stuart May 16 Life in the day of a Cornish mining May 3 The Middle Jurassic at Ketton Quarry, engineer - Stephen Lay. Rutland - Mr Peter del Strother May 19 Underground Geology Poldark Mine - All meetings at 7:15 pm ; for detailed directions Richard Williams.

16 Magazine of the Geologists’ Association Vol. 11, No. 1, 2012 Join us for The Geologists' Association Annual Dinner on Friday May 4th, 2012

We have decided once again, to hold our Annual Dinner in Burlington House. The Geological Society provides the perfect location to relax, meet up and chat with old and new friends, as well as the Award winners.

This takes place after the AGM and the Presidential Address.

There will be a sherry reception followed by a two-course buffet dinner. The cost is £35.00.

To book please send your cheque, made out to the 'Geologists' Association', as soon as possible to Sarah Stafford at the GA Office stating any dietary requirements.

Join us for an evening of delicious food and good company!

Oxford Geology Group Professor Norman Snelling (Oxford), Gareth Jenkins (BGS), Owen Green I write as the current chairman of the (Oxford), Dr Matt Freeman (Oxford), Oxford Geology Group, in the hope that Professor Martin Brasier (Oxford), Dr. a short account of the activities of an Lewis Darnell (UCL), Dr. Bill Horsfield energetic and expanding group may be (Shell/OGT), and Professor Tim Elliott of interest to other organisations (Bristol). New members may be invited affiliated to the Geologists' Association. I to dine with the speaker before talks, should be delighted to receive any and afterwards there is a general move comments; my email address and the towards the pub. Besides a full address of our website are given below. programme of lectures in 2012, a The importance of the website, as a colloquium is planned for March, with six prime means of attracting new members high-profile speakers. and keeping existing ones informed of Oxfordshire offers a wonderful our doings, has never been more clear. diversity of Mesozoic geology, but sites Ours has recently been given a complete are becoming more and more overhaul, and forms an attractive inaccessible as quarries close or Health Geoconservation at Kirtlington Quarry, introduction to the group. Allied with the and Safety rules take their toll. Our day Oxfordshire website is the regular use of email; a trips therefore now regularly head circular is sent out more or less weekly. further afield. We have recently visited members is an undergraduate who Though it must be stressed that the sites in the Bristol area, Shropshire, the liaises with students in Oxford group is not a university organisation, nearer parts of Wales, and Charnwood University. We are closely associated and indeed aims to break down any Forest. The parties travel by minibus, with the Oxford Geology Trust, and residual distrust between Town and and on arrival are guided by local cooperate with them in geo-conservation Gown, we are blessed by long-standing experts who join us for lunch at a pub. sessions at local quarries where nature and close relations with two university More ambitious are 'residential' trips, in takes over the faces so remorselessly. institutions, the magnificent old Museum 2011 to Whitby and, very excitingly, to And partners and friends who might of Natural History in Keble Road, and Sicily. This trip was run jointly with a blanche at the idea of a lecture on plate the Department of Earth Sciences, geological society in Teneriffe, and those tectonics have been known to enjoy one whose splendid new premises are just fortunate enough to take part found the of our local geo-rambles. round the corner in South Parks Road. chance to meet enthusiasts from a quite All this activity requires a dedicated The museum is the site of our Christmas different background as rewarding as Programme Secretary, but also members party, where we drink wine and eat the fireworks of Stromboli. ready to take what comes, fog in the mince pies beneath the towering Our members are of very diverse Malverns or rough seas off the Lipari dinosaurs. Lectures are held in the attainments in geology (I myself am a Islands. Kitted out in our OGG shirts, departmental lecture theatre. There are classicist by training), and we regard it resplendent with a new logo,we find that fine facilities for visual displays, and the as important to provide opportunities to the group brings us new friends as well occasions are warmed up by videos learn, both in the field and under cover. as new experiences. celebrating recent trips and advertising We have, for example,in cooperation coming events. We have enjoyed with the Earth Sciences Department, Michael Winterbottom lectures in 2011 on a wide variety of started a series of workshops, e.g. on use of microscopes and on fossil and [email protected] topics, with speakers coming from far www.oxgg.org.uk and wide.We have had talks from rock identification. Professor Mike Searle (Oxford), We make a special effort to attract Professor Simon Kelley (Open), younger members. One of the Board Magazine of the Geologists’ Association Vol. 11, No. 1, 2012 17 GA field meeting Saturday 4 th June 2011 A Jurassic Ramble in the Bristol District Led by Simon Carpenter

