A Registered Charity No. 220014 October 2010 / Circular ... Circulars/561.pdf · TECHNIQUES 14.00...

YORKSHIREGEOLOGICAL

SOCIETYPresident: Professor Paul Wignall

A Registered Charity No. 220014 October 2010 / Circular 561

MODERN GEOLOGICAL

TECHNIQUES

14.00 – 17.00 Saturday 23rd October 2010Cohen Building, University of Hull, Hull

(Joint Meeting with Hull Geological Society)

www.yorksgeolsoc.org.uk NON MEMBERS WELCOME

14.00 – 14.05 Society BusinessPaul Wignall, President

14.05 – 14.30 Applying New Geochemical Methods to Old Geological Problems: Three ExamplesMike Rogerson, University of Hull

14.30 – 14.55 Virtual Fossils: Silurian Soft-Bodied Sensations Released from the RockDerek Siveter, Oxford University

CANCELLED DUE TO ILLNESS

14.55 – 15.40 Tea Break - HGS Members' displays and specimen sale*

15.40 – 15.45 Welcome Back - Stuart Jones HGS President and Mike Horne HGS Secretary

15.45 – 16.05 The Role of Geoforensics in Policing & Law Enforcements: How do Geologists Help the Police Investigate Crime?Laurance Donnelly, Geological Society Forensic Geoscience Group

16.05 – 16-35 Understanding Bioturbation in Sandy SedimentsMark Bateman, Sheffield University

16.35 – 17.00 Closing Remarks

* There will be for sale some Kellaways Rock ammonites collected and prepared for display

by the late Felix Whitham. Proceeds will be donated to University of Hull Clinical

Neuroscience Centre for Alzheimer’s research.

CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTThis meeting counts as 3 hours of Continuous Professional Development under the

Geology Society CPD Scheme.

MODERN GEOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES

14.00 - 17.00 Saturday 2rd October 2010Cohen Building, University of Hull, Hull

2 www.yorksgeolsoc.org.uk YGS 2010

The rapid ongoing development of instruments and methods in analytical chemistry is

gradually opening up new ways of looking at geological materials, and providing new insights

into the past. Here I discuss three examples of the application of relatively new approaches

to problems that have been discussed by geologists for at least a century.

1) How closely are the mineral products precipitated from water related to the properties of thewater itself? This is a particular issue for tufaceous deposits, which preserve a

potentially important record of past environmental change in their chemical and physical

properties. Using a unique experimental approach allied to trace element geochemistry and

synchrotron radiation analysis, we have been able to isolate and understand an important

secondary biological control on tufa calcite fabric and composition Ongoing work will

determine whether critical parameters such as past water temperature can be extracted

from these deposits.

2) What is the timing and climatic significance of stalagmite growth and its relevance to thearchaeological record? Using U-Th disequilibrium geochronology and an automated XRF

logging device on two stalagmites from Slovenia, we have been able to demonstrate that the

timing of the local adoption of farming coincides with a period of slow stalagmite growth and

high residence time of water in the aquifer. This new evidence indicates that farming in the

northwest Balkans occurred during a period of relative aridity.

3) Why do sites of early human occupation in the Sahara occur in places that are incapable ofsupporting life today? Recent work on stalagmites, tufa deposits and radioisotope

distributions within freshwaters from Libya show that the coastal mountains were more

humid through much of the last glacial cycle. Moreover, they were significantly more humid

during the last interglacial at which time a continuous humid corridor extended from the

Tibesti mountains to the Mediterranean.

www.yorksgeolsoc.org.uk YGS 2010 3

APPLYING NEW GEOCHEMICAL METHODS TO OLDGEOLOGICAL PROBLEMS: THREE EXAMPLES

Mike Rogerson, University of Hull

VIRTUAL FOSSILS: SILURIAN SOFT-BODIED SENSATIONSRELEASED FROM THE ROCK

Derek Siveter, Oxford University


The Herefordshire Lagerstätte is a unique fossil deposit of Silurian age (about 425 million

years old). The millimetre to centimetre scale fossils are preserved in concretions in

marine-deposited volcanic ash. They are remarkable in that not only biomineralized shells are

preserved, but also soft-bodied invertebrates, and these in spectacular three-dimensional

detail. Soft-bodied fossils belonging to the earlier Cambrian Period, from deposits such as

the Burgess Shale, have revolutionised our understanding of the early evolution of

multicellular life and the spectacular diversification known as the ‘Cambrian Explosion’.

