SCIENTISTVOLUME 28 No. 06 ◆ JULY 2018 ◆ WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST
GEOThe Fellowship Magazine of the Geological Society of London UK / Overseas where sold to individuals: £3.95
Geoscientist welcomes its NEW EDITOR!
PREDICTING JURASSIC MICROBES Dan Bosence and friends explore the predictability of carbonate mounds on Dorset’s Jurassic coast
KARL MAYER-EYMAR ONLINE SPECIAL SHOW AND TELL David Hall remembers an History on a (tectonic) When geologists discovered anagrammatic fossilist plate, by Don Tarling the power of the picture Themed years are at the heart of the Society’s science strategy. Throughout 2019 the Society will explore the geoscience of Carbon through research conferences, lectures, our education programme and other activities. Carbon is one of the most important elements of our planet. In the oceans and atmosphere, carbon has important consequences for the global climate system. Complex organic molecules led to life on Earth. Carbon-based energy resources remain of critical importance, both in terms of extraction and mitigation of carbon emissions, but also for planning for a future carbon-neutral society. Carbon is central to a number of critical societal challenges. Understanding the carbon budget of our planet over long timescales requires quantification of the cycling of carbon between surface reservoirs and Earth’s deep interior. On shorter timescales, complex feedbacks exist between the precise nature of our orbit around the Sun, the biosphere and solid Earth. Over the last century, the rapid increase in
atmospheric CO2, caused by the burning of fossil fuels, is one of the greatest scientific challenges of our time, and will occupy generations to come. Carbon-based fuels, however, remain essential for our economy, transport, communications and everyday life. Petroleum geoscience develops innovation in exploration, in extraction and in mitigating emissions. In the future, however, a move to carbon-neutral fuels and energy sources is unavoidable, and is the focus of much research, including studies in the field of carbon sequestration. The Year of Carbon is an opportunity to showcase both academic and applied research focussing on energy, geochemical cycling, climate and materials, among many others. Events throughout the year will involve academe, industry, economists and government bodies, as well as partner geoscience societies and organisations. We welcome proposals for meetings and events aimed at a range of audiences to bring into focus the myriad of ways carbon underpins life on Earth.
Get Involved!
Find out more at www.geolsoc.org.uk/carbon19 To suggest a meeting topic or activity, email Georgina Worrall E: [email protected] GEOSCIENTIST CONTENTS
Geoscientist is the ADVERTISING SALES Fellowship magazine Alex Kilen of the Geological Society T 01727 739 182 of London E [email protected] The Geological Society, ART EDITOR Burlington House, Piccadilly, Heena Gudka London W1J 0BG T +44 (0)20 7434 9944 DESIGN & PRODUCTION F +44 (0)20 7439 8975 Ryan Gaston E [email protected] (Not for Editorial - Please PRINTED BY contact the Editor) Century One Publishing House Publishing Ltd. The Geological Society Publishing House, Unit 7, Copyright Brassmill Enterprise Centre, The Geological Society of Brassmill Lane, Bath London is a Registered Charity, BA1 3JN number 210161. T 01225 445046 ISSN (print) 0961-5628 F 01225 442836 ISSN (online) 2045-1784 Library 05 22 T +44 (0)20 7432 0999 F +44 (0)20 7439 3470 The Geological Society of London accepts no responsibility for the views E [email protected] expressed in any article in this publication. All views expressed, except EDITOR-IN-CHIEF where explicitly stated otherwise, Professor Andy Fleet represent those of the author, and not The Geological Society of London. All EDITOR All rights reserved. No paragraph of this Dr Amy Whitchurch publication may be reproduced, copied E [email protected] or transmitted save with written permission. Users registered with Copyright Clearance Center: the Journal EDITORIAL BOARD is registered with CCC, 27 Congress Dr Sue Bowler Street, Salem, MA 01970, USA. 0961- Mr Steve Branch 5628/02/$15.00. Every effort has been Dr Robin Cocks made to trace copyright holders of Prof. Tony Harris material in this publication. If any rights 10 16 have been omitted, the publishers offer Dr Howard Falcon-Lang their apologies. Dr Andy Fleet (EIC elect) Mr Edmund Nickless No responsibility is assumed by the Mr David Shilston Publisher for any injury and/or damage to persons or property as a matter of Dr Jonathan Turner products liability, negligence or Dr Jan Zalasiewicz otherwise, or from any use or operation ON THE COVER: of any methods, products, instructions Trustees of the or ideas contained in the material 10 PREDICTING Geological Society herein. Although all advertising of London material is expected to conform to ethical (medical) standards, inclusion JURASSIC MICROBES Mr Thomas Backhouse in this publication does not constitute Mr Andrew Bloodworth a guarantee or endorsement of the I t’s more an art than a science with Mr John Booth (Vice President) quality or value of such product or of Dr Jason Canning the claims made by its manufacturer. body fossils - but might microbial Ms Lesley Dunlop Subscriptions: All correspondence Mr Graham Goffey (Treasurer) relating to non-member subscriptions mounds yield to forecasting? Dr Sarah Gordon (Secretary, should be addresses to the Journals Foreign & External Affairs) Subscription Department, Geological Society Publishing House, Unit 7 Prof James Griffiths Brassmill Enterprise Centre, Brassmill Ms Naomi Jordan Lane, Bath, BA1 3JN, UK. Tel: 01225 Prof Chris King 445046. Fax: 01225 442836. Email: FEATURESFEATURES Dr Robert Larter [email protected]. The subscription Dr Bryne Ngwenya price for Volume 28, 2018 (04 issues) to institutions and non-members will 16 KARL MAYER-EYMAR Dr Colin North (Secretary, be £157 (UK) or £179 / US$358 (Rest The forgotten expert on Barton-on-Sea fossils Publications) of World). who never visited England Dr Sheila Peacock Mr Nicholas Reynolds (Vice © 2018 The Geological Society President) of London Prof Katherine Royse (Secretary, Geoscientist is printed on FSC® mixed Professional Matters) credit - Mixed source products are a REGULARS Mr Keith Seymour (Vice blend of FSC 100%, Recycled and/or Controlled fibre. Certified by the Forest President) Stewardship Council®. 05 Welcome Amy Whitchurch says Geoscientist will remain Miss Jessica Smith a forum for community discussion Dr Helen Smyth Prof Robin Strachan 06 Society News What your Society is doing at home and Mr John Talbot (Vice President) abroad, in London and the regions Dr Alexander Whittaker NLINE (Secretary, Science) Published on behalf of the 09 Soapbox Economies of truth – Ted Nield on the woes of Geological Society of SPECIAL Whitchurch High London by: PERSPECTIVES ON 20 Calendar Society activities this month PLATE TECTONICS 21 Books and arts Six new books reviewed by Mark Griffin, Rick SCIENTISTVOLUME 28 No. 06 ◆ JULY 2018 ◆ WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST DON TARLING TAKES ISSUE Century One Publishing GEOThe Fellowship Magazine of the Geological Society of London UK / Overseas where sold to individuals: £3.95 Brassington, Ben Kilhams, Paul Johnson, James Montgomery and Geoscientist welcomes its WITH THE HISTORICAL Alban Row, 27–31 Verulam NEW EDITOR! Peter Treolar Road, St Albans, Herts, ACCOUNT OF PLATE AL3 4DG TECTONICS PUBLICISED 24 People Geoscientists in the news and on the move T 01727 893 894 BY THE SOCIETY IN ITS F 01727 893 895 PREDICTING JURASSIC PROMOTION OF THE 26 Obituaries John Brodie Wilson 1938-2017, John Alfred E enquiries@centuryone MICROBES Dan Bosence and friends explore MCKENZIE ARCHIVE Catt 1939 - 2017, Michael Bernard Collins 1944 2017 & publishing.uk the predictability of carbonate W www.centuryone mounds on Dorset’s Jurassic coast Paul Garrard 1938-2017 KARL MAYER-EYMAR ONLINE SPECIAL SHOW AND TELL David Hall remembers an History on a (tectonic) When geologists discovered publishing.uk anagrammatic fossilist plate, by Don Tarling the power of the picture WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST | JULY 2018 | 03 Corporate Supporters: Registration open now Communicating Geoscience: Building Public Interest and Promoting Inclusive Dialogue 4 September 2018 The Geological Society, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London
Convenors:
Kirstie Wright Heriot-Watt University
Anna Clark Heriot-Watt University
John Argent Sound Energy Plc Engaging with the public to communicate geoscience can be fraught with difficulties, with explanations of complex subsurface concepts and the use of scientific terminology often Invited Speakers: alienating those we seek to engage with. This is especially true in communication from the Iain Stewart energy industry regarding its activities, products and role in society, which can inspire a Plymouth University passionate and often polarised reaction.
John Underhill There is often mistrust towards science and a bias towards industry, including those working Heriot-Watt University in academia who undertake industry-funded research. Accompanying this is the targeted manipulation of fact and theory, which has led to the rise of “fake news” and a greater scrutiny Lisa Rebora of both business and individual interests. While this can make science communication Equinor challenging and frustrating, engaging with the public can be rewarding and is a key tool to build trust, dispel myths and provide up-to-date scientific knowledge to the public. Hazel Gibson Plymouth University This one-day conference aims to look in-depth at geoscience communication in the energy industry to better achieve effective public engagement. This includes evaluating lessons learned from case studies, establishing best practice and understanding the value and importance of public perception. Speakers have been invited from both industry and academia and represent a range of disciplines, including oil & gas exploration, carbon capture & storage, shale gas, geothermal energy and social science. To further explore themes of communication, we plan to live stream sessions to virtual delegates in order to reach a wider audience. The conference will conclude with a panel discussion and a drinks reception to facilitate networking.
For further information please contact: Sarah Woodcock, The Geological Society, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BG. Tel: +44 (0)20 7434 9944 or email: [email protected]
At the forefront of petroleum geoscience www.geolsoc.org.uk/petroleum ~ GEOSCIENTIST WELCOME
GEOSCIENTIST WILL REMAIN A FORUM FOR COMMUNITY DISCUSSION – FEEL FREE TO SPEAK UP ~
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK: A diversity of voices
ello there, readers. Please allow me to introduce every month. But, in doing so, I won’t forget the ‘why’. I have myself as the new Editor of Geoscientist. I am thought a lot about what Geoscientist and the Geological Society honoured and thrilled to take over this role from stand for, their purpose, and the value they bring to our Ted Nield. Over the past 20+ years, together with community. fantastic Editorial Board members and Chief Going forward, I want to ensure that Geoscientist retains a Editors, including current Chief Editor Peter Styles, vibrant mix of science, opinion and news. The Fellowship HTed has built Geoscientist into the stimulating and informative should view this magazine as a valuable resource, with publication we know today. Thank you, Ted, for all your hard scientific articles that stimulate thinking within and beyond work. The magazine is cherished by Fellows, and you will be one’s own specific field. The magazine will remain a go-to sorely missed. place for keeping up with events and activities of the Society Clearly, I have big shoes to fill. Initially trained in the and the broader geoscience community in the UK and abroad. environmental sciences, I segued into geophysics, geology and Importantly, Geoscientist will continue to provide a voice for the sedimentology during my postgraduate and postdoctoral years. whole community. But it was the communication of science, rather than its practice, Mounting pressures on the natural environment mean that that really motivated me; so eight years ago I moved into geoscience has never been more relevant, diverse or scientific publishing. interdisciplinary. Scientists across the geoscience fields are As an editor at Nature Geoscience, my days have been working together with social scientists, economists and consumed by the trials of peer review, interspersed policy-makers to tackle issues of climate change, with the more light-hearted tasks of escalating demand for natural resources, and commissioning, editing and writing news the need to sustain an ever-growing content. Now, under the safe stewardship of population on an increasingly polluted our incoming Chief Editor, Andy Fleet, planet. The fabric of the geoscience and the Editorial Board, I’m excited to community is changing, and Geoscientist help shape the future of Geoscientist. will reflect and foster that change. The In coming weeks, I will voices in our pages should mirror the spend much of my time focusing on diverse nature of the problems we the ‘how’ – specific tasks I must tackle – I encourage readers from all learn in order to deliver a magazine backgrounds to get in touch.