The excursion started in the village of Saltford (ST683671) (Cornus sanguinea ). which is situated on and above the southern slopes of the However, the Blue valley of the River Avon, between Bristol and Bath. The river, Lias beds were well which is here navigable by narrowboats may once have been exposed at a site at tidal as far as Saltford, providing one of several possible the base of a explanations for the village's name. footbridge (Figure Most of the buildings in the central part of the village are 2). This site has of stone predominantly from the hard limestone horizons of been restored by the Blue Lias (Lower Jurassic and uppermost Triassic), which Simon and members is exposed on the steeper slopes within the village. These of the Bath beds are comparable to those of Lyme Regis and Pinhay Bay, Conservation consisting of thinly bedded calcareous shales and limestones. Volunteers, Bristol However the soft, buffish-grey weathering seen here Naturalists Society Figure 3. Blue Lias section in Saltford village contrasts with the slate-grey of the freshly exposed sea cliffs and the Avon RIGS including the Senomanian Calcirhynchia of Dorset. Paler and more finely bedded White Lias beds group, and an calcarea bed. (Upper Triassic) were also seen in some buildings. Where more explanatory poster has been provided. resistant stone was required, as in The section showed relatively thickly corner stones and gateposts, as bedded limestones, with wavy well as roofing flags, the Upper undersides to the beds, of the Carboniferous Pennant Sandstone, semicostatum zone from near the top of imported from further west, had the Blue Lias succession. been used, and oolitic Bath Stone Here, Simon discussed the evidence was also noted. In addition, well- for rapid diagenesis, with many preserved Lower-Liassic surfaces having bored surfaces. He also ammonites, such as Coroniceras discussed the pattern of cyclic and Arietites , were frequently used deposition during diagenesis, by as decoration in the walls of pointing out the thickening of the buildings (Figure 1). limestone units at the expense of the Before examining exposures in shale units, the evidence being the the upper part of the Blue Lias Fig. 2 Blue Lias limestones and shales of the cracked surface of some fossils (Sinemurian stage, Arietites Arnioceras semicostatum zone, old railway track RIGS indicating diagenetic expansion. Some bucklandi and Arnioceras site, Saltford. blocks of rock (of similar age) quarried from a nearby storm water drain semicostatum excavation had been moved by Simon to the site. In zones), Simon addition, Simon displayed an extensive collection of fossils gave us an collected from the Saltford area. A further exposure was overview of Upper seen from the riverside road in which a prominent bed (the Triassic/Lower calcarea bed, Donovan and Kellaway, 1984) containing the Jurassic brachiopod Calcirhynchia calcarea could be identified (figure sedimentation in 3). the area. He The afternoon was spent examining the lower part of the described the Blue Lias, of uppermost Rhaetian and Lower Jurassic age importance of (Hettangian stage, Psiloceras tillmani, Psiloceras planorbis, islands and larger land masses in controlling deposition Figure 1. Blue Lias ammonite ( Arietites) , typical of following the late the decorative use of Liassic ammonites in Triassic marine Saltford village transgression. He contrasted the more or less continuous deposition in the central basins with evidence of non-deposition in the Saltford area, and larger gaps in the sequence near the margins. From a footbridge over the main line of the former Great Western Railway, we observed the position of the section described by William Sanders (1842), and from which an Figure 4. The GA party at Stowey Quarry ichthyosaur specimen was extracted and donated to the Bristol museum, although destroyed during wartime Alsatites liassicus and Schlotheimia angulata zones ) and also bombing. The section was obliterated by Network Rail, the underlying Late Triassic beds of the Penarth Group, in despite its RIGS designation, during recent works to prevent Stowey quarry (ST597586, Donovan, 1956), previously land-slipping. The lost exposure included the type section of known as Limekiln quarry or Sutton Hill quarry (Figure 4). the Saltford Shales Member of the Blue Lias. The lowest part of the Penarth Group seen was the Cotham We then walked along the footpath and cycle track Formation ( in sensuo Gallois, 2009), but this was exposed following the course of the former Somerset and Dorset only in pits in the quarry floor. However, pieces of the Railway. Although mostly overgrown by scrub, the geology distinctive stromatolitic limestone (Cotham Marble) were was reflected in the flora, which included calciphilous species found within the quarry. such as travellers joy ( Clematis vitalba ) and dogwood The upper part of the overlying White Lias Formation

18 Magazine of the Geologists’ Association Vol. 11, No. 1, 2012 (Figure 5), which includes pale rubbley or laminated Figure 8. limestones and Lower calcareous Carboniferous mudstones, was also chert well displayed. In ‘dropstone’ particular, the from Stowey topmost bed, (the Quarry Sun Bed), could be examined both in situ and in loose slabs. This bed of porcellanous again indicative of diagenetic expansion, and had the limestone is umbones of small oysters (probably Liostrea hisingeri ) characterised by attached, showing that it must have protruded above a abundant relatively solid sea floor, rather than sinking into the mud. A Diplocraterion similar dropstone had previously been found in the same burrows on its upper quarry and has been described by Simon (paper in surface, and preparation). represents an erosion surface Figure 5. Leader Simon Carpenter interpreting (Figure 6). The the White Lias and overlying Blue Lias strata succeeding Watchet at Stowey Quarry Mudstone Formation is absent in this area and the Sun Bed was followed by thin, papery shales from the basal part of the Blue Lias Formation. Although the fauna of the White Lias beds was rather impoverished, that of the Blue Lias was very diverse. Most abundant was the bivalve, Plagiostoma giganteum , which often showed surface cracking indicative of the diagenetic thickening discussed

Figure 9. Lower Lias vertebrate fossils presented by Figure 6. Diplocraterion burrows on the surface of the Sun Bed (top of Simon Carpenter the Rhaetian White Lias formation), Stowey Quarry. Finally, Simon displayed more fossils from his collection, earlier (Figure 7). Also represented were the ammonite including a spectacular Plesiosaur paddle (Figure 9). This genera Psiloceras, Caloceras, Alsatites, Waeneroceras and rounded off a day that was greatly enjoyed by all the Schlotheimia , bivalves including Pseudolimea, Antiquilima, members who attended, and who are all grateful to Simon Pinna, Modiolus, Camptonectes, and Liostrea spp., the for his fascinating excursion, especially as for most of us this gastropod was the last chance to visit the now closed Stowey Quarry. Pleurotomaria Special thanks should go to Terry Keenan for providing many and a solitary of the photographs used in this article and Simon Carpenter coral. We also who provided corrections and additions to the original text. found a 'dropstone' (Figure Norman Binsted 8), a large References pebble of dark H.T.De la Beche, 1846. On the Formation of the rocks of Lower South Wales and South Western England. Mem. Geol. Surv. Carboniferous Gr. Br. Palaeont , 1, 1-256. chert, D.T.Donovan, 1956, The zonal stratigraphy of the Blue Lias transported into around Keynsham, Somerset. Proc. Geol. Assoc , 66, 182- the basin on 212. floating D.T.Donovan, & G.A.Kellaway. 1984, Geology of the Bristol vegetation, District: the Lower Jurassic rocks . British Geological Survey. perhaps HMSO. London. entwined in the R.W.Gallois, 2009, The lithostratigraphy of the Penarth Group roots of a tree. Figure 7. Plagiostoma giganteum , from Stowey (Late Triassic) of the Severn Estuary area. Geoscience in It showed Quarry, showing cracks due to diagenetic South-West England , 12, 71-84. expansion. calcite veining, Magazine of the Geologists’ Association Vol. 11, No. 1, 2012 19 Evening Lecture January 2012. CAT scan of an active volcano: 3D seismic tomography at Montserrat. Dr Michele Paulatto, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford.