However, soft-bodied faunas from the Silurian are largely unknown, and the Herefordshire

fauna thus provides us with a previously unavailable window into a community from the

aftermath of the Cambrian Explosion.

Soft-bodied fossils are usually compressed to two

dimensions, and must be reconstructed artistically to

an approximation of their original form. The unusual

three-dimensional nature of the Herefordshire fossils,

in contrast, has enabled an innovative and more direct

approach. Specimens are ground away and imaged

using digital photography. These serial ‘slices’ are

then combined by computer to reconstruct the

animal in minute detail as a three-dimensional model

that can be examined interactively on screen. These

models combine the roles of original specimen and

illustrative reconstruction, and enable the fauna to be

studied through ‘virtual palaeontology’. The computer

reconstruction can even be turned into a physical

model through rapid prototyping technologies.

The Herefordshire Lagerstätte arthropod Offacolus kingi(ventral oblique view). © Derek Siveter.

CANCELLED DUE TO ILLNESS


Forensic Geology (known also as Geoforensics or Forensic Geoscience) is the application of

geology to criminal investigations. Forensic geologists may assist the police in some types of

crimes to help determine what happened, where and when they occurred, or to help search

for homicide graves or other objects buried in the ground. In a law enforcement context,

geoforensic specialists may support the police in two broad fields of geoforensics. These are

(a) geological (trace) evidence and (b) search.

Geological (trace) evidence involves the collection, analysis, interpretation, presentation and

explanation of geological evidence. Trace evidence can vary considerably and may include for

example; rock fragments, soils and sediments, which occur naturally in the ground, artificial

(anthropogenic) man-made materials derived from geological raw materials (such as bricks,

concrete, glass or plaster board), or micro-fossils. These may be transferred onto the body,

person or the clothing of a victim or offender. This evidence may then be used to see if there

could be an association between different items or objects.

Geologists help the police search for locating (and sometimes the recovery of) objects buried

in the ground, including for example, homicide graves, mass graves related to genocide,

weapons, firearms, improvised devices, explosives, drugs, stolen items, money, coinage

and jewellery.

This lecture provides a general overview on

the history and evolution of forensic geology

and how geologists have helped the Police with

certain types of crimes including rapes,

murders, robbery, terrorism and the search for

graves, weapons, money & drugs. It draws on

operational case examples and provides

information on the logistical aspects of working

with the Police.

Since 2002 there have been at least 10

international meeting on forensic geology,

five text books have been published and

numerous technical papers and articles.

Together, these all demonstrate the wealth in

activity and interest in forensic geology in the

UK and world-wide.

Rock Hands, Harz Mountains. © Paul Hildreth.

THE ROLE OF GEOFORENSICS IN POLICING & LAWENFORCEMENT: HOW DO GEOLOGISTS HELP THEPOLICE INVESTIGATE CRIME?Laurance Donnelly, Geological Society Forensic Geoscience Group

I hope everyone enjoyed our typical

English summer and been able to

participate on at least some of the

Society’s fieldtrips to the various

geological splendours of our region. I

have been lucky enough to see the

geology of many countries but it is always

nice to see stuff in our own backyard

because we have some unrivalled

geology. The Jurassic of the Yorkshire

coast takes some beating (especially

when the tide is out!) and our

Carboniferous is equally outstanding.

Only slightly further afield I recently

visited the spectacular chalk-with-basalt-

on-top cliff sections of the Antrim coast. There are plenty of basalt lava flows in the world

but you would have to go a long way to find better examples than those seen around the

Giant’s Causeway. It also surprises me how much is still to be discovered in our local geology.