DR AMY WHITCHURCH, EDITOR - [email protected] @geoscientistmag
WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST | JULY 2018 | 05 GEOSCIENTIST SOCIETY NEWS
What your society is doing at home and abroad, in SOCIETYNEWS London and the regions
TRUSTEES LIST
Trustees of The Geological Society of London 2018-2019 Every year following elections the Trustees list of the Society, printed on the magazine’s masthead, changes. This event usually goes unremarked, but this year we thought we would give the event greater prominence by repeating the new list of Council and Officers here in Society News. Trustees give greatly of their time and effort in representing the Fellowship, and surely deserve a vote of thanks.
Prof Nicholas Rogers (President) Mr Thomas Backhouse Mr Andrew Bloodworth Mr John Booth (Vice President) Dr Jason Canning PUBLIC LECTURE SERIES Ms Lesley Dunlop Mr Graham Goffey (Treasurer) Making the most of minerals: Dr Sarah Gordon (Secretary, Foreign & External Affairs) Prof James Griffiths sustaining society sustainably? Ms Naomi Jordan Speaker: Simon Redfern, University of Cambridge Prof Chris King Dr Robert Larter Date: Wednesday 26 September Dr Bryne Ngwenya Dr Colin North (Secretary, Publications) Programme Dr Sheila Peacock ◆ A fternoon talk: 14:30pm Tea & Coffee: 15:00 Mr Nicholas Reynolds (Vice President) Lecture begins: 16:00 Event ends Prof Katherine Royse (Secretary, Professional Matters) ◆ E vening talk: 17:30 Tea & Coffee: 18:00 Lecture Mr Keith Seymour (Vice President) begins: 19:00 Reception. Miss Jessica Smith Dr Helen Smyth Further Information Prof Robin Strachan Please visit www.geolsoc.org.uk/gsllondonlectures18. Mr John Talbot (Vice President) Entry to each lecture is by ticket only. To obtain a Dr Alexander Whittaker (Secretary, Science) ticket please contact the Society around four weeks before the talk. Due to the popularity of this lecture series, tickets are allocated in a monthly ballot and Future meetings: Council & OGMs cannot be guaranteed.
OGMS: 2018: 4 July, 18 September, 28 November. 2019: 6 February, 3 April Contact: Sarah Woodcock, The Geological Society, Burlington COUNCIL: 2018 4 July, 18 & 19 Sept (residential), 28 November. House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BG, 2019: 6 February, 3 April T: +44 (0) 20 7432 0981 E: [email protected]
Awards 2019 – make your nominations! Society Discussion Group Meetings of the Geological Society Discussion Group Fellows of the Society are encouraged to submit nominations (formerly the Geological Society Club) are 18.30 for 1900, for the Society’s Awards for 2019 to the Awards Committee. when dinner is served. Attendance is open to all members of Full details of how to make nominations are on the the Society. For up to date information concerning topics for website at W: www.geolsoc.org.uk/About/Awards- discussion and speakers, please go to W: bit.ly/2qIhMtu. Grants-and-Bursaries. Nominations must be received at ◆ Wednesday 19 September - Burlington House the Society no later than 28 September 2018. ◆ Wednesday 24 October – Bumpkins Stephanie Jones ◆ Wednesday 5 December – Athenaeum Please contact Sarah Woodcock for more information and to make a reservation. E: [email protected]
06 | JULY 2018 | WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST | JULY 2018 | 07 GEOSCIENTIST SOCIETY NEWS CENTURY ONE PUBLISHING The Sedgwick Bicentenary Meeting: IS THE UK’S BRIGHTEST Sedgwick200 AWARD-WINNING Saturday 22nd September 2018 CONTRACT PUBLISHING Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge AND ADVERTISING SALES AGENCY. This one-day celebratory conference will begin with an introduction to Sedgwick and his times, followed by a discussion of the prediction and mitigation of the WE WORK EXCLUSIVELY effects of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. There will be talks on the Anthropocene and the effect we are having on the Earth’s climate, and an WITH MEMBERSHIP introduction to geology on other planets and the search for extraterrestrial life. ORGANISATIONS GENERATING ADVERTISING REVENUES AND MANAGING ALL OR PART OF THE PUBLISHING FUNCTION
Prof Jim Secord (University of Cambridge) Prof Nick Butterfield (University of Cambridge) Plan your ad campaign in GeoScientist magazine Dr Mike Poland (United States Geological Survey) contact: Dr Lucy Jones (CalTech) Prof Mark Maslin (University College London) Alex Killen Dame Julia Slingo (Cabot Institute, University of Bristol) t: 01727 739 182 Dr. Sanjeev Gupta (Imperial College London) e: [email protected] Dr. Seth Shostak (SETI Institute) w: www.centuryonepublishing.uk Registration and booking information: www.esc.cam.ac.uk/sedgwick200 Earth Sciences in the 21st Century and beyond
Latest news from the Publishing House
Jenny Blythe has the latest from the Geological Society Publishing House The Weeks Formation Konservat-Lagerstätte and the evolutionary transition of Cambrian marine life Scott Wood, Dean of Science and Mathematics at North Dakota State University, has been appointed Chief Editor of By Rudy Lerosey-Aubril, Robert R. Gaines, Thomas Geochemistry: Exploration, Environment, Analysis (GEEA), A. Hegna, Javier Ortega-Hernández, Peter Van from 1 August 2018. Roy, Carlo Kier and Enrico Bonino
Scott Wood’s editorial is available in the Lyell Collection: The Weeks Formation in Utah is the youngest http://geea.lyellcollection.org/content/18/2/95 (c. 499 Ma) and least studied Cambrian Lagerstätte of the western United States. It preserves a diverse exceptionally-preserved fauna that inhabited a MMI partial extraction geochemistry for the resolution of anthropogenic activities relatively deep-water environment at the offshore across the archaeological Roman town of Calleva Atrebatum margin of a carbonate platform, resembling the setting By Graham C. Sylvester, Alan W. Mann, Samantha R. Cook and Clare A. Wilson of the underlying Wheeler and Marjum formations. Yet, the Weeks fauna differs signifi cantly in composition Sixty three soils samples, fourteen samples of previously excavated archaeological material, from the other remarkable biotas of Cambrian Series and fi ve background soil samples taken at the Silchester Roman Town of Calleva Atrebatum in 3 of Utah, suggesting a signifi cant Guzhangian faunal the County of Hampshire, United Kingdom were analysed by the Mobile Metal Ion (MMI) method restructuring. This bioevent is regarded as the onset of for a total of fi fty three elements. Samples from within the town walls showed considerably a transitional episode in the history of life, separating higher concentrations than samples outside for many elements; Au, Ag, Cu and Sn were in the two primary diversifi cations of the Early Palaeozoic. extremely anomalous concentrations, Bi, Cd, Hg, Mo, P and Pb were anomalous and Sb and The Weeks fossils have been strongly affected by Zn in elevated concentrations. The overall pattern of element distribution is one of an annulus late diagenetic processes, but some specimens still of higher elemental concentrations surrounding a centre of generally lower values centred on preserve exquisite anatomical details. the previously excavated...continue reading in the Lyell Collection Read full abstract and paper in the Lyell Collection Read more here http://jgs.lyellcollection.org/ http://geea.lyellcollection.org/content/18/1/58 content/early/2018/05/18/jgs2018-042
WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST | JULY 2018 | 07 GEOSCIENTIST SOAPBOX Regional Geology Books and Guides Economies of truth
Where public policy is concerned, beware institutional Dinosaurs lies and follow the money, says Ted Nield* of the British Isles The ‘Geology of’ Series
emember when they said they comprehensive catchments, and the resulting This book is truly unique, These regional geology titles were cutting the ‘second post’? house-price segregation they create, further SOAPBOX providing the first appeal to a broad audience, And remember what happened? perpetuate economic privilege. comprehensive account of the Yes, that’s right. They actually from amateurs and professionals R did away with first post, and Post-16 education CALLING! dinosaurs of the entire British visiting a region on their now we have to wait until after lunch for All post-16 education within schools is now Isles. It will be of interest holidays, to researchers and our mail. problematic. It is cheaper to make FE colleges The same sorts of ‘institutional lie’ cater for everybody, run A-level courses there Soapbox is open to contributions to a broad audience, from engineers needing an overview frequently attend changes to education. instead, and bus pupils in. One of those from all Fellows. You can always academics to those with a of an area they are planning to write a letter to the Editor, of Widespread and justifiable concern about ‘minority subjects’ is geology. And one of general interest in fossils. the standard of education offered to pupils those ‘schools in relatively well-off areas’ is course: but perhaps you feel you work in. once sent to ‘Secondary Modern’ schools none other than Cardiff’s Whitchurch High need more space? ended with the end of selective secondary – which has won the Schools Geology education and the creation of Challenge in Wales for the last four years and If you can write it entertainingly in View more at: www.geolsoc.org.uk/MPDIN View more at: www.geolsoc.org.uk/GEOGIFTS Comprehensives. Alas, in poorer catchment became UK champions in 2017. 500 words, the Editor would like areas, the result was that the escape route of Whitchurch has a very large - and diverse to hear from you. Email your piece, education that had formerly been available - sixth form, with over 400 pupils; but this has and a self-portrait, to to a few, was abolished. They said they not saved it. Instead, funding has been cut by [email protected]. were abolishing second best, but instead nearly 20% in six years – and by £255,000 this Copy can only be accepted they abolished access to the best. year, which Joyce Slack, chair of governors, electronically. No diagrams, tables described in a BBC interview as “a shock”. or other illustrations please. Keep your notes safe Bedrock Geology of the Open plan Which is why this year, she told the BBC: Then came ‘open plan schools’. “We’ve had to cut some key areas such as Pictures should be of print even in the rain United Kingdom and Ireland ‘Comprehensivization’ demanded new geology where we’re felt to be sector leading.” quality – please take photographs buildings to accommodate much larger She is not wrong. Geology at WHS is on the largest setting on your Rite in the Rain is a patented, A new modern printed bedrock geology institutions (‘economies of scale’). almost legendary. camera, with a plain background. environmentally responsible, all- map produced in collaboration with Obviously, internal walls are expensive, so There is nothing inherently wrong with as with other pseudo-egalitarian measures non-selective secondary education, and much Precedence will always be given to weather writing paper that sheds the Earth Science Teachers’ Association, like non-selective secondary education - and to be said for it. But, like modern architecture, more topical contributions. water and enables you to write Geographical Association, Geological the swiftly-abandoned absurdity that was it can’t be done well on the cheap. First, they Any one contributor may not anywhere, in any weather. Using Survey of Ireland and Geological
‘mixed-ability teaching’ - ‘studies’ were came for music, and we said nothing. You appear more often than once per a pencil, Rite in the Rain ensures Survey of Northern Ireland. Provides an generated to demonstrate that housing know how the rest of it goes. volume (once every 12 months). several classes in one cavernous space that your notes survive the rigors overview of the geology of the UK and would prove better for everybody. No of the fi eld, regardless of the Ireland at a relatively coarse scale using teachers were asked, needless to say. ~ conditions. current BGS and GSI data. One of the main supposed – and in the end illusory - benefits of comprehensivization was that once its sunlit View more at: www.geolsoc.org.uk/AR540GS View more at: www.geolsoc.org.uk/BEDROCKUK uplands were attained, minority subjects WHITCHURCH hitherto only available to the select would become available to all. But alas, without HAS A VERY LARGE - the concentrating effect of selection, which AND DIVERSE - SIXTH ensured that minority subjects could at least FORM, WITH OVER 400 attract small numbers in small institutions, in some catchments, even very large PUPILS; BUT THIS HAS comprehensives failed to do so. Minority NOT SAVED IT subjects started instead to disappear, from View more online at: www.geolsoc.org.uk/geogifts all except schools in relatively well-off areas * Dr Ted Nield former Editor of Geoscientist, DR TED NIELD comes from a long line of schoolteachers and is only ~ – the exact reverse of what was promised. Or call the Publishing House on +44 (0)1225 445 046 The process continues today as writing this because nobody else did (see sidebar!).
WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST 08 | JULY 2018 | Image credit: Glencoe © Brent Bouwsema Regional Geology Books and Guides
Dinosaurs of the British Isles The ‘Geology of’ Series
This book is truly unique, These regional geology titles providing the first appeal to a broad audience, comprehensive account of the from amateurs and professionals dinosaurs of the entire British visiting a region on their Isles. It will be of interest holidays, to researchers and to a broad audience, from engineers needing an overview academics to those with a of an area they are planning to general interest in fossils. work in.
View more at: www.geolsoc.org.uk/MPDIN View more at: www.geolsoc.org.uk/GEOGIFTS
Keep your notes safe Bedrock Geology of the even in the rain United Kingdom and Ireland Rite in the Rain is a patented, A new modern printed bedrock geology environmentally responsible, all- map produced in collaboration with weather writing paper that sheds the Earth Science Teachers’ Association, water and enables you to write Geographical Association, Geological anywhere, in any weather. Using Survey of Ireland and Geological a pencil, Rite in the Rain ensures Survey of Northern Ireland. Provides an that your notes survive the rigors overview of the geology of the UK and of the fi eld, regardless of the Ireland at a relatively coarse scale using conditions. current BGS and GSI data.
View more at: www.geolsoc.org.uk/AR540GS View more at: www.geolsoc.org.uk/BEDROCKUK
View more online at: www.geolsoc.org.uk/geogifts Or call the Publishing House on +44 (0)1225 445 046
Image credit: Glencoe © Brent Bouwsema ARE JURASSIC MICROBES PREDICTABLE?
Image: Yerko Espinoza/shutterstock.com
re Jurassic microbes Africa. The drilling of each well can Dan Bosence, Peter predictable? Why would you cost upwards of US$ 150M. Better want to know? prediction of microbialites will have Burgess, Arnaud For many years there major economic consequences. has been limited academic Gallois, Estanislao A Setting the scene research into microbialites; however, their time has come! The giant oil Currently, microbialite mounds, Kozlowski, Ian Billing discoveries offshore Brazil in the last unless stacked one upon another, decade have resulted in a renaissance of may not be resolvable on seismic and Bernie Vining interest into how microbial communities data. In addition, there is only limited explore the predictability construct microbialites, and how we core material, given the possible might predict their genesis, distribution geographic extent of the play. Is this of carbonate mounds on and character as oil reservoirs. core material representative? How This has significant implications for would the perceived potential of the Dorset’s Jurassic coast the petroleum life-cycle from exploration play be influenced by drilling through a through development to production. For highly productive microbialite mound, and its implications for example, in offshore Brazil in excess of in contrast to drilling through the 50 billion barrels have been discovered relatively low producibility of the inter- petroleum exploration in what have been interpreted as mound facies? If the latter were drilled microbialite reservoirs. There is further first, would there be any incentive and production potential in other parts of the world: to continue exploring for mound e.g., on the conjugate margin in West reservoirs?
10 | JULY 2018 | WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST | JULY 2018 | 11 FOR MANY YEARS THERE HAS BEEN LIMITED ACADEMIC RESEARCH INTO MICROBIALITES; HOWEVER, THEIR TIME HAS COME!
Fig. 1. The “Modelling Mesozoic Microbialites” team in quarry exposure on Isle of Portland. Left to right Dan Bosence (RHUL), Peter Burgess (formerly RHUL), Bernie Vining (formerly Baker Hughes), Estanislao Kozlowski, Arnaud Gallois (RHUL) and Ian Billing (formerly BP)
In exploration, having an understanding to well planning; deviated, S-shaped separated by an emergent soil horizon or of the environment of deposition and the and horizontal well-designs to target the paleosol (Fig. 2; Gallois et al., in press). distribution of facies within a time-slice highly productive mound facies. There Together these are locally known by their is critical. Can a map be constructed to are many unanswered questions and traditional quarrying terms as ‘Caps’ show the distribution and size-range many challenges! and ‘Dirt Beds’ respectively. The absence of the microbialite mounds in a lateral An approach, and a possible answer of marine fossils, primary evaporites sense? What are the controls on their to some of these questions is to ‘go back and freshwater algae indicate that these location, concentration and growth? In to the rocks’. Detailed field outcrop accumulated in brackish lakes on the addition, using a sequence stratigraphic studies, integrated with state-of-the-art western margin of the Wessex Basin. approach, what are the vertical stacking numerical forward modelling techniques, The paleosols and their fossil trees, patterns; aggradational, progradational, have provided some new insights into extensively studied by Jane Francis, retrogradational? microbialite predictability. This was the formed forested landscapes around the Lateral and vertical variations in facies catalyst for the recent research at Royal Purbeck lakes and were flooded in three have a profound effect on reservoir Holloway, University of London sponsored periods of lake expansion. Brackish-water continuity and connectivity. In field by Baker Hughes and BP (Fig. 1). tufas (microbialites) formed around development, a better understanding the bases of trees, or independently of microbialite distribution and Field-based studies from trees, and these form the nuclei to characterisation can enable the optimal Our research has established that the microbial mounds, up to four metres location and spacing of these expensive lowest units of the Purbeck Limestone thick and 20m across. wells and, in some cases, reduce the Group (Mupe Member) are characterised The tufas are complex vuggy lithologies number of wells drilled. In production, by microbial mounds that occur in three but are principally constructed by this acquired knowledge may be applied cycles, or depositional sequences, each thrombolites (microbial limestones ▼
WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST | JULY 2018 | 11 Fig. 2: Quarry facies like this one (Isle of Portland) allow facies to be mapped out in 2-D and lateral and vertical facies relations to be studied. The microbialite mounds are bounded, bottom and top, by paleosols and constructed mainly by thrombolites that nucleated on trees and branches (preserved as cylindrical holes in quarry face)
Fig. 3: Thrombolites ▼ with a clotted texture) with minor are the major mound-building stromatolites, but also invertebrate facies and preserve burrow boundstones that form initially a large amount of around the trees. This unusual facies is primary framework formed of peloidal muds that are bound porosity. Here, partially filled with by burrow walls to form collars around geopetal sediments the trees. Microbial filaments trap, bind (centre of picture) and cement the locally produced peloidal, and later fringe cements (23mm skeletal and intraclastic grains to form a coin for scale) framework that is itself cemented by early calcite cements. Framework pores are partially filled with internal sediments and early cements (Fig. 3). The resulting microbialite preserves a large amount of original primary porosity, which makes such lithologies of interest as potential reservoir rocks. Surrounding intermound areas accumulated rudstones, grainstones and packstones comprising
Fig. 4: Rare examples of extensive bedding plane exposures provide valuable evidence for plan-view shapes of mounds; their sizes and spacing. East Point, Lulworth Cove. Here, the upper surface of the Hard Cap mounds are partially exhumed on the bedding surface dipping to the foreground. The upper cliff comprises the Broken Beds, currently widely regarded as an evaporite collapse breccia
WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST | JULY 2018 | 13 GEOSCIENTIST FEATURE
peloids, intraclasts and skeletal fragments Two approaches have been used. has more similar microbial mounds (ostracods and molluscs) in moderate- Firstly, Lidar surveying of vertical and relationships between mounds energy, shallow, lacustrine waters. quarry faces and outcrops has provided initiating around trees and subsequent Following lake flooding and mound data on shapes and sizes of mound and soil development - albeit in a freshwater growth, lake level fell and the deposited intermound areas in 2-D vertical cross- setting (Fig. 6 - p15). limestones were subjected to subaerial sections and in a number of different The combination of outcrop-based erosion to form a microkarstic surface. orientations. These confirm that the data on facies, their vertical and lateral This represents the sequence boundary mounds have irregular, interfingering relationships, 3-D visualisation and the prior to the development of the next relations with intermound sediments Laguna Bacalar analogue have all been paleosol (lowstand and transgression) and that there are no preferred shapes used by Gallois et al. (in press) to erect a and the overlying microbialite bearing or orientations of the mounds. Secondly, new facies model for the accumulation of sequence. The close association of static modelling has been undertaken in the lowest part of the Purbeck limestones microbial mounds with soils indicates Petrel to reconstruct mound distribution (Fig. 7). This provides a qualitative that they formed in shallow lacustrine in 3-D when constrained by adjacent 2-D prediction for the establishment of settings. quarry faces of varying orientations (Fig. microbial mounds in shallow Brackish waters are inferred by the 5 - online). This allows us to predict the lacustrine settings. absence of in situ primary evaporite likely arrangement of mounds, and their minerals and also freshwater algae connectivity in 3-D. Sub-surface data (Charophyta) and by the presence of While there are no known precise To establish the basinal setting for the brackish-water molluscs and a mixed- analogues for these brackish-water accumulation of the Purbeck Limestone, salinity ostracod assemblage. The mounds, some western Australian coastal we need both subsurface and outcrop sulphate evaporites of the Purbecks (well lakes have similar, small thrombolite data. Because of the hydrocarbon known through the work of Ian West) are buildups in a ‘Mediterranean’ climate prospectivity of the Wessex Basin, a large now accepted to occur after the earlier setting (e.g. Lake Clifton). However, amount of seismic data exists (albeit of brackish-water phase that contains Laguna Bacalar in Yucatan, Mexico variable vintage and quality). ▼ the microbialites. Numerous natural cliffs and quarry Fig 10: 3-D sections expose 2-D vertical sections stratigraphic forward modelling of through these classic outcrops and a small accumulation of lower number of outcrops show plan views Purbeck Limestone Gp of the mounds, illustrating elliptical to for the same area of south Dorset shown circular morphologies (Fig 4 - online). in our tectono- However 3-D outcrops are largely absent. sedimentary model in the previous figure. 3D from 2D Full caption online Visualising 3-D morphologies and sizes of the mounds, and their possible connectivity, is challenging because of the 2-D nature of the outcrops. This aspect is commonly of importance in palaeoenvironmental analysis but also when assessing such structures as hydrocarbon reservoirs in the subsurface.