Background. Darwin in relation to coral atolls. Before discussing the details of his Hydrographic work away from the shelf geophysical work, Dr Paulatto provided has revealed disturbed areas of land- a description of the geological setting derived material with blocks up to 100 of Montserrat. The island forms part m in length extending for several of the Lesser Antilles Island Arc hundred kilometres offshore. These produced by the westward subduction also showed up well on the seismic of the oceanic Atlantic Plate under the surveys as areas giving parabolic Caribbean Plate. This has resulted in reflectors. two periods of vulcanicity that Geodetic work using GPS has been produced an outer arc in Eocene to carried out since the beginning of the Mid-Oligocene times and an inner arc latest eruptive phase in 1995 and has from the Miocene to the present. shown that the ground had subsided Montserrat is a member of the later during each of the three main arc and has three volcanic centres eruptions and has been uplifted during running from north to south. These periods when activity had died down. are the Silver Hills (SH) dated at This has been taken to indicate the around 2.6 to 1.2 Ma, Centre Hills successive emptying and filling of the monitored by a network of land based (CH) dated at 950 to 550 ka and the magma chamber beneath the volcano. and ocean bottom geophones. Early Soufrière Hills Volcano (SHV) from 170 Further work monitoring both vertical 2D models have revealed two areas of ka to the present. Until 1995 the SHV and lateral movement has indicated high seismic velocity beneath the CH was thought to be dormant, although that there was probably a dual and SHV volcanic centres. These were there is geological evidence of some reservoir structure, with one magma taken to represent two intrusive bodies activity in the sixteeth and early chamber at about 5km in depth and a formed by the solidification of earlier seventeenth centuries, which went much larger one at about 17 km, fed magma chambers. No evidence has unrecorded because it was before the from melting at the base of the crust been found of a volume of molten rock first European settlement in 1632. at around 30 km. The petrological in a magma chamber under the SHV There were also several periods of studies indicated an andesitic melt that but, taking the known geodetic and intense seismicity in 1897 to 1898, was very viscous with about 35% petrological constraints into account, 1933 to 1937, 1966 to 1967 and 1992 liquid. This gives rise to typical lava this was thought to lie at a depth of to 1994 but nothing had really domes that collapsed into catastrophic about 5 to 8 km, where seismic prepared the islanders for the activity pyroclastic flows. As a result it was resolution had been poor. that started in 1995 and culminated in still too dangerous to investigate many The final stage of the investigation the catastrophic explosive eruption in areas of the island. The lava, which is has been to use mathematical 1997 that had left most of the island highly porphyritic and has entrained techniques similar to those employed uninhabitable. However this recent basaltic xenoliths, is thought to have in the medical use of computerised history has inspired an extensive been derived from partial remelting in axial tomography (CAT) to develop a programme of multidisciplinary an old magma chamber in response to 3D seismic velocity model of the island research covering geomorphology, the influx of new material from below. and to compare it with proposed bathymetry, geodesy, petrology and This ties in with the two reservoir physical models of magma chamber seismology. The latter included the hypothesis indicated by the geodetic formation. It was unlikely that the fine SEA-CALIPSO seismic experiment, work. details of the proposed model would which was the basis of Dr Paulatto's show up because of the smoothing research. Seismology. The seismic work falls into three produced by the Fresnel zone effect, phases: but when an allowance was made for Bathymetry, geodesy and this effect, there has been good petrology. The first involved monitoring natural seismicity. Four different signatures agreement between the actual results The three eruptive episodes over the have been identified including an early and those that could be predicted from past 2.6 Ma have had a marked one that was fairly widely dispersed the model. This was a very influence on the geomorphology and and probably correlated with the initial stimulating talk that gave a new bathymetry of the island and its uplift following the filling of the shallow insight into the structure of a strato- surroundings. They had resulted in the magma chamber. These shocks volcano and it was followed by a wide SH centre in the north being fringed by became more and more concentrated ranging discussion. a wide submarine shelf, the CH area in space as the channel up to the having a narrower one and the SHV volcano began to form. Other REFERENCES: having almost none, so that the recent signatures then could be related to the Details of the early stages of the SHV lava and pyroclastic flows have actually general collapse of the surrounding eruption may be found in the extended the island in this area. This rocks, the expulsion of gas and the Geological Society Memoir No. 21 effect was due to the rapid marine formation of pyroclastic flows. In all (2002) which contains some 30 erosion of the relatively soft volcanic some 30,000 seismic events have been papers. For a full account of Dr deposits with the surface of the shelf recorded since the start of the Paulatto's more recent CAT work see correlating with a period of minimum eruption. PAULATTO, M. et al . 2012. Magma sea level during the Quaternary. Dr The second phase was carried out chamber properties from integrated Paulatto stressed that this was entirely under the SEA-CALIPSO programme seismic tomography and thermal due to eustatic movements and there that had used an airgun towed behind modeling in Montserat, Geochem. was no evidence of the classic the survey ship RRS James Cook to Geophys. Geosyst ., 13, Q01014 subsidence effect first described by create seismic waves, which were