The latest field trip to the Middle Jurassic of the Yorkshire coast lead by Martin Whyte and

Mike Romano is a case in point. This coastline has long been known as a place to collect

ammonites but the fact that it now gets the moniker “Dinosaur Coast” is thanks to the tireless

efforts of Martin and Mike and their discovery of abundant dinosaur footprints. Of course

the footprints have been there a long time but it is remarkable how long they remained

undiscovered. One of the ways new discoveries have been made in geology has been the

development of new techniques and applications. This forms the theme of our meeting at

Hull University where we have our annual get-together with the Hull Geological Society. A

fascinating and diverse selection of talks has been assembled and it should be an interesting day.


UNDERSTANDING BIOTURBATION IN SANDY SEDIMENTS

Mark Bateman, Sheffield University

Basalt lavas resting on the deeply-eroded top surfaceof the Chalk, Portrush, Co. Antrim. © Paul Wignall.

A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT

Paul Wignall

No abstract available at time of going to press due to short notice of speaker kindly

volunteering to speak. Please check YGS website for updated information and abstract.


Trevor Morse would usually be the writing the words that fill this space, but as he is not

available you are stuck with me. Before Trevor left the General Secretary’s post he had done all

the preparation for the President’s Day Reception, therefore if it is a success it is down to him

and I have just followed his notes correctly. If on the other hand it is a complete disaster…well

it is up to us to make sure that doesn’t happen!

Please note the YGS AGM and President’s Day will be at a NEW venue this year. They will be

at Weetwood Hall, Leeds and I would ask that you come along and try the venue for yourself.

As you will have read in the “A Word from the President” we are trying this venue to alleviate

some of the problems of parking and crossing York so near to Christmas. Personally I believe

Weetwood Hall will be a great venue and hope that it is well supported and enjoyable event.

I am sure members will vote by their attendance of the reception. Here is the outline plan of

events, menu and ticket arrangements:

A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT

Paul Wignall

YOUR AGM AND PRESIDENT’S DAYADVANCE NOTICE

The meeting after Hull is the AGM and dinner and this year we have broken away from our

tradition of holding it in York and will instead be at Weetwood Hall, Leeds, where the February

meetings have been held for the past 2 years (this has nothing to do with the fact that your

President lives less than a mile from this venue – honest!). The York AGMs have always been

great and the new arrangements last year worked particularly well. However, we are going to

try Weetwood this year ; it doesn’t have the advantage of the York Christmas shopping but it

does have the convenience of ample parking on site. Details of tickets and the menu are

included in this circular and I hope to see you at this do as well.

On a much sadder note, I have to report that our long-standing General Secretary, Trevor

Morse, is standing down from his post due to a close personal bereavement. As with all

societies the post of General Secretary is the most important on council, ensuring the smooth

running of all aspects of society affairs and being the contact point for everyone. Trevor has

done this in an exemplary manner for many years and the YGS had been lucky to have his

dedication. He will be a hard man to replace.

The 2010 AGM and President’s Day will be at Weetwood Hall, Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds,LS16 5PS on Saturday 4th December 2010 and will run as follows.

14.30 to 15.00 Tea / Coffee / Mince Pies (Bramley & Cookridge breakout areas)

15.00 to 16.00 AGM & Presentations (Cookridge Room)

16.00 to 17.00 Presidential Address (Cookridge Room)

The itinerary below requires the purchase of a ticket: cost £25.00 per person17.30 to 18.00 President’s Reception (2 glasses of wine or soft drink)

Wine will also be available for sale (Bramley Room)

18.00 to 19.00 Fork Buffet, Dessert, Coffee + Mints and Speeches (Bramley Room)

A cash bar will be available from 19.30 in the Stable Bar.

Menu Mini steak and ale pie

Roast chicken skewers

Warm cheese and onion foccacia

Feta cheese and roast pepper tart

Buttered new potatoes

Coleslaw

Mixed salad

Pasta salad

Assorted dessert selection served with cream

Tea and Coffee

Rooms are available to book in advance for those wishing to stay the night. Rates for B & B are

from £95.00 Junior Double to £125.00 Luxury Double. Please contact Weetwood Hall directly

on 0113 230 6000 for reservations.