TO ESTABLISH THE BASINAL SETTING FOR THE ACCUMULATION OF THE PURBECK LIMESTONE, WE NEED BOTH SUBSURFACE AND OUTCROP DATA
Fig 7 (right): 3D Facies model for microbial mounds of the L. Purbeck Limestone Group accumulating between two emergent soil horizons. Trees assisted in mound development by providing localised relief and hard substrate for microbial mound growth
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▼ These data indicate that the Purbeck Relay ramps are expected to be processes, and the ability to interrogate Limestone Group accumulated in, and is favourable sites for carbonate sediment multiple-scenario simulations, enables us now preserved within, hangingwall sub- accumulation, as they provide extensive to recognise the relative importance of the basins to the south of the E-W oriented areas for areas of shallow-water for major controlling parameters in tectono- Purbeck-Wight and the Ridgeway faults carbonate production. In addition, sedimentary models (Fig. 10 - online). that were subsequently inverted during greater concentrations of dissolved A modified version ofCarbo-CAT Cenozoic compression. carbonates would be supplied to (Burgess, 2013) was used to study the Formation tops, tied to well data, the lake waters through drainage growth, erosion and redeposition of identified in N-S oriented seismic sections channels funnelled through the ramp microbialites as controlled by supply indicate that strata thicken progressively from the carbonate-rich footwall area of dissolved carbonates, depth-related from the footwall to hangingwall sub- undergoing erosion at this time. The microbial carbonate production with basin sites, thus indicating the Late location and NE – SW orientation of varying hydraulic energy, subsidence Jurassic extensional movement on the this shallow area is similar to that rates, lake level changes and a fault- major E-W faults (Fig. 8 - online). This interpreted previously by Townson related topography. The 3-D model evidence confirms the syntectonic setting and by West as a ‘swell’ that influenced illustrated (Fig. 10) is based on the same of the Purbeck Group and the existence accumulation of the Portland and study area in south Dorset as our tectono- of E-W elongate lakes in the hangingwall Purbeck limestones. sedimentary model (Fig. 9). areas to the extensional faults - as Predominant elements include the two proposed earlier by Underhill. Forward modelling extensional faults, the erosional footwall The facies model has been integrated An independent approach to the and the hangingwall depocentre and the with isopachs and traces of active problem of predicting where facies will relay ramp. Modelled strata are compared extensional faults so that facies can be occur is through forward numerical with stratigraphic logs from the same displayed on a palaeogeography of the modelling. Process rates taken from location to compare the thicknesses study area in a tectono-sedimentary modern depositional settings and fault- and broad facies classifications in( model (Fig. 9 - online). An example is related subsidence are used to simulate situ-produced versus transported given for the main microbial mound- carbonate stratigraphies in successive, microbial facies) in order to determine bearing unit, the Hard Cap. This shows geologically realistic time-steps. This model parameters that best replicate thicker strata near the centre of the allows us to bridge the gap between observations. Ridgeway fault and thicker and shallower detailed outcrop-based observations The object of this exercise is to not waters with microbial mounds to the and facies models with larger, only to find a good match, but also to south of the relay ramp between the basin-scale reconstructions. The 3-D understand the effect that different Ridgeway and the Purbeck faults. modelling of sedimentary and tectonic model parameters have on the resulting
Fig. 11: A comparison between two reservoir models derived from data collected in the field. “Blobs” represent microbial mounds and mound complexes and colours identify connected mounds. Full caption online GEOSCIENTIST FEATURE
facies occurrence. This enables the controlling process rates for extensional program to make predictions in other basins and interpreted rates of FURTHER READING palaeogeographic and temporal lake-level change. Bosence, D.W.J. 1987. Portland and Purbeck settings. Therefore multiple model-runs However, predicting whether or Formations of the Isle of Portland. In: Riding, R. following systematic variations in the not microbialite mounds might occur (ed.) 4th Symposium on Fossil Algae, Excursions initial conditions and the parameter in other lacustrine basins is a much Guide, Cardiff. values are performed so as to refine harder nut to crack as lake hydrology Burgess, P. M. (2013). CarboCAT: A cellular the prediction of the controls on is extremely variable and localised, automata model of heterogeneous carbonate facies occurrence. being dependant on climate, fluvial strata. Computers & Geosciences, 53:129 – 140. As well as basin margin-scale architecture and hinterland geology. Francis, J.E. 1984. The seasonal environment modelling (to assist with large- Despite these scientific questions, of the Purbeck (Upper Jurassic) fossil scale facies predictions), forward for which we still await answers, forests. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, stratigraphic modelling can be used to progress has been made in predicting Palaeoecology, 48, 285-307. model the local distribution of mounds mound distribution; with important Gallois, A. 2016. Late Jurassic lacustrine and intermound facies (Fig. 11). implications for hydrocarbon carbonates; a multi-scale analysis of the Mupe Comparisons of classic static modelling exploration and production. Member (Purbeck Limestone Group) of the in Petrel are made with predictive Outcrop analogues and forward Wessex Basin, UK. Unpublished PhD thesis, forward numerical modelling, both stratigraphic modelling can help reduce Royal Holloway University of London. informed by outcrop data from quarries uncertainty in exploration risk for the with faces of varying orientation. enigmatic lacustrine carbonates of the South Atlantic. Understanding likely Prof. Dan Bosence1, Prof. Peter Burgess1,2, 1,3 1,4 Conclusions facies belt distributions is critical in Dr Arnaud Gallois , Dr Estanislao Kozlowski , Dr Ian Billing5, and Prof. Bernie Vining1,6. Predicting the occurrence of chasing an optimal exploration trend, microbialite mounds can be achieved in especially when several opposing 1: Department of Earth Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX, this setting though detailed fieldwork depositional models may exist. [email protected]. 2: Department of when combined with mapping the The iterative testing of different Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences, University syndepositional tectonic setting using solutions using stratigraphic modelling of Liverpool, Jane Herdman Building, Liverpool subsurface data. This prediction can can improve our predictive capability; L69 3GP, [email protected] 3: be extended to other basin settings, capturing the range of possible [email protected] 4: [email protected] 5: using forward stratigraphic modelling outcomes; reducing uncertainty GeoScience Department, University of Derby, DE22 based on known environments and and achieving a better understanding 1GB, [email protected] 6: Vining Geoscience Ltd, growth rates of microbial communities, of risk. ◆ Guildford GU1 2JN, [email protected]
Fig. 6. The fresh-water Laguna Bacalar, in Quintana Roo region of Yucatan, Mexico - a valuable analogue for microbial mounds of the L. Purbeck Limestone Group. Here, in lake margins, mounds develop initially around shoreline trees (mangroves that form part of an ecological succession through to more mature vegetation and soils, background). Together these facies are accumulating in a regressive highstand succession from lake floor, through lake margin mounds, to emergent soils KARL MAYER-EYMAR AND BARTON-ON-SEA
WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST | JULY 2018 | 17 BARTON-ON-SEA David E W Hall* explores their joint contribution to geology and palaeontology
he cliffs at Barton-on-Sea have by many notable scientists including long been a source of fossils Albert Einstein. Mayer’s chosen and, thanks to the erosion subjects were medicine and natural of the cliffs, new finds are history, but he turned to geology T continually being exposed with and palaeontology following his little excavation. The fossils found are schoolboy passion for collecting fossils. relatively recent in age (Bartonian and After graduation he worked in Paris Priabonian Stages of the Upper Eocene (1851-54), principally at the Muséum Series) and weather out easily and d’Histoire Naturelle during which naturally from the fine-grained clayey time he developed the concept of the sands of which the cliffs are primarily subdivision of beds and courses formed. More than 500 species have into stages. been recorded, including corals, fishes, mammals and reptiles with sharks’ teeth Zurich and plant fossils being very common. Mayer-Eymar spent most of his career at the Zurich Polytechnic where in Brander 1858 he was appointed assistant in Numerous collectors, both expert and the geology faculty. Later he became amateur have been attracted to Barton, lecturer and curator of the collections, the first of note being Gustavus Brander. a position he held until his death. In 1766 he published the first catalogue Mayer-Eymar moved to Zurich in 1873 of Barton fossils which included many and in 1875 he was appointed professor fine illustrations and it was the first to of stratigraphy and palaeontology be issued by the British Museum. Many at the University of Zurich. In 1896, of these early collectors became experts he took up residence at Limmaplatz in their field and contributed to the 34 - a rather modest residence for a transformation of the pastime of fossil University Professor - and lived there collecting into the scientific and academic until his death. profession that it is today. However, Karl Mayer-Eymar brought extensive there was one expert who never visited collections back to Zurich from his England but nevertheless had a deep travels in Western Europe and the interest in the geology of the Mediterranean. His entire collection, Barton Cliffs. comprising c. 350,000 objects, is owned That man was Karl Mayer-Eymar, a by ETH Zurich but is on permanent Swiss geologist with a particular interest loan to the Basel Museum of Natural in and knowledge of stratigraphy, who History. He published voluminous lists subdivided the Tertiary into 12 stages and descriptions of these materials, named for localities in Northern Europe but mostly without illustrations, where the geology was found to be which lessened their usefulness. similar. He was born in Marseille in 1826 His obituary (in Verhandlungen der to Swiss parents and was baptised Karl Schweizerischen Naturforschenden David Mayer - but changed his name to Gesellschaft - Discussions of the Swiss ‘Mayer-Eymar’ in later life. Society of Natural Sciences) lists 91 While still young, the family moved papers published during his life. to Cohigná (now called Cohignac) Lengthy obituaries can also be found in near Rennes and following his father’s Eclogae Geologicae Helvetiae (Short Notes death he went to live with his uncle on Swiss Geology) and the Journal de in his father’s home town of St Gallen Conchyliologie (Journal of Conchology). in Switzerland, where he attended the grammar school. GSL largesse In 1846 Mayer, as he was still known, In 1892 the Geological Society of enrolled at the Zurich Polytechnic (now London awarded Meyer-Eymar the ETH Zurich - Swiss Federal Institute sum of £21 0s. 0d. from the Barlow-
of Technology) which was attended Jameson Fund. The award was: “.. an ▼
WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST | JULY 2018 | 17 MAYER-EYMAR, KNOWN AS ‘TERTIARY MAYER’, WAS DESCRIBED AS AN ORIGINAL AND SOMETIMES PICTURESQUE CHARACTER
▼ expression of the interest we take in Stage Mayer-Eymar Primary Modern the work which he is now carrying on so No. Stage Name Location Geological Name vigorously in Egypt, and of our desire 1 Soissonische Stufe Soisson, France to aid him in it”. In 1894 he was also awarded the Prix Savigny by the French 2 Londonische Stufe London, England Académie des Sciences. 3 Parisische Stufe Paris, France It was Mayer-Eymar’s stratigraphical 4 Bartonische Stufe Barton-on-Sea, UK Bartonian works however, that were of greatest importance and in 1857 he published his 5 Ligurische Stufe Liguria, Italy paper Versuch einer neuen Klassifikation 6 Tongrische Stufe Tongria Belgium der TertiärGebilde Europas (An Attempt at a 7 Aquitanische Stufe Aquitaine, France Aquitanian New Classification of the Tertiary Formations of Europe) in which he details his division 8 Mainzische Stufe Mainz, Germany of the Tertiary into stages, as shown. 9 Helvetische Stufe Switzerland He modified his original classification 10 Tortonische Stufe Tortona, Italy Tortonian many times and this has been further revised as subsequent research has 11 Piacenzische Stufe Piacenza, Italy Piacenzian refined the geological timelines. Some 12 Astische Stufe Asti, Italy Astian names Mayer-Eymar introduced were never adopted or used for only a short time. Others, including ‘Bartonian’, are still employed, although with somewhat modified definitions. Mayer-Eymar deduced that the strata in locations with similar geology and containing similar fossils had been laid down during the same historical period and with his large collection of fossils, he had much of the necessary data to produce his 1857 paper. As he never visited England, he would have had no personal knowledge of Barton geology; but nevertheless there are fossils of Barton provenance in his collection. These are known to have been procured via dealers. New name Karl Mayer changed his surname to Mayer-Eymar on 25 January 1881. Mayer was a very common Swiss name, especially in St Gallen where there were Plan of cemetery showing site of KME’s Grave (Sihlfeld C) so many that the city records cannot