20 Magazine of the Geologists’ Association Vol. 11, No. 1, 2012 GA Festival London Walks on 6 November 2012

This year the strong-hearted were London Underground, 55 Broadway, able to participate in two London walks and surrounding St. James's Park organised on Sunday 6th November as Underground station. This is built of the part of the GA Festival of Geology. In finest 'Whit Bed' freestone, completed the morning there was a walk around in 1929, and adorned with statues by Westminster looking at building stones, leading sculptors of the day, including devised by Eric Robinson and in the Henry Moore, Eric Gill and Jacob afternoon David Bridgland, the GA Epstein who masterminded the project. President led a walk from the Tower to John very kindly sent members copies Trafalgar Square on the topic of the of the leaflet describing the statues 'Thames through London'. after the event. The other important building in Morning: Building Stones walk around Portland Stone that we encountered Westminster was the last. The Supreme Court has recently been conserved to display all Sadly, in the event, Eric was not able the intricate carving at its best. Stone 'John Henry shows us the Building Stones of to be with us in the morning but he benches have been added in front of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors' handed the baton to John Henry who the building to commemorate the very ably led us around Eric's walk. It reopening in 2009. These are carved in building stones used in the was a walk primarily examining newly-quarried Portland Stone and construction. These have been well- buildings made of Portland Stone in provided a fitting end to the walk, documented by Eric Robinson in the various guises, starting at the QE2 featuring a poem composed for the laminated concertina leaflet produced centre and taking us on a circular route event especially by Andrew Motion, the by the BGS which reveals the via St. James's Park Underground then poet laureate which begins: underlying strata as well as describing Station and the recently refurbished Tides tumbled sand through seas long- the building stones of the Tower. Supreme Court in Parliament Square. lost to earth; David then led us over Tower Bridge John started by generously handing Sand hardened into-stone - stone cut, to the newly-developed 'More London' out geological maps of the area then brought where we were able to sit on steps showing how the Tyburn used to run To frame the letter of our four nations' landscaped into the bank; a most more or less where we were standing, law appropriate location to listen to David bifurcating around 'Thorney Island' on And square the circle of a single court. explaining about the Thames Terraces. which Westminster Abbey and the Our thanks to Eric and John for a most He handed round diagrams of 'the Houses of Parliament stand. From this interesting walk along byways not staircase' for us to consult as he talked. vantage point we were able to survey normally visited. The stone used in the steps and for the these important monuments and base of City Hall and the other discuss the stone with which they were *The newly refurbished underground buildings that make up 'More London' is built before embarking on our quest for station at Green Park features an dark blue-grey Carboniferous Portland Stone. Artwork by John Maine. When next Limestone, known as 'Irish Blue London is underlain by gravel, clays, visiting Burlington House, exit on the Limestone' that comes from Co. Carlow sands and chalk all of which have been south side of the station to examine and makes a striking contras with the used for construction but for suitable the Portland Roach in all its glory. limestones used for the Tower opposite stone for prestigious buildings we have Panels on the lower half are cladding of which features honey-coloured Jurassic to go further afield. The Island of Portland Roach where only the external Caen Stone from Normandy and pale Portland in Dorset supplied much of the mould of the exterior of the fossil Cretaceous Kentish Ragstone with a building stone used from the time of Sir remains, leaving holes where the shell hint of green from Kent. Christopher Wren to the present. Other had been. Above these are panels of It was a cold afternoon and we Jurassic limestones have been used but the much-prized Portland Whitbed moved swiftly on to Hayes Wharf wehre this off-white oolitic stone, deposited where John Maine has carved larger David talked to us about the about 150 million years ago was the versions of the 'holes' left by the importance of the interglacials and the building stone of choice as it could be decayed fossils. In particular he evidence for hominins during these loaded onto ships and transported features the 'Portland Screw' (the periods. He started to produced direct to the centre of London. gastropod Aptyxiella portlandica). On goodies from his pockets including a We crossed the road to examine the the granite paving cubes under foot he replica handaxe made by Phil Harding Portland Stone on Central Hall in true has carved spirals, reminiscent of of the 'master substance' in just twenty Eric fashion by feeling the stone and ammonites. Details of the Artwork can minutes (flint from the chalk to you finding oysters standing more proudly be found on and I). Thamesward of Southwark on the weathered ledges. By contrast, http://art.tfl.gov.uk/projects/detail/394 Cathedral David talked more about round the corner at Caxton House in 8/. flint. An appropriate location in view of Tothill Street it was the 'holes' in the the knapped flint exterior to the new Portland Roach that we were feeling. Afternoon: the Thames through London extension to the cathedral. This is from the 'inferior' beds of the At Bankside we started to lose people Portland Stone, rejected by the For the afternoon walk some of us who did not want to make the long Victorians but now appearing more decided to make the journey to the walk to Trafalgar Square: clearly it frequently in buildings*. We found good Tower of London by boat. The Clipper is would be dark before we reached it. examples of algae which is common in a very welcome addition to London's The stalwart followed David over the this rock but the 'orses 'eads' 'Trigonia' transport system, particularly as it Millennium Bridge which gave us an bivalves were illusive and the attractive allows reduced price travel using oyster opportunity to discuss the 'Thames 'Portland Screw' gastropod, Aptyxiella cards. This is the best vantage point for Tunnel', the newest of the engineering portlandica even more so. viewing the Thames. projects on the Thames. This will Portland Stone is beautifully David Bridgland started his tour at mostly be built beneath the centre of displayed in the headquarters of the Tower by pointing out the various the Thames and will carry the overflow Magazine of the Geologists’ Association Vol. 11, No. 1, 2012 21 CURRY FUND REPORT

Most surprisingly for the last geological illustrations and fold- meeting of the year, we received outs in its forthcoming Monograph only one new application. This of the Anglo-Saxon Church of All came from the Wells & Mendip Saints, Brixworth Northants. Half Museum for a grant for cleaning of the original grant for the Ruskin and conservation of its Icthyosaur Walk, under the auspices of specimen and the applicant was Rethinking Cities, has now been awarded a grant of £2,140. paid to support its first walk. The However, there were a number of London Geodiversity Partnership outstanding applications from the has been heavily involved in this previous meeting. Most of the project by providing geological supplementary information support, with significant input from requested by the Committee had Di Clements and David Brook. been received in good time for the December meeting so decisions The application from Tegg's Nose could be made, although some Country Park with Cheshire RIGGS applications remain outstanding for a grant towards the cost of and decisions on these will be producing a geology trail leaflet at made in March. the site was deferred until the 'David Bridgland shows us examples of handaxes' March meeting, pending sight of Of the outstanding applications, the draft leaflet. The Fife Coast from the Victorian sewers created by Joseph the Geologists' Association was information boards project is Bazalgette, competed in 1875, to comply awarded a grant of £2,139 for its proceeding well and it is hoped with EU regulations to clean up pollution in new Barcelona field guide. The that the boards will be in place the Thames. Reaching the north side of the request from GeoSuffolk for some sometime during this summer. Thames we walked along the embankment support for its 10th Anniversary which was another of Bazalgette's projects to Volume of Suffolk Geology was At the time of going to press we clean up the Thames. Later in the walk, by funded. This volume has greatly already have a sizeable number of Embankment Underground Station we paid exceeded its editors' original applications for out March meeting. our respects to his monument. En route we estimate of the number of papers We look forward to receiving new crossed over the Fleet River confluence under it will carry and they will give away applications and would remind you Blackfriar's Bridge. This is now culverted into free of charge, to local that Guidelines for Applicants and one of the sewers that regularly overflows organisations, 150 copies of the application forms are available to into the Thames at times of heavy rainfall. volume. The Curry Fund grant of download on the GA web site. The headwaters of the Fleet, emanating from £1,500 will cover the cost of these Hampstead Heath, are normally diverted to 150 free copies. The Brixworth Becton Sewage Treatment Works via Archaeological Trust was awarded Susan Brown Bazalgette's High Level sewer but with added £1,500 to help defray the extra run-off from the streets the sewers are not costs of colour printing for the Curry Fund Secretary sufficiently large to contain flood water and it spills over and into the Thames. A small group of us made it to the final destination of Trafalgar Square. By now it was quite dark. David explained to us that a Library Notes large number of animal bones had been recovered from the excavations for several of On reviewing 2011 I find that independently. Do think about the important buildings bordering the square. some of the old favourites, such what you might need well in Amongst them are the bones of as the Greek Islands, did not advance - your request may hippopotamus and as it is unknown from the figure in requests for 2011. enable me to fill a gap in our other terraces it provides a useful marker for However there were requests for collection given time to contact this terrace (dated as Oxygen Isotope Stage 5e, about 125 thousand years ago). No Belgium, France, Italy, and agents and suppliers. evidence of hominins has been found during various areas of the UK including this interglacial. We discussed the possibility one for the island of Sark. North Looking further ahead we have of erecting some sort of permanent American requests included New been informed that UCL will be information panel in the square to highlight York and Maine plus the reorganising library facilities the importance of the finds and finally we Canadian Province of sometime in the future. We thanked David for an illuminating walk as he Newfoundland. Asia was more await further developments so made a swift departure for his train back to popular than heretofore and the watch this space. Durham. Several members of the group have Library was able to help with subsequently joined up as GA members so material on China, Japan, Finally do look out anything the outreach nature of these Festival walks is Mongolia and Sri Lanka. you have on loan and have now fully justified. finished with so that it can go At the moment I am checking back on the shelf ready for the Diana Clements our holdings trying to ensure next request. Many thanks. that there is coverage for the forthcoming GA field trips for 2012 as listed elsewhere. However many of you will be Elaine Bimpson travelling with other groups or Librarian

22 Magazine of the Geologists’ Association Vol. 11, No. 1, 2012 Geoconservation for science and society: an Agenda for the future - your views sought!

The 2011 Geologists' Association plays and can play a significant role Annual Conference, 'Geoconservation in the future of geoconservation and for science and society: An agenda any thoughts and suggestions on the for the 21st Century', held in priorities below are very welcome. Worcester, provided an opportunity Please send any comments to Sarah for those involved or interested in Stafford at the GA office who will geoconservation to celebrate progress bring them to the attention of me and and to consider how best to move the other conference organisers David geoconservation forwards in light of Bridgland, Eleanor Brown and the challenges and opportunities we Jonathan Larwood. face in a changing world. Through the papers and posters Geoconservation priorities emerging presented, a panel discussion and from the 2011 GA Conference held in field visits, many issues and priorities Worcester in terms of moving forward were raised and discussed. These priorities 1. Furthering our understanding of provide the whole geological geodiversity - we need to: community with an outline of a common Agenda for geoconservation · Continue to build more evidence to The interpretation that has been installed at and are captured below as a means show the value and relevance of the Wren's Nest National Nature Reserve of continuing dialogue on the future geoconservation in taking a holistic since the GA visited during the Conference of geoconservation and the potential 'ecosystem approach' to the natural last year. Photo: Jonathan Larwood roles that all interested parties could environment, planning for climate play in this. change adaptation, undertaking plans The priorities to emerge re- landscape scale conservation and in · Engage at a national and confirmed many of the priorities marine conservation international level to share good already being addressed by the · Identify and work with new practice and to ensure geodiversity geoconservation community, partners from a broad range of and geoconservation is included highlighted some new opportunities disciplines to share expertise, grow within international initiatives such as such as engaging in marine the evidence base and develop World Heritage Sites, Global Geoparks geoconservation and the 'ecosystem integrated solutions that enable us to and the European Landscape approach' (which adopts a whole- achieve more with less Convention environment approach to nature conservation) and identified some 2. Influencing policy, legislation and 5. Inspiring people to value and care existing activity where increased or development design - we need to: for our geodiversity - we need to: changed emphasis is required, for example in taking an integrated · Work with politicians and decision · Increase political, policy and approach to geoconservation, in makers at local, national and community support for building wider inter-disciplinary international level to ensure they geoconservation through engaging partnerships, in increasing political recognise and reflect the importance with key players using language and public support and in growing of geodiversity and geoconservation relevant to these audiences local geoconservation activity. An within legislation, policy and practice · Increase the emphasis on delivering important message from the geoconservation through people and a conference was to work within 3. Gathering and maintaining wide range of partnerships, working existing frameworks, rather than information on our geodiversity - we internationally, nationally and locally invent new ones, and as such the need to: · Do more to promote achievements priorities to emerge from the in geoconservation to influential conference are presented here within · Maintain up-to-date audiences including politicians and the the context and themes of the geoconservation audits (e.g. public existing UK Geodiversity Action Plan Geological Conservation Review, Local (UKGAP) www.ukgap.org.uk Sites, marine sites, LGAPs) to support 6. Sustaining resources for our These emerging priorities were geoconservation activity geodiversity - we need to: discussed at the February meeting of the GA Council and are presented 4. Conserving and managing our · Sustain geoconservation into the here (and on the GA website) as a geodiversity - we need to: future by working together as a means of seeking comment and geological community, seeking new dialogue on whether they are correct, · Continue to conserve, manage and sources of funding, supporting how they could be improved and what enhance geodiversity through use of voluntary participation in now needs to be done, and by whom, existing site based designations and geoconservation and by increasing in order to move forward. They will systems efforts to enthuse and educate also be reflected in a Special Issue of · Review and update geoconservation geology and geography students the Proceedings of the Geologists' guidance, to reflect new challenges about geoconservation Association, based upon the such as the impacts of climate change Worcester Conference, and including · Seek to ensure geodiversity is an overview paper developing an recognised and conserved within the Colin Prosser Agenda for geoconservation in the wider landscape as well as through (Natural England and 21st Century. Not all of the priorities site based conservation are directly relevant to the GA and · Ensure geodiversity is included in GA Vice President) will be led by others, but the GA conservation and land management

Magazine of the Geologists’ Association Vol. 11, No. 1, 2012 23 Geology and Churches in North-East England. 28th to the 31st May 2011 - Part 2

Following a night widely scattered over quoin stones, indicating that it had either much of north-east England (our venues been rebuilt or was of newer disrupted by a major pop group clash), introduction. Above the same window, a the party re-assembled on Sunday 29th round-headed doorway opened onto May at Tynemouth Pier (NZ 375 694) to space from the second floor (a similar start the morning with some geology. A doorway had been observed by some Tertiary dolerite dyke here cuts the members at Earls Barton in unconformable junction between the Northamptonshire, on a previous trip). Lower Permian Sandstones (Fig. 10) and Despite a range of suggestions as to the those of the underlying Coal Measures. purpose of these doorways, none was The dyke and its chilled margins could thought to be entirely plausible. be observed both in the cliff side and in Elsewhere this church preserves workmanship ranging from Norman through to Victorian fabric. A 13th century lancet window in the chancel, for Fig. 12 The south-east nave quoin at Heddon- instance, reveals that the overlapping on-the-Wall. south transept is of later build. Situated close to the north bank of the asked to express their views. It was River Tyne, hardly anything exists of the agreed that although the lowest part of village of Bywell, and yet it preserves the quoin had been rebuilt (with three two Anglo-Saxon churches in very close tie stones in evidence); higher, the proximity. In the middle ages the town stonework irrespective of shape, of Bywell supported about 500 persons revealed typical BVFR/BVFL orientations and a thriving iron industry. In Norman in the Anglo-Saxon fashion. The church, times, the churches served adjoining having agreed with John a time for the Fig. 10 Valerians on Lower Permian baronies (Styford and Bywell); and, prior party to view the interior, had chosen Sandstones at Tynemouth. to that, presumably pre-Norman instead to stage a Christening. Unable to divisions of land. Both churches were enter, the party proceeded to Ovingham the foreshore just to the north of the visited and they proved very unlike in for lunch. Tyne Pier. The structure of the pier was structure. All sufficiently replete; we continued to discussed; but Gordon Hull then advised St Andrew (NZ 048 615) was made St Mary the Virgin, Ovingham (NZ 085 us of those who, under his guidance in redundant in 1973 and is now 637). Like Escomb, Ovingham Church is the past, collected 'Tynemouth Eggs' maintained by the Churches situated in a circular, central village from this beach. Most of the party then Conservation Trust. A request to graveyard, a shape and location turned to seeking the variously coloured, examine the interior of the church had generally interpreted as indicative of an large egg-shaped pebbles derived from gone unheeded; disappointing, in that early origin. The tall west tower is the different ballast rocks which could be John advised us that it holds a certainly Anglo-Saxon apart from the found! remarkable collection of early grave- parapet (Fig. 13). In each face a late- It had been intended to undertake slabs. The yellowish, coarse, partly Saxon belfry window is outlined in rather more coastal geology, but the pre- recrystallised, sandstone that made up stripwork and the visible quoin stones arranged lunch venue started to call, and the church fabric was probably are set to appropriate BVFR/BVFL the first church at Heddon-on-the-Wall representative of the local Millstone Grit. (NZ 135 669) formed our next stop. This Only the tower and the adjoining west church Bede described as 'Ad Muram' , nave wall remain of the Anglo-Saxon and it led us to first examine the local church, for much of the rest dates from Roman 'Hadrian's' wall, its structure and the 13th century. The earlier features rock types (Fig. 11) . The church of St provided plenty of interest, the western tower and nave quoins with obvious BVFR/BVFL stone orientations confirming their Anglo-Saxon construction. As at

Fig. 13 The tower and a door at St Maryy Ovingham.

orientations. Geologically, the church is sited on the Lower Coal Measures and its walls are constructed from fairly coarse, Fig. 11 Hadrian's Wall at Heddon. buff sandstones, probably from these deposits. Some time was spent examining the Andrew preserves Norman and more stonework details of the various recent work but the south-east quoin of Fig. 14 St Peter, Bywell and the blocked Anglo- openings to the tower, all of which are the nave retains its Anglo-Saxon origins. Saxon door and roof line in the chancel wall. normally referred to the Anglo-Saxon The quoin is probably built of the local period. Although it was similar in Middle Coal Measures sandstones but it Ovingham, there is again, high in the architectural style to other windows, the fails to display the commonly recognised south wall of the tower, a round-headed round-headed window in the tower's Anglo-Saxon features such as long-and- doorway opening to space. This south face proved to possess only BH short work (Fig. 12). The party were particular doorway had been ornamented 24 Magazine of the Geologists’ Association Vol. 11, No. 1, 2012 with strip-work. days of this excursion, were available geology (coal, limestone, sandstone, A few paces distant, St Peter (NZ 049 here to scrutinize in detail. fossils and igneous are all present) all 614) possesses a 13th century tower, its Stopping for lunch as well as for a add to the attractions. But the party Anglo-Saxon fabric occurring in part of variety of geological viewpoints, as we firstly examined the Abbey, an attractive the north nave wall and at the west end travelled in convoy north, our sole ruin in more than one type of yellow of the chancel. Probably, the most church visit was at the isolated and through to red sandstone, which is distinctive external Anglo-Saxon picturesque, St Andrew, Bolam (NZ 093 assumed to stand on the site of St evidence is seen in the blocked doorway 826). John Potter's excursion brochure Aiden's first monastic settlement. in the north chancel wall (Fig. 14), advised that in 1305 the church stood in Nothing of this is now visible and the where the jambs are clearly constructed a town with a castle, a market, a green ruins relate to the post-Conquest re- of BVFIA and BH stonework. It is and more than 200 houses. The church settlement of the site by Benedictine believed that this doorway provided the is constructed of a yellowish, slightly monks. John was concerned as to the entrance to a chamber or porticus of micaceous, sandstone from the Upper sources of the sandstones. These are which the trace of a roof line is faintly Carboniferous, Scottish Upper Limestone normally stated as having been quarried visible. Just west of this doorway the Group. Only the tower and parts of the on the immediately adjacent mainland, a original north-east nave quoin can be nave preserve their Anglo-Saxon suggestion that is most improbable. perceived set in appropriately orientated, ancestry, much of the remainder of the Possibly these are of the more distant Millstone Grit, coarse sandstone blocks. church is of Norman and Early English Lower Carboniferous Fell Sandstone, but In the thin nave wall above the north styles. The lower portion of the tower's John has other ideas which he would arcade three early windows are also western quoins noticeably had their wish to research further. preserved, a fourth window to their west stones set in Anglo-Saxon style (Fig. Alongside the Abbey stands the church has been rebuilt. 16). The tower's double belfry windows of St Mary (NU 125 418) much of which Yet another full day, meant that St is of Norman and Early English Andrew, Corbridge (NY 988 644), had to construction.The Norman north aisle be rushed by the time the party had makes a clearly visible straight join arrived to view this, the last of the day's against the nave at the north-east nave quoin. Although there are several tie stones, the quoin possesses obvious Anglo-Saxon characteristics and non-tie stones are emplaced to that style. Several other less obvious features were pointed out to the party before all members decided to go their own individual ways and select castle, museums or geology for the last couple of hours of their time on the island. A small number chose geology and were not disappointed. The Holy Island dyke echelon of Hercynian age cuts Fig. 16 Stones 5, 6, and 7 (BVFR, BVFL, and across the southern margin of BH) in the south-west tower quoin at Bolam. Fig. 15 The west porch door at Corbridge in the setting sun were unusual in not being placed on the tower's top floor and internally the party churches. Only the west face of the members were able to determine that porch of the early church at Corbridge two windows on the ground floor of the has not been enveloped by more recent tower had originally been double- building. The porch rises to a tower, but splayed. Certain other tower windows working within limited time, the party had been modified in Norman times. puzzled over the stonework of the porch The final major stop for the day was to (Fig. 15). The west doorway had been examine the geology beneath the blocked and a modern three-light impressive Bamburgh Castle (NU 183 window inserted. The doorway was not 352). The castle is built upon the slightly central (John suggested possibly because transgressive Great Whin Sill, a quartz- the porch once housed an altar) and it dolerite/basalt sill of Hercynian age had clearly been modified. Inside the (about 300my) which extends under church, there was considerable much of northern England. At Bamburgh Fig. 17 The Holy Island dyke contact with discussion over the structure and origins the sill is almost at its most northerly Carboniferous sediments admired by of the tower arch. Much, possibly all, of exposure, but it also creates the Farne Paul Conboy. the early stonework in both the porch Islands (NU 247 358) visibly beyond at and the lower tower had been used in sea. Beneath the sill at Bamburgh, the Lindisfarne creating the rock upon which earlier Roman buildings and cramp and contact of the sill with reddened late the largely modern castle stands. The lewis lifting holes were present in many Dinantian sandstones was examined and thick dolerite dyke makes an excellent of the blocks - but we were to examine a walk towards the beach enabled the contact with the Carboniferous these features in more detail on our next sill's jointing and other features to be fossiliferous limestones and shales on day. observed. the foreshore to the south of the Abbey Monday morning, 30th May, was Lindisfarne has such a lot to offer that (Fig.17), destroying the fossils and devoted to Roman stonework, for the residence on the island should be baking these rocks to as much as 5m. party met at the Corbridge Roman site. obligatory, so that the final half day of from the dyke wall. The site of Corstopitum (Corbridge) was this excursion, on Tuesday 31st May where the Roman military road, Dere provided only a little of the island's NOTE: A copy of the guide prepared for Street, once crossed the River Tyne. The secrets. If party members were not to be this excursion (and others for recent rocks used here were of local, coarse trapped by the incoming tide they had to previous similar excursions) is lodged in sandstones from the Millstone Grit. All be across the causeway by 1pm.The the G. A. Library. the Roman features and styles of many museums relating to different working stone, seen re-used in the aspects of this early Christian site, the JOHN F. POTTER churches examined on the previous two Castle and the interesting and varied

Magazine of the Geologists’ Association Vol. 11, No. 1, 2012 25 Date for your diary

Launch of the Green Chain Walk Geotrail

Saturday 17 March 10.30am-4pm Meet at Thames Barrier café, SE18 5NJ Nearest train station: Charlton

The London Geodiversity Partnership has recently developed a Geological Trail with the SE London Green Chain between the Thames Barrier and Lesnes Abbey. This walk is to launch the seven-mile trail taking in the many points of geological interest.

For more information contact email: [email protected]

A pdf of the Geotrail is available on the Green Chain Walk website: www.greenchain.com/pdfs/Geologytrail.pdf

Thanks to the Curry Fund for support of this project

26 Magazine of the Geologists’ Association Vol. 11, No. 1, 2012 sketches and photographs the majority Book review of which are in colour. The glossy paper The Roadside Geology of accentuates the publication’s overall publication quality. Wales The book begins with brief geological By Jim Talbot and John Cosgrove. history of Wales couched in plate G A Guide No. 69 (2011), 214pp. tectonics and palaeogeography. The book is broken into five regional sections with page space priority given The Roadside Geology of Wales is a (in descending order) to northwest welcome addition to the Geologists’ Wales (56 pages), southwest Wales (44 Association Guide Series. It is written pages), Glamorgan, Gwent and the for use by an inquisitive audience with southeast (43 pages), central Wales (29 little formal geological background but pages), and the northeast (15 pages) also offers much to captivate a wider, respectively. Within each regional more experienced readership. section there is a regional map based As it says in the title, the focus is on the BGS 1:250 000 “Rocks of Wales” primarily the geology of Wales which sheet; a synopsis of the stratigraphy can be seem mainly from Wales’ main and structural elements, followed then road routes, and as such much of what by detailed route specific information. is covered concentrates on large scale The latter is supplemented by detailed structural and stratigraphic features. route maps, synoptic cross-sections and There is much devil in the detail relevant images. however, and many routes are Overall, the authors have provided an indeed the temptation of following supplemented by descriptions and admirable, comprehensive coverage of explanations of smaller scale exposures geologically interesting routes as the principality’s geology, with very few opposed to quicker, Tom Tom generated which can be explored by the driver at omissions. One area that I would have well earned rest stops! alternatives! The authors have personally liked to have seen more succeeded in maintaining a balance The book comes in a handy spiral- information provided is that of the bound A5 sized format, which is small whereby those with little geological palaeontology of key sections as this background can access the text, with enough to fit into glove compartments, area might clearly be of interest to the with the binding enabling the book to plenty to entertain more seasoned non-specialist. professionals. Hopefully this might be remain open when laid flat on the Possibly my wife and two daughters passenger seat. It is profusely the start of a GA Roadside Guide wouldn’t like me writing this, but the Series? illustrated (191 in total), with a variety Guide offers much to the planning of of maps, cross-sections, annotated field pan-Principality road journeys, and Rob Hillier

of special note being Ian West’s Book Review website, which covers most if not all of Geology of the Jurassic Coast. the locations mentioned in the text. Also although images were used from The Isle of Purbeck. Weymouth the DIGS study, Purbeck, geology, to Studland. landscape and the stone industry, this is not mentioned in the reference list IISBN 978 1 907701 00 9. (although the illustrations are credited in the acknowledgements). This is the latest Jurassic Coast Trust The book is divided into two main publication, companion volume to the sections following the pattern in the Red Red Coast (which covers east Devon). Coast volume. Section one covers the This is a wonderfully illustrated book general geology and works with many annotated photographs, a lot stratigraphically from the Oxford Clay of which are oblique aerial photographs (the oldest rock unit seen in the showing the coast at its best. There are section) up to the Quaternary. Secondly also pictures taken from the sea which there is an itinerary of the coast emphasise that one of the best ways to working east from Overcombe Corner see the coast is by boat e.g. out from (east of Weymouth) to Studland at the Swanage. The book also benefits from eastern end of the Jurassic Coast. The useful map extracts from O.S. 1:25,000 two sections in the book are well cross- sheets. At £9.95 it is a bargain referenced. especially when you remember that The book can be used on two levels. which is not always accurate (Ian proceeds go to support the conservation First it can be used fairly superficially West’s site is an exception of course!). and education programme of the enjoying the already mentioned It should be remembered that one of Jurassic Coast Trust. Apart from one or excellent illustrations. Secondly it can the reasons for the designation of the two quibbles it is an excellent volume be used to explore the geology in detail Jurassic Coast as a World Heritage site and a must for anyone interested in the thanks to the abundant geological is the coastal geomorphology. Jurassic Coast (at the time of writing information provided including a The text has clearly been very well having had its 10th anniversary). There discussion of ‘the latest theories’ on proof read after writing as typographic is a lot of detail and to benefit from the some topics (e.g. the boundary errors are rare or even non-existent. book fully some previous knowledge of between the Chalk and Palaeogene So all in all an excellent book and it geology is desirable. north of the Old Harry Rocks). Apart whets the appetite for the final volume I didn’t realise that Weymouth to from the excellent coverage of the (Lyme Regis to Portland) to be Ringstead was part of Purbeck, a bit of geology, coastal geomorphology is well published when funds allow. artistic licence perhaps. One thing I to the fore. Any student of geography noticed missing from the book is a list would benefit from owning a copy and of useful websites for further study, one not relying on website information Alan Holiday Magazine of the Geologists’ Association Vol. 11, No. 1, 2012 27 UURRGGEENNTT NNOOTTIICCEE FFEESSTTIIVVAALL OOFF GGEEOOLLOOGGYY CCHHAANNGGEE OOFF DDAATTEE

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Notice for members on line Just Published: ANNUAL REPORT The Geology of Barcelona: If you do NOT wish to an urban receive an electronic copy excursion and would prefer a printed guide. copy of the Annual Report, £9 to members £12 to non- please email Sarah members at the GA office