TICKET SALES DETAILS FOR THE PRESIDENT’S RECEPTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Tickets are priced at £25.00 per person (a slight reduction from last year) and are required for

the reception, but not to attend the AGM and Presidential Address. So, the programme up to

17.00 is free to YGS members, after 17.00 it will cost you £25.00 per person. Tickets can be

purchased from Keith Park (Circular Editor), 24 Ings Lane, Guiseley, LS20 8DA (the usual

address inside the back cover of the circular). Cheques only please (payable to Yorkshire

Geology Society). Please remember to enclose your name and address with your cheque.

Closing date for applications is Monday 22nd November 2010. We have based numbers

attending on previous years’ attendance, so should this venue prove more popular than

previously years’, tickets will be sold on a first come basis, therefore book now rather than later

and risk being disappointed!

Keith Park, Circular Editor


YOUR AGM AND PRESIDENT’S DAYADVANCE NOTICE


EYJAFJALLAJÖKULL VOLCANO – UP CLOSE AND PERSONALJohn Powell* with contributions from Noel Worley and Tony Milodowski** British Geological Survey, Keyworth

A life-long ambition to visit Iceland was realised this year when my wife and I decided to book

a week’s holiday touring southern Iceland. Little did we know in February that it was to be

the volcanic event of the year causing major disruption to air travel over much of

north-west Europe and beyond.

EARLY AWAKENINGSBack in March we watched with great interest a fissure lava eruption on Fimmvörðuháls

located on the ‘saddle’ between the Eyjafjallajökull and neighbouring, larger Myrdalsjökull ice

caps. The initial eruption on the 20th March followed months of increased seismic activity and

crustal deformation in the area; the fire-fountain of molten lava reaching up to 100 m high

along the fissure. The eruption became an instant tourist attraction (see updates on

http://www.icelandreview.com/daily%5Fnews/) and the science could be followed on the

excellent Institute of Earth Sciences (IES) web site http://www.earthice.hi.is/ which, in turn,

is linked to the highly informative Iceland Meteorological Institute web site that provides

regular updates on seismicity and volcanic activity http://en.vedur.is/earthquakes-and-volcanism/earthquakes/myrdalsjokull/ – as well as the local weather! Access to the fissure

eruption and small lava flows by walking or snowmobiling up the popular Fimmvörðuháls

hiking trail made the site very popular, with some local hotels offering helicopter trips with

your meal prepared on hot volcanic ‘coals’. Even the BBC’s Top Gear team ventured close to

the eruption in a specially adapted four-wheel drive vehicle. At this stage there was great relief

that only small amounts of ejecta (volcanic bombs and minor tephra) were being erupted

(along with steam) due to the fissure style of eruption and the thin cover of ice and snow in

the Fimmvörð uháls area.

THE FULL MONTYHowever, things were about to take a turn for the worse as seismic activity shifted to the

west, below the caldera of the adjacent Eyjafjallajökull ice cap (1600 m above sea level) where

the ice cover is about 200 m thick (Sturkell et al., 2010). The consequent risk of a

phreatomagmatic eruption beneath this ice-cap is high, with the attendant geohazards of a

catastrophic glacial outburst and meltwater flood (jokulhlaup) along the adjacent river valleys,

low-lying farming areas and coastal plain (sandur). Historical records indicate that the

Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupted in 1612 and 1821-23. The volcano is linked geologically and

historically to the famous Katla volcano situated 25 km to the east below the larger

Myrdalsjökul ice-cap (Figure 1). Katla erupted soon after the historical Eyjafjallajökull

eruptions noted above and, as a result of its higher erupted lava/tephra volumes and thicker

ice-cap cover, produced spectacular jokulhlaup floods causing much damage to the lowland

areas to the east and south of the volcano. However, there are no current indications that

Katla is about to erupt (see web sites above) and it has erupted independently of the

Eyjafjallajökull volcano on a number of occasions. Both volcanic centres are associated with

the Eastern Volcanic Zone of the Iceland Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which extends south-westward

offshore to Westman Islands where the well known volcanic islands of Heimaey and Surtsey

erupted in the 20th century.