18 | JULY 2018 | WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST | JULY 2018 | 19 identify his uncle. However, with his Polytechnic from 1867 to 1869 where new double-barrelled moniker he could he presumably first met Mayer-Eymar. now be sure that he would be recognised Regrettably, no record of the will can for his geological findings and papers. be found. How or why he chose ‘Eymar’ is not Barton fossils have found their way known; but it cannot be a coincidence into many national and international that it is an anagram of ‘Mayer’. collections. Most being built up in the Mayer-Eymar was known among late 19th and early 20th centuries, when his contemporaries as ‘Tertiary Mayer’, Barton was one of the ‘classic’ localities, such was his interest and expertise in the and collectors were beginning to appreciate Tertiary period. He was also described as their importance and value. Today, owners an original and sometimes picturesque of collections containing uncatalogued character - which is reflected in the Barton fossils may find that they are rare or photograph taken sometime before his scientifically important. name change. The significance of Barton Cliffs is Karl Mayer-Eymar never married. He now recognised by the International died on 25 February 1907 and was buried Commission on Stratigraphy as the in Zurich at the Sihlfeld cemetery, plot world type locality for the Barton Beds. C 2358. The area has since been cleared, In 1981 the cliffs were designated a Site but the plot has not been disturbed and of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and so Karl Mayer-Eymar’s remains still rest are described as ‘One of Britain’s most where they were laid. important stratigraphic and paleontological Mayer-Eymar appointed Albert Heim, sites’. They will forever be associated also a noted Swiss geologist, executor with Mayer-Eymar, an enigmatic – and of his will. Heim also studied at Zurich anagrammatic – palaeontologist. ◆
Label in Basel Natural History Museum showing fossil supplier
* David E W Hall, Milton Heritage Society. David would like to hear from anybody with further information about any of the topics in this paper or any curators with fossils of Barton provenance in their collection. E: [email protected] The full text of the paper of which KME handwritten fossil label this is an edited extract may be in Basel Natural History Museum viewed at bit.ly/2ITXbjt
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Venue: Burlington House. Organised by: Cranfield University. Fees Geothermal Energy - 11-13 July & discounts apply – see website for details. Contact: Wayne Coulter From Potential to Implementation [email protected]. ‘Lapworth’s Logs’ is a series of e-courses involving practical exercises of Lapworth’s Logs n/a increasing complexity. Contact: [email protected]. Lapworth’s Logs is produced by Michael de Freitas and Andrew Thompson.
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William Smith 2018: Mineral resources at the frontier Venue: Burlington House. Fees & discounts apply. See website for 2-3 July details. Contact: Rhianna McLean E: [email protected] Geological Society Year of Resources Drawing out the Dinosaurs: two centuries of Social event & open day. Venue: Lapworth Museum of Geology, Bir- science discovery and artistic inspiration 4 July mingham University. Time: 10.00. Free. Contact: Anna Chrystal E: [email protected] Lapworth Museum
Aust Cliffs Field Trip Field trip. Time: 10.00, lasting three hours. Free. For details and meet- 7 July ing point, see website. Contact E: [email protected]. Western Regional
Use of the deep subsurface in the UK: Venue: Burlington House. For details and registration, see website. 11-12 July implications for groundwater resources Contact Sian Loveless E: [email protected]
South Wales Annual Weekend Field trip. Venue: Pembrokeshire Coast. For details and registration 14-15 July see website W: www.rockwatch.org.uk. Contact: Rockwatch E: [email protected]
Postgraduate Research Symposium 2018 Venue: Leeds University School of Earth & Environment. See website 16 July for details. Contacts: Adam Booth (University of Leeds), Jamie Pringle Near Surface Geophysics Group (Keele University). E: [email protected]
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Earth Materials be available only to academic staff / has been extended to include distributed instructors. (fibre optic) temperature sensing, a new – Introduction to The second edition has clearly been technique for monitoring temperature in Mineralogy and updated and revised based upon teaching / real-time in a number of environments that classroom experience and student feedback included boreholes as well as river, lakes Petrology (2nd Edn.) acquired by the authors. and the soil. In summary, the volume provides an Pumping tests on large diameter wells Weighing-in at over excellent undergraduate overview of how has been added where the problem of a 600 pages, presented mineralogy and petrology relate to planet large volume of water stored in the well in large US ‘quarto’- Earth, its formation and modification by is taken into account in the analytical style format with sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic equations. The use of geophysical numerous colour processes. The addition of the new chapter logging during pumping tests is included photographs, figures about thermodynamics and kinetics showing methods of observing the precise and graphs, the underpins the thorough treatment of key movement of groundwater induced by second edition of this concepts in petrology and mineralogy. pumping. The chapter on groundwater established textbook An excellent revision to an established sampling includes the methods used is a truly comprehensive introduction to and authoritative text. An affordable and to sample stable isotopes of oxygen-18, mineralogy and petrology! recommended read. carbon-13, sulphur-34 and oxygen-18 within Arranged in 18 chapters, the the sulphate ion. It also includes a new volume guides the reader through the Reviewed by: Mark Griffin section on sampling dissolved gasses that fundamentals of geology, rock-forming are commonly carbon dioxide, methane, minerals and rock identification, EARTH MATERIALS – INTRODUCTION TO nitrogen, oxygen, inert gases such as argon MINERALOGY AND PETROLOGY (2nd Edn.) before concentrating on the more by CORNELIUS KLIEN AND ANTHONY PHILPOTTS. and helium and chlorinate fluorocarbons detailed aspects of geology such as Cambridge University Press. 2017. ISBN 978-1-60885- (CFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) that crystallography, microscopy and 967-2. Sbk. 616pp List Price: £49.99. are both man-made and can be used for W: www.cambridge.org.uk. mineralogy. There are useful chapters dating groundwater. on igneous, metamorphic and The existing chapter on Well and sedimentary rock-forming minerals, Borehole Records has been extended by all presented with appropriate / Water Wells and an example of hydrogeological database diagnostic photographs and figures. using data from a network of boreholes in The final few chapters discuss economic Boreholes (2nd Edn.) the Faryab province of Afghanistan. This minerals, resource potential of geological book with its new content is recommended materials, including geothermal energy, When the first for all those working in well design hazard assessment and minerals that edition came out and construction whether experienced have a detrimental effect on human it was a welcome practitioners or students. health and welfare. addition to the Finally, this revised edition would have The volume contains a thorough hydrogeology library made Lewis Clark very pleased as it is glossary and several indexes for specific of books on water based on his original book published in minerals and rocks (in addition to a well drilling. This 1988. Those of us who knew and worked general index). The volume also contains second edition has with Lewis are pleased that his influence in a chart for the estimation of mineral been revised and water well design and construction lives on abundance via microscope examination contains additional material that adds an through this book. (or hand specimen), and the periodic extra 20 pages. As with the first edition, table of the elements. The second edition it puts the design and construction of Reviewed by: Rick Brassington also features a completely new chapter boreholes in the context of the local providing an elementary introduction to hydrogeological conditions and goes WATER WELLS AND BOREHOLES (2nd Edn.) by BRUCE MISSTEAR, DAVID BANKS & LEWIS CLARK thermodynamics, kinetics, radioactive further by including more information. 2017. Published by John Wiley & Sons 536 pp ISBN: 978- decay and absolute dating. A new section New material includes the design 1-118-95170-5 List Price £65.00 hardback; £58.99 is also included on hydraulic fracturing considerations for the use of groundwater E-book ISBN: 978-1-118-95170-5 W: bit.ly/2H1zqjs (‘fracking’) and discussion of some of its and wells in heating and cooling schemes most serious potential environmental including the problems of re-injecting effects (primarily from a US perspective). water that include minimizing mixing Each chapter ends with a concise and other problems that can result. It also Write a review! summary of the learning aims, offers includes the dual rotary drilling rigs that If you would like to contribute a review, consult the review questions and indicates useful have a conventional top drive system to list of available titles on p23. Better still, go online to online information sources and suggestions operate the main drill string while a lower W: bit.ly/2LVID0z for a list that is always complete and up-to-date. Editor. for further reading. PowerPoint slides drive rotates an outer casing. The sonic and JPEGs of all figures from the volume method of drilling that was first established are also made available online from in 1913 has also been included and is now the publishers. At the time of writing used mainly in unconsolidated formations. this review, these resources appear to The section on geophysical logging now
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Petroleum that suggested in the introduction. It is not of the image scans for the most clear if this was deliberate, but it does not part is sufficient for a book of this Geoscience of the detract seriously from the whole. size with one or two suffering poor West Africa Margin This volume gives an excellent feel for reproductions. The commentary limits the zeitgeist in West African hydrocarbon itself to enhancing description rather This new volume exploration, which will be valuable as than discussion in most cases. represents an the industry gears up for the next cycle. The catalogue section is topped excellent snapshot Alongside extra supporting material, such and tailed by summary essays of of the state of as the online conference abstracts, this the geological setting of the area as affairs in petroleum makes for a very useful resource. well as some short discussion on the exploration across information the maps present in the the entire margin Reviewed by: Ben Kilhams context of this history of stratigraphic of West Africa. It is mapping, structural mapping and well edited and the PETROLEUM GEOSCIENCE OF THE WEST economic geological mapping. These AFRICA MARGIN individual contributions are of a very edited by T SABATO-CERALDI, R A HODGKINSON AND overviews are aimed at a wide high technical standard. It is the nature G BACKE, 2017. Published by the Geological Society of readership and thus only skim the of Special Publications that they assume London, ISBN: 9781786202437, List Price: £ 90.00, surface of their subjects. It would Fellows Price: £ 45.00, a considerable pre-knowledge of an area W: www.geolsoc.org.uk/SP438 have been good to have more depth to or subject; they are not introductory the bibliographies of the map-makers textbooks. As such, only certain elements as well, although there are several will be useful to those seeking a primer well-known names represented here, to the area. Early Geological Maps there are also many less-storied As with most of these volumes, cartographers I would have enjoyed the production started as a successful of Europe: Central discovering more about. Burlington House conference. The Europe 1750 to 1840 A laudable attempt to bring the early subsequent oil industry downturn geological maps and mapmakers of obviously had a strong impact on the Central Europe to wider attention let conversion of conference presentations to The conventional down by its format and by attempting published chapters. It is a shame, although historical narrative to simultaneously please disparate understandable, that further authors of geological audiences of geologists, historians, couldn’t contribute as it would have been mapping as retold librarians, and collectors leading to beneficial to see additional material on inside and outside rather simplistic overviews. Suitable areas such as Nigeria and Guinea Bissau. of the Geological as a reference work or as a starting Moreover, the topic focus is firmly on Society, typically point for research in this cartographic tectonics and exploration scale problems begins with niche. with the notable absence of production William Smith scale geology. The smaller set of papers also travelling the around England before Reviewed by: Paul Johnson means that some geographical continuity is producing his famous map in 1815. missing between, for example, Mauritania Convention rather skips over the many EARLY GEOLOGICAL MAPS OF EUROPE: CENTRAL EUROPE 1750 TO 1840 and Sierra Leone. The upside is that the precursors to Smith. Here’s an attempt by JAN KOZÁK, ALENA ČEJCHANOVÁ, ZDENĚK KUKAL, smaller set of contributions maintain a very to redress the balance. Focusing on the AND KAREL POŠMOURNÝ. 2016 Published by: Springer high standard and the editors should be lands to the north and east of the Alps, Hbk. ISBN 978-3-319-22487-9 List Price: £32.00. eBook: £25.99. W: www.springer.com/gb/ highly praised for bringing together a set the authors have raided the libraries book/9783319224879 of papers for a successful publication in and archives of Central Europe for difficult circumstances. their treasures to produce this atlas The research presented is, considering of rarities. the large area covered, broad ranging The main portion of this book presents Gravel-Bed Rivers - - from oddball lithofacies in Ghana to full-colour reproductions of the maps Processes and Disasters extensional structures in South Africa. along with bibliographic descriptions Particular highlights are subjective but and a paragraph of commentary This weighty tome is include an excellent integrated overview outlining the importance of the map. not something you of the underpublished Douala Basin, This amounts to a rather glossy catalogue would pick to take on Equatorial Guinea. An excellent summary of 18th Century thematic mapping that a journey, but if you of the link between the lacustrine deposits could be considered to a modern viewer are looking for some of the South Atlantic conjugate margins is to be geological in nature. It would have of the latest papers also offered. Finally, an interesting take on been good to be able to see more detail on what the gravel- Proterozoic petroleum plays in Mauritania on the images, however according with bed research world is demonstrates the broad range of risks and its price bracket, the book is only 29 x doing then this book uncertainties involved in chasing such 21 cm in size, so for many of the maps is for you. It represents the outcome of concepts. One small quibble is that the displayed not even a magnifying glass the 8th International Gravel Bed Rivers papers are printed in a different order to is going to help you. The resolution Workshop in Kyoto, Japan and Takayama,
22 | JULY 2018 | WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST | JULY 2018 | 23 FOR A FULL LIST OF TITLES AVAILABLE, GO TO Would you like to receive a free book and write a review? WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/REVIEWS Available titles are listed online, of which a small selection is shown below. Contact the editor for further information [email protected]
held in September 2015. Tectonics of the Himalayan countries, why do we still run The objective of the workshop these meetings in expensive locations such was to present the latest progress in Himalaya as the UK, USA, Japan etc.? understanding the morphology and Sadly, due to the lack of context, I processes operating in gravel-bed rivers, This book arises do not find this book to add greatly to with the key theme focusing on disasters out of the 29th our understanding of the Himalayan arising from flooding in gravel bed Himalayan- orogen despite the obvious quality of the rivers. Most research has been about what Karakoram-Tibet individual papers. There may be a message happens in bank-full conditions, but the workshop held here to future editors of GSL Special real damage happens once gravel-bed rivers in Lucca, Italy in Publications because, even as a Himalayan breach their banks. When this occurs the September 2014. geologist, I see no imperative to buy this impact on our societies can be significant, It contains 13 book, other than the title, and would find it and it can lead to many lost lives. The papers that range difficult to put a ‘buy’ flag on it. theme was particularly pertinent to the from geophysics through structural workshop being in Japan as more than half geology to aspects of metamorphic Reviewed by: Peter Treolar. of all disaster related deaths in Japan over and magmatic petrology and then to the 2010-2014 period occurred as a result of geochronology. All the papers are Editor’s note: This book was reviewed online in 2016. gravel-bed river-related events. scientifically strong. I enjoyed reading The book has 28 topic papers. Many deal them and learned much. There are many TECTONICS OF THE HIMALAYA by S MUKHERJEE, R CAROSI, P A VAN DER BEEK, B K with methods for modelling gravel-bed colour illustrations including maps, cross MUKHERJEE AND D M ROBINSON (eds) Published by: processes looking at the morphology found sections, field photographs, micrographs Geological Society of London SP412. 323pp (hbk) ISBN: in rivers, and how flow conditions affect the and data plots. As with any GSL Special 978-1-86239-703-3, List Price: £100.00. Fellows’ Price: £50.00. W: www.geolsoc.org.uk/SP412 grading and porosity in fluvial sediments. Publication the production is excellent. E-book: £135 W: www.wiley-blackwell.com The effect that river bed morphology has on Having said that, I have two flow conditions forms the subject of some philosophical issues with this volume. papers as well. So if you were needing to Before addressing these I must register BOOKS FOR REVIEW understand the complex modelling options an interest as co-editor of two previous available this book should satisfy many GSL Special Publication on the Himalaya: Please contact [email protected] if you questions you might have. Himalayan Tectonics (vol 74, 1993) and would like to supply a review. You will be invited to keep However, there is more to the Tectonics of the Nanga Parbat Syntaxis and the review copy. See a full up-to-date list at www.geolsoc.org.uk/reviews book than mathematical modelling the Western Himalaya (SP #170, 2000). papers. There are also case studies The former contained some 45 papers ◆ NEW! Geochronology & Thermochronology by on lahar disasters from Indonesia, and covered the full range of orogenic Peter Reiners et al., 2018. Wiley/AGU 464pp pbkk on reservoir sediment flushing and processes. I am pleased to see that five of ◆ NEW! The Tectonic Plates are Moving! replenishment below dams in Japan, a the 13 papers included in the new book by Roy Livermore. Oxford UP 2018 482pp hbk review of geomorphic responses to dam reference at least one paper from volume ◆ NEW! Reservoir Modelling - a practical guide removal in the USA and descriptions 74, which more than 20 years on cannot by Steve Cannon. Wiley Blackwell 2018 312pp hbk of catastrophic gravel deposition from be bad. ◆ NEW! Large Igneous Provinces from Gondwana and Adjacent Regions by Sensarma S and Storey B outbreak floods. There are also papers My first issue is that the title of the book C 2018 Geol Soc Pub Hse., SP #463 278pp hbk looking at the ecological implications of is misleading. It is merely a collection of ◆ Geology - a very short introduction, by Jan intermittent flow in gravel-bed rivers papers from a small conference, none of Zalasiewicz. Oxford UP, 2018 July. and consideration of how vegetation which directly deal with the ‘Tectonics ◆ Land Bridges: ancient environments, plant and ‘large wood’ should be modelled to of the Himalaya’. The Introductory migrations and new world connections by Alan assess the effect on flow (and vice versa). chapter fails to draw them together into a Graham. Chicago University Press 2018 310pp sbk ◆ It is interesting that there is nothing connected narrative. The result is that this The Epochs of Nature by Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon. Transl. & Ed. by Jan Zalasiewicz, looking specifically at how climate volume contains a set of loosely linked Anne-Sophie Milon & Mateusz Zalasiewicz. Chicago UP, change is likely to impact disasters papers which could have been published 2018. 190pp hbk. Illustrated. related to gravel-bed rivers, as one might individually elsewhere, maybe to greater ◆ From Source to Seep - geochemical applications expect in this day and age. Last but not effect. in hydrocarbon systems by Lawson et al. (eds) least, the book ends with a paper looking The second issue relates to the cottage 2018 Geol Soc Spec Pub #468 208pp hbk at fluvial gravels on Mars. I wonder industry that the annual Himalayan- ◆ Introduction to Endvironmental Modelling by Gray WG & Gray GA 2018 425pp sbk what risk assessments for Martian field Karakoram-Tibet workshop has now ◆ The First Global Inegrated Marine Assessment - surveys would comprise! become. The first one was held in Leicester World Ocean Assessment 1 (united Nations) in 1985. At that time Himalaya geology by Ijnnick L and Simcock A (coordinators) 2018 Reviewed by: James Montgomery was new, unexplored and exciting. It 973pp hbk might still be the latter, but with time it ◆ Petroleum Geology of NW Europe: 50 years of has become more detailed and location learning (Proc. 8th PGC) by M Bowman and B GRAVEL BED RIVERS - PROCESSES AND DISASTERS Levell (eds) 2018 GSPH 646pp hbk in slipcase by DAIZO TSUTSUMI & JONATHAN B LARONNE (eds) specific. Thomas Kuhn would argue that ◆ Explor ation of Subsurface Antarctica 2018 by 2017. Published by: Wiley Blackwell. 783pp. ISBN Himalayan geologists are moving into 9781118971406, List Price: £150 (hbk) Siegert M A, Jamieson S S R, & White DA (Eds). GSL E-book: £135 W: www.wiley-blackwell.com a period of ‘ordinary science’ so, other SP461. 256pp (hbk) than inspiring young geologists from
WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST | JULY 2018 | 23 PEOPLE NEWS
DISTANT THUNDER Show and tell
Geologist and science was the Derbyshire geologist, mineral collections, (sometimes and Smith travelled widely writer Nina Morgan White Watson [1760 – 1835]. of up to 500 specimens) for sale. through England, there is no muses on the best As the geologist Trevor Ford He also earned an income by evidence that the two ever met. [1925 – 2017], an expert on drawing profiles, either in ink or Nevertheless, they shared a methods of presentation the Peak District in Derbyshire as marble inlays. number of personality traits. and champion of White Watson Watson appears never to Both enjoyed writing poetry It’s one thing to have a noted: “White Watson should be have strayed more than 25 miles and were full of good ideas breakthrough idea, and remembered for having provided from his base in Bakewell, and for furthering and presenting quite another to find a foundation of stratigraphical as a result got to know the local the understanding of geology. the best way to make it science in Derbyshire comparable geology very well. His published Both were full of money-making known. For the pioneering to William Smith’s earlier work sections in his 1811 book, The schemes and were very hard 19th Century geologists, around Bath”. Strata of Derbyshire (to give it its workers in a number of different reading papers at scientific short title!), were among the first fields of enterprise. And both societies, which were often Bakewell-based reasonably accurate geological were also perpetually short of then circulated in the form Watson, was born at Whiteley Wood sections to appear in Britain. money, and often had to solicit of long and wordy books Hall near Sheffield, but lived for most loans from relatives or employers and articles, were the of his life in Bakewell, Derbyshire. His Set in stone to continue their work. standard methods. But uncle ran a small marble mill and Although he drew a sketch map The evidence from their soon the realisation struck shop in Ashford-in-the-Water, and of the limestone districts of archives reveals the reason that maps, cross-sections from an early age Watson enjoyed Derbyshire in around 1820 and why. When it came to money and diagrams could be visiting quarries and collecting an innovative circular diagram management and keeping more effective. It could be fossils and minerals to keep the to illustrate the stratigraphic accounts, both were abysmal argued that William Smith shop supplied. His uncle retired to correlations in Derbyshire in c. failures! [1769 - 1839] kicked off this Bakewell and in 1774 White joined 1825, paper, it seems, was not new communications trend him there. After his uncle died the Watson’s preferred medium for ➤ Acknowledgement in 1799 with his pioneering mill was sold, but White, nothing if disseminating knowledge about Inspiration for this large scale geological map not enterprising, went on in 1825 to geology. Instead, he turned to vignette comes from a of the area around Bath. advertise on his business card as one stone. His most famous – and meeting to celebrate the He later consolidated his who: ‘executes monuments, tombs beautiful – ‘publications’ take the life of Trevor Ford, held in lead with his wonderfully etc., gives lessons in geology and form of cross sections presented Buxton in June 2018. Sources for this text coloured 1815 Geological mineralogy and furnishes collections, as inlaid stone tablets. In these include: White Watson Map of England and Wales. affords information to antiquaries and marble-backed plaques the and his Geological But Smith was not amusement to Botanists’. strata consisted of inlaid pieces Sections by Trevor Ford, the first geologist to He went on to set up a museum- of the actual stones they were Proc. Geol. Assoc. 71, pt recognise the usefulness shop, where his fossil and mineral designed to represent. 4, 1960, pp 349 – 363; of diagrams and cross- collections were open to view for a His first tablet, illustrating The tablets of White sections for explaining small charge, and gave lectures on ‘A Section of a Mountain in Watson by Trevor Ford, Geology Today 14, no. 1, the origin of geological geology – usually at five shillings Derbyshire’, was made probably 1998, pp. 21 – 25; and features. Another per head. He was a prolific made around 1785. He went on The Strata of Derbyshire exponent of this technique collector and built up fossil and to create more than 100 others, by White Watson, first some illustrating geological published in 1811. I am processes such as volcanism, also grateful to the and others showing cross- collections managers at sections of the geology in the Oxford University Museum of Natural different parts of Derbyshire. History and the Derby Museum for images and Great minds information about the Publications accompanying these tablets in their collections. early sections demonstrate that Watson was familiar with William * Nina Morgan is a geologist and Smith’s principle of strata being science writer based near Oxford. characterised by certain fossils. Her latest book, The Geology of Smith was not the first geologist to But although Smith and Watson Oxford Gravestones, is available via recognise the usefulness of diagrams were near contemporaries, www.gravestonegeology.uk
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Geoscientists in the news and on the move in the UK, Europe and worldwide
The Society notes with sadness the passing of:
Barnes, Simon James * O’Reilly, Kevin J O * commissioned. You can read the guidance for Booth, Tony * Pegg, Eric Arnold * authors at www.geolsoc.org.uk/obituaries. Bowen, Geoffrey Gordon * Shepherd, Colin* To save yourself unnecessary work, please do Chillingworth, Patrick Cecil Hamilton * Shingleton, Sam * not write anything until you have received a Drysdall, Alan Roy * Smith, Howard James * commissioning letter. Droogmans, Serge L * Thomson, Martyn Hugh * Elueze, Anthony Azbuike * Whitlow, Roy * Deceased Fellows for whom no obituary is Fischer, Alfred* forthcoming have their names and dates recorded Gladwell, David Robert * Young, Paul Ivor *In the interests of recording its in a Roll of Honour at Helm, Derick * Fellows’ work for posterity, the Society publishes www.geolsoc.org.uk/obituaries. Helm, Douglas George * obituaries online, and in Geoscientist. The most Howell, Frank Travis * recent additions to the list are in shown in bold. Help your obituarist Kelly, Desmond Michael * Fellows for whom no obituarist has yet been The Society operates a scheme for Fellows to Kenna, Raymond * commissioned are marked with an asterisk (*). deposit biographical material. The object is to Laws, Michael James * The symbol § indicates that biographical material assist obituarists by providing contacts, dates Leighton, James * has been lodged with the Society. and other information, and thus ensure that Marshall, Mr John A * Fellows’ lives are accorded appropriate accurate Milward, Anthony Frederick * If you would like to contribute an obituary, please commemoration.lease send your CV, publications Morgans, Michael William *§ email [email protected] to be list and a photograph to Ted Nield at the Society.
FROM THE LIBRARY u Online Library catalogue u Postal loans Search the online catalogue of books, journals and maps held in You do not need to live in London to borrow books, maps or journals the Geological Society Library. Fellows and Corporate Affiliate from the Library – we can post them to you ! For more information, members can now login to the Library Catalogue to renew loans, contact [email protected] or call 020 7432 0999 view loan history, request items and create Favourite lists bit. ly/2Hj6jtH u Inter-library loans u E-Journals and e-books If the item you want is not in our collection, we may be able to obtain it from another library. To find out more about this service, Fellows of the Society can access over 100+ e-journals and please email [email protected] or call 020 7432 0999 e-books using Athens authentication. There is no charge to Fellows for this service. Visit www.geolsoc.org.uk/virtuallibrary to u Visit the Library register. Fellows and Candidate Fellows can visit the Library at Burlington u Literature searching House between 9.30am and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. You’ll find comfortable and quiet study space, scanning and copying Not enough time or struggling to find the information you need? facilities, free Wifi and all of the latest books and journals. The We can search a wide range of resources on your behalf and Library’s professional, dedicated staff are on hand to answer any send you the results directly to your inbox. To find out more enquiries. about this service, please email [email protected] u Document delivery u Library newsletter Not based in London or simply too busy to come to the Library? We Subscribe to our bi-monthly newsletter to keep up-to-date can send you by email or post copies of articles from our collection. with important Library news, electronic journal updates, online To find out more about this service, please email exhibitions, events and more – please email [email protected] or call 020 7432 0999 [email protected] to be added to our circulation list
WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST | JULY 2018 | 25 GEOSCIENTIST OBITUARY
OBITUARY John Alfred Catt 1939 - 2017
Quaternary geologist at Rothamsted Experimental ohn Catt was upright, setting the standard for modest and a Station, and expert on the geology of Hertfordshire books on local geology. gentleman, in every John was awarded a DSc sense of the word in 1981 by Hull University J and he is deeply for research into Quaternary missed by family, colleagues Geology and Soil Science and friends. John was born in and the YGS John Phillips Kent in April, 1939 the son of Medal in 2004. He became a gardener who worked at the Fellow of the Geological local vicarage. The Anglican Society in 1971, a Member of Church was an institution he the Institution of Geologists was soon introduced to and in 1985 and Chartered one with which he remained Geologist in 1991; he served closely associated for the rest on numerous scientific of his life. advisory committees and was elected Vice President of the Rothamsted Geological Society London in John was educated through 1996. The Society recognised Ashford Grammar School his services to science in and, in November, 1956 made 2015 when they awarded him the arduous train journey the Distinguished Service northwards to be interviewed Award. Throughout his life, by Lewis Penny, Head of John was dedicated to the Geology at the University of geology of Hertfordshire, Hull. He was immediately being at times Chairman offered a place to read for a and Honorary President of joint degree in geology and Hertfordshire Geological chemistry. However, to quote Society (HGS) and a stalwart John, “after the first breathless supporter of Hertfordshire year of 22 hours lectures plus JOHN’S Head of Rothamsted (Acting Natural History Society. 12 hours practical classes per ACADEMIC Head of Soils and Agronomy He became the first week I pleaded with Lewis CAREER SPEAKS FOR Department) in 1988. He Honorary Member of HGS and John Neale to join the continued his research at in March, 2017. Special (single) Honours ITSELF, AS AUTHOR AND Rothamsted from 1990–1998 His death, in December Class in Geology.” John never CO-AUTHOR OF 220 and after, until 2016, he 2017, followed a persistent looked back; he gained an PEER REVIEWED PAPERS was Honorary Professor of lung complaint, which upper second class degree, AND A SERIES OF Geography at UCL. resulted from an infection which gave him access to acquired during an a doctoral scholarship to BOOKS Hertfordshire International Quaternary study the Quaternary of East John’s academic career (INQUA) Conference in Yorkshire. speaks for itself, as author China. Appropriately, John is The next three years Rothamsted Experimental and co-author of 220 peer buried in the Anglian gravels (1960-63) were, “the happiest Station, Hertfordshire. He reviewed papers and a which rest on top of the and most stimulating of stayed at Rothamsted for series of books, Including Chalk at St. Stephens Church, my life.” He completed his the rest of his professional Hertfordshire Geology and St. Albans. thesis within the requisite career, rapidly progressing Landscape. This 2010 three years of his grant and to Principal Scientific publication was a labour of ➤ By Haydon Bailey immediately took up the Officer in the Soils and love taken on as co-author ◆ A longer version of this obituary position of Scientific Officer, in Plant Nutrition Department and editor in 1975. It is a may be read online – Editor the Pedology Department at (1977) and becoming Deputy hugely respected publication
HELP YOUR OBITUARIST The Society operates a scheme for Fellows to deposit biographical material. The object is to assist obituarists by providing contacts, dates and other information, and thus ensure that Fellows’ lives are accorded appropriate and accurate commemoration. Please send your CV and a photograph to Amy Whitchurch at the Society.
WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST | JULY 2018 | 27 GEOSCIENTIST OBITUARY
OBITUARY John Brodie Wilson 1938-2017
Pioneering marine geologist and biologist whose ohn was a marine Royal Holloway scientist who worked manned submersible dives illuminated the cold With the closure of the IOS on the boundary water corals of UK western shelf at Godalming in 1995 John between geology moved to an Honorary J and biology by Research Fellowship at studying modern shelf sea Royal Holloway University environments, how these of London where he carried control the distribution of out research on material organisms living there and collected during his many how these organisms became IOS cruises and assisted with preserved in the fossil record. teaching and PhD research More specifically he focused supervision. A fortuitous on those with calcareous meeting with André Freiwald skeletons such as molluscs led to fruitful collaboration and corals, their ecology and on Lophelia reefs and taphonomy, and how they thickets - most notably, the contributed to the production extensive Sula reef on the of calcareous sediment on the Norwegian shelf. UK shelf. Throughout his career Born and educated in John was always the most Edinburgh, John obtained enthusiastic and supportive a first class honours degree colleague and mentor. This from Edinburgh University. enthusiasm for his subject After a year at Caltech he was infectious and no one continued at Edinburgh with who worked alongside John a PhD studying how bivalve at sea or back in the lab will molluscs became preserved forget the passion he brought in the intertidal sediments Godalming, Surrey. Here In these pioneering to his work and his sheer joy of the Solway Firth. Using he joined an active research submersible dives John at seeing something new or an ‘actuopalaeontological’ group who were making major made critical observations unexpected for the first time. (Aktuopaläontologie) advances in the hydrography, on how cold-water coral Outside his passion for approach, being promoted at sedimentology, and ecology patches formed by Lophelia his subject John was an that time by German workers of the UK’s shelf seas using pertusa developed to form avid collector of militaria, such as W Schäfer, he was able innovative equipment such coral rings; large colonies memorabilia from the White to demonstrate the differences as side-scan sonar. At IOS expanding out from existing Star Line and the Titanic between shell beds formed on John was one of the first to small fragments of hard (his father was a nautical tidal flat surfaces and those use manned submersibles to substrate. Today, referred engineer who transferred on the floors of tidal channels study deep-water coral reefs to as ‘Wilson rings’, the skills to build an oil refinery and how different bivalve or thickets in waters 200-300m environmental controls on for the Burma Oil Company). species were preferentially down off the western shelf of these formations are still of John is survived by his wife preserved in these sediments. the British Isles. This work led research interest. Working Leta, his two sons, Angus to a number of classic papers in the cramped conditions and Bruce, and by three IOS & classic papers and his major contribution to in Pisces submersibles grandchildren Jonathon, Following his PhD in 1965, our science. Fortunately, the John’s keen eye and Hannah and Chloe. John obtained a lectureship videos and commentaries of observational skills were the for four to five years at some of his 1973 dives have vital ingredients that laid Aberdeen before beginning been saved by colleagues foundations for work on cold- ➤ By Dan Bosence and his productive career at the working with the British Film water corals that has been Murray Roberts with Institute of Oceanographic Institute and can be viewed at growing exponentially since assistance from Leta Wilson Sciences (IOS), near bit.ly/2Jqi3hJ the late 1990s.
HELP YOUR OBITUARIST The Society operates a scheme for Fellows to deposit biographical material. The object is to assist obituarists by providing contacts, dates and other information, and thus ensure that Fellows’ lives are accorded appropriate and accurate commemoration. Please send your CV and a photograph to Amy Whitchurch at the Society.
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OBITUARY Michael Bernard Collins 1944 2017
Sedimentologist who studied sediment movement rofessor Michael Continental Shelf Research, Collins was born in based upon field measurements in tidal regimes which he edited for over 30 Amersham in 1944, years with Richard Sternberg but spent his early (University of Washington). P life in post-war London where he attended Basque Country Marylebone High School. He continued to lecture, He obtained a BSc in Civil supervise students and advise Engineering and completed academics throughout the pioneering research on the world, initially in France, Spain sediment yields of the Sussex and Greece, and then further rivers at Brighton Polytechnic afield in Australia, India, China - for which he received a and Africa. In later years, he DPhil from Sussex University. established close links between This led him to Imperial the University of Southampton College, London in 1970, to and Oceanography centres study the sediment transport in the Basque Countries and of the intertidal flats of became Scientific Adviser the Wash. to the Marine Research Unit He was appointed Lecturer of AZTI, Technalia (San in the Sub-Department of Sebastian) and later Research Oceanography at Swansea Professor at Plentzia Marine University in 1973, and Station (University of the became Head of Department Basque Country). His was in 1983. He moved to the subsequently awarded the University of Southampton title of First Ambassador of in 1987 where he presided, as that Institute. Head of Oceanography, over Michael’s scientific output the amalgamation with the was considerable. He attracted Department of Geology and MICHAEL HAD monitored sediment dispersal large sums of money for marine with the National Institute of DIVERSE using satellite (optical) and research programmes which Oceanography, Godalming, radar (microwave) sensors, produced 140 peer reviewed to create the Southampton RESEARCH INTERESTS coupled with field tracers such papers and over 37 PhD. theses. Oceanography Centre. EVIDENT IN HIS as rhodamine B dispersal to He will be remembered by his PUBLICATION RECORD define tidal diffusion. colleagues and students for his Research Michael was skilled at great kindness, patience and Michael had diverse research AND IN THE PHD coordinating research teams forgiving nature, as well as for interests evident in his STUDENTS UNDER HIS and synthesising disparate his warm hospitality extended publication record and in SUPERVISION studies into regional reviews especially to overseas students the PhD students under of coastal systems, such as and visiting academics in his his supervision: many of Southampton Water and family home. whom went on to positions for monitoring sediment Swansea Bay. His interests He died of cancer in July, of academic importance transport, including subsequently extended to 2017 and is survived by his world-wide. The central electronic pebbles used to the continental shelf, and he wife, who as Janice Cairns is a theme of his research monitor gravel mobility edited with Angel Borja a well-known opera singer, by a was the fundamentals of on beaches. These studies much praised volume on the son and daughter, and by two sediment movement based were supplemented by Oceanography of the Basque loving grand-children. upon field measurements in laboratory measurements of Region, Spain and others on tidal regimes. He developed threshold conditions under shelf seas. He co-founded ➤ By Graham Evans and Carl Amos innovative field instruments combined flows. He also the international Journal
HELP YOUR OBITUARIST The Society operates a scheme for Fellows to deposit biographical material. The object is to assist obituarists by providing contacts, dates and other information, and thus ensure that Fellows’ lives are accorded appropriate and accurate commemoration. Please send your CV and a photograph to Amy Whitchurch at the Society.
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OBITUARY Paul Garrard 1938-2017
Dedicated teacher whose legendary mapping skills n the late spring 2017, with John Cosgrove, will still Paul Garrard died at the inspired generations of RSM students have field notebooks in which age of 79 after a tragic each diagram and locality is fall while walking his adorned by helpful advice in I pet dog. Paul will be red ink. They will remember remembered by many staff his patient explanations and his and students as a dedicated habit of making folds, boudins and talented teacher who and even entire mountain belts helped ensure that graduates using his over-sized hands. from the Royal School of One student joked: “It took 30 Mines are the most capable million years for the Alps to in the world. Paul’s legacy form, but I saw Paul make them is the thousands of students with his hands in 30 seconds”. that he taught who have gone on to shape the world. Paul Horizontal was an RSM man through Paul worked students hard and and through. Professor never saw why a little rain, Dick Selley, an ex-head of even if moving horizontally, department, said of him: “If should ruin a day of geology. Paul was a stick of rock you The students knew that the would find the letters ‘RSM’ weather would only end a day’s embedded in it from end fieldwork if Paul’s pipe went to end”. out. In the harshest weather students would watch the Rhodesia smouldering pipe for signs Paul came from a working- of an early return home, only class background an obtained to be disappointed when he a degree from the Royal would turn it upside-down and School of Mines in Geology continue smoking. Paul was in 1960. He then went on to Award PAUL WORKED a gentleman geologist, with spend five years mapping Paul remained at Imperial STUDENTS pipe and flat cap, who was the Precambrian basement in for the next 30 years as apparently carved from rock. Rhodesia for the Geological Lecturer then Senior HARD AND NEVER SAW The commitment that Paul Survey – a time where he Lecturer. During this WHY A LITTLE RAIN, put into his teaching came perfected the mapping skills time his gift for teaching EVEN IF MOVING from his love for geology and that would become legendary and inspiring students HORIZONTALLY, SHOULD a job done right. Paul knew among students. In 1965 became legendary. His that the legacy and reputation Paul joined Anglo American contribution to teaching RUIN A DAY OF GEOLOGY. of a Royal School of Mines Copper mines while at the was recognised by the STUDENTS KNEW THAT is not just in scientific and same time working on his College when in 1995 the THE WEATHER WOULD engineering developments, but PhD at the RSM. ‘College Teaching Award in the quality of its graduates At beginning of the 1970s, for Geology’ was bestowed ONLY END A DAY’S and their impact on the world. Rex Davies, the then Professor upon him. FIELDWORK IF PAUL’S Paul Garrard B.Sc., Ph.D., of Mining Geology, offered Paul Garrard will be PIPE WENT OUT D.I.C., C.Eng., MIMM, FGS, him a position as a Lecturer in remembered by most staff ARSM is survived by his wife Mining Geology. His specific and students as a kind Shelagh and sons Mike and Ian. role was to run the fieldwork but demanding teacher, to none. Students who were programme and in particular whose expectations were lucky enough to go on the field mapping. He was the high and whose feedback Kinlochleven fieldtrip with ➤ By John Cosgrove & perfect man for the job. and help was second Paul, a trip he ran for 25 years Matthew Genge
HELP YOUR OBITUARIST The Society operates a scheme for Fellows to deposit biographical material. The object is to assist obituarists by providing contacts, dates and other information, and thus ensure that Fellows’ lives are accorded appropriate and accurate commemoration. Please send your CV and a photograph to Amy Whitchurch at the Society.
WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST | JULY 2018 | 29 The Geological Society Career and Industry Days 2018/19
Wednesday 7 November 2018 Venue: Our Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh, UK www.geolsoc.org.uk/careersday18edinburgh
Wednesday 14 November 2018 Venue: BGS, Keyworth, Nottingham, UK www.geolsoc.org.uk/careersday18nottingham
Wednesday 20 March 2019 Venue: Royal School of Mines, Imperial College London, UK www.geolsoc.org.uk/careersday18london
Sponsorship and Exhibition Packages Available
For more information, contact Rhianna McLean, T: 0207 432 0981 E: [email protected] www.geolsoc.org.uk/careersday
Follow these events on Twitter: #GSLcareers18 Background image: Assynt, © Timothy Gregory Bryan Lovell 2019 v2 4-4-2018_Layout 1 04/04/2018 15:44 Page 1
in association with
BRYAN LOVELL MEETING 2019 Role of geological science in the decarbonisation of power production, heat, transport and industry
21-23 January 2019 The Geological Society, Burlington House
In the UK and elsewhere, decarbonisation of power production, industry, transport and heating to meet climate change targets is a major challenge and one that intrinsically involves the subsurface and geoscience. Decarbonising centralised power generation will involve expansion of renewables as well as the civil nuclear program. Renewables will require a huge increase in grid-scale energy storage to cover intermittency, which will mean greater reliance on more efficient batteries, pumped storage and compressed air energy storage. Geothermal power, heating and cooling will require assessment of resources and impacts of development, while the safety critical nuclear sector will require a detailed understanding of risks associated with natural hazards such as seismicity as well as meeting the challenge of effective geological disposal of radioactive waste. All require geological studies, for example investigating the geological origin and prospectivity of transition metals and rare earth elements for batteries; or for siting of power Convenors station, dams and tunnels in pumped water storage; geological Mike Stephenson (British Geological Survey) studies for compressed air energy storage (CAES); and detailed Dave Schofield (British Geological Survey) characterisation of the subsurface for radwaste disposal. Sebastian Gieger (Heriot-Watt University) A transition may also involve more natural gas and hydrogen, with Philip Ringrose (Statoil/NTNU) implications for the possible supply of ‘home grown’ shale gas, and Further information the underground storage and transport of hydrogen. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) and ‘bio-energy and CCS’ (BECCS), For further information about the require fundamental research into geological sequestration and its conference please contact: environmental implications. Rhianna McLean, Conference Office, Decarbonisation is central to Government and interna tional policy The Geological Society, Burlington House, and this three day conference will host national experts from Piccadilly, London W1J 0BG industry, academia, and government to look at the geological and T: 0207 434 0981 reservoir engineering aspects of the problem. The main objective E: [email protected] will be to identify the high level barriers to progress and the main science questions – and begin a roadmap to solve the problems. Web: www.geolsoc.org.uk/lovell19 Follow this event on Twitter: #lovell19 Call for abstracts Abstracts are invited from early career researchers who wish to exhibit posters at the conference. Posters that address any aspect of decarbonisation geoscience are encouraged, for example geothermal, gas storage, compressed air energy storage, critical metals, radioactive waste disposal, CCS, and bio-energy and CCS (BECCS). Abstracts should be approximately 500 words and include a title and acknowledgement of authors and their affiliations where possib le. Please send your abstract as a Word document to [email protected] by 1 October 2018. CLIMB THE JOB LADDER
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