A phreatomagmatic eruption began within the Eyjafjallajökull caldera on 14th April 2010 -

intermixing of molten lava with ice produced large volumes of meltwater and explosive

tephra which, in the following days, reached up to 8 km into the atmosphere. The North

Atlantic weather pattern was predominantly high pressure at the time, resulting in the ash

plume circulating away from Iceland and towards north-west Europe, a familiar site in our

media and causing widespread disruption to air travel. Suddenly the world was struggling with

the pronunciation of the ‘Icelandic volcano’ – say ‘a-yah-fyaddla-yoekuddl’, which logically

means ‘the glacier on the mountains next to the islands’ (Pall Einarsson, Institute of Earth

Sciences). Within the first 3 days the IES estimated that about 140 million m3 of tephra were

erupted with dark grey ash clouds blocking out the sun in the immediate vicinity, and lighter

tephra being ejected high into the atmosphere. Molten lava also flowed down the Gígjökull

valley glacier which flows to the north as a narrow tongue into the Markarfljót, valley below.

Meltwater from the ice-cap and the glacier resulted in a jokulhlaup meltwater flood in the

valley causing destruction of roads and farmlands – local communities were temporarily

evacuated due to the flood risk and tephra fall out. Sections of the bridge carrying the main

circular highway (H1) around Iceland across the Markarfljót river valley and sandur plain were

removed by the civil authorities at the height of the flood to allow passage of the turbulent

floodwater and thus prevent more extensive damage to this vital bridge. Mixed ash/mud



Figure 1


lahars also flowed down the valley. The IES recorded fluorine-rich ash with a high silica

content, suggesting crystal fractionation of alkali-olivine basalt at depth below the volcano. The

eruption and flood was visible on web cams set up by Mila at http://eldgos.mila.is/eyjafjallajokull-fra-thorolfsfelli/ and the distribution of ash clouds could be traced on satellite

images and risk maps issued for the North Atlantic region by the London Volcanic Ash

Advisory centre http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/aviation/vaac/london.html, which receives

advice from volcanologists at the British Geological Survey, Edinburgh (http://www.bgs.ac.uk/research/highlights/changingEruptionstyles.html). Meanwhile, back in the UK our intrepid

YGS President Elect, Noel Worley, collected and analysed dust that fell in East Leake,

Nottingham on the 19th April (Figure 2). Angular pyroclastic fragments formed by

water-magma interactions are clearly visible along with other volcanic minerals. At BGS,

Nottingham, Tony Milodowski examined a similar ash fall collected from a cleaned car

windscreen; his SEM photomicrographs clearly include angular, glassy tephra fragments

(Figure 3).

Over the next few weeks we watched anxiously as the volcano went through several

eruptive pulses (see tremor measurements timeline at http://hraun.vedur.is/ja/Katla2009/gosplott.html), the weather systems changed and the travel risks moderated. But the

eruption was not over – a renewed phase of activity began on 15th May temporarily closing

UK airspace again. We set off for Manchester airport hearing that it was clear, only for the

flight to be cancelled at the last minute as Keflavik airport was now closed due to a low

pressure system blowing the ash plume back across Iceland. Not to be outdone, we headed

off to Little Langdale in the Lake District where we spent 2 days walking over the products

of a 450 Ma volcaniclastic pile, the ‘Coniston slate’ (Ordovician Borrowdale Volcanic Group),


Figure 2 Figure 3


whilst our visit was rescheduled. Flying over the south coast of Iceland on the 19th May we

witnessed a grey ash plume punching through the clouds and blowing to the north

(see Figure 4 for a similar view). Our first stop the next day was about 10 km south of the

volcano at Hotel Anna, Moldnúpur on the south coast. Approaching from the west along the

H1 highway we noticed ash in the fields and covering part of the road, but were pleased to

see the bridge across the Markarfljót River had been repaired although the river water was

black with ash and at a high spate.

THE HUMAN STORYHeavy ash falls in the local farms and villages

over the preceding month had been cleared

in places by volunteers and the civil

authorities, but the recent volcanic activity

had covered roads and houses with a thick

layer of angular ash (Figure 5). Icelanders are

vey resilient, and our hotel owners told us of

repeated cleaning of ash by the fire brigade

and volunteers from the metal roofs to

prevent loading and damage from the

aggressive fluorine-rich ash which is highly

corrosive. Grass and barley was now growing through the ash in the pastures (Figure 6) but

some local farmers had been forced to destroy their livestock because of the risk of

ingesting ash and the inability to harvest hay later in the year. Despite repeated ash falls and

disruption, the hotel stayed open throughout the eruption. After an initial increase in tourist

numbers during the exciting Fimmvörðuháls fissure eruption, visitor numbers had dropped


Figure 4 Figure 5

Figure 6


off during the phreatomagmatic phase. The volcano was still erupting tephra (Figure 7), albeit

at lower atmospheric levels, and small seismic tremors below the caldera were recorded. Ever

optimistic, we travelled 15 km east to the Skogar area where the famous waterfall was

covered in ash (Figure 8). However, 15 km farther east at the town of Vik, where the school

had been closed two weeks earlier due to poor air quality, there was little ash now to be seen.

THE LAST GASP – A DYING ERUPTIONWhen we returned to the Eyjafjallajökul

area two days later we were amazed to see

that the volcanic activity had suddenly

changed. No longer were there plumes of

dense grey ash being erupted, but only

white steam clouds appeared. Thus in two

days the eruption had all but ceased with

magma no longer being injected at high

crustal levels to mix with the ice – only

water vapour appeared, a result of

interactions of passive hot lava and ice

(Figure 9). A crater lake was forming in the caldera with an ice wall on one side, with some

attendant risk of a glacial meltwater outburst down the Gígjökull valley glacier, and to the west

and south along the Markarfljót valley and the coastal plain.

Back at BGS Nolttingham, Tony Milodowski analysed samples of ash collected from fields near

Hotel Anna. The grain size (~1-2 mm) of this proximal tephra is surprisingly coarse, and is

highly angular, although some of the finer grained material had been washed by rainfall to the


Figure 7 Figure 8

Figure 9



base of the deposit, and other fine-grained tephra redistributed during local dust storms. SEM

studies reveal an abundance of sharp-edged glassy fragments (Figures 10 and 11) and other

crystalline minerals (olivine, pyroxene). Microchemical analyses of these samples plot mostly

in the trachydacite and trachyandesite fields (i.e. ~ 60% SiO2) with a few in the basalt field

(Figure 12).

Figure 10 Figure 11

Figure 12


Flying back over southern Iceland we saw

that the infamous Eyjafjallajökul volcano that

had caused so many problems in northwest

Europe was now merely a puff of steam,

above an ice cap now blackened by ash

(Figure 13). However, memories are short,

and as geologists, many of us can recall the

eruptions of Heimaey, Surtsey (1963-67)

and the Vatnajökull jokulhlaup (1996) in

recent years - so the story may not be over!

I would encourage visitors to Iceland to

enjoy the outstanding volcanic and glacial

geology, impressive landscapes and friendly people – I hope the web sites listed in this article

will help you plan your visit to the ‘land of ice and fire’.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThis article is based on information made available on the web sites of the Iceland Institute

of Earth Sciences and the Iceland Meteorological Office (see embedded web links above).

Thanks go to Noel Worley for use of his photomicrograph, to Tony Milodowski for his

analyses and SEM photomicrographs of the tephra, and to Jeremy Everest for the use of

Figure 4. Figure 1 is reproduced courtesy of Pall Einarsson.

REFERENCESSturkell, E. Einarsson, P., Sigmundsson, F., Hooper, A., O´feigsson, B.G,

Geirsson, H. and O´lafsson, H., 2010. Katla and Eyjafjallajökul volcanoes. Developments inQuaternary Sciences, Vol.13, 5-21.

Olgeir Sigmarsson, Níels Óskarsson, Þorvaldur Þórðarson, Guðrún Larsen, Ármann

Höskuldsson Preliminary interpretations of chemical analysis of tephra from Eyjafjallajökull volcano.http://www.earthice.hi.is/Apps/WebObjects/HI.woa/swdocument/1015810/2010-04-19+-

+Report+on+magma+chemistry+-+Olgeir+et.al+.pdf


Figure 13



FIGURESFigure 1. Diagrammatic east-west cross-section of the Eyjafjallajökul and Myrdalsjökull (Katla) volcanoes

and their icecaps. Courtesy Pall Einarsson, Institute of Earth Sciences, Iceland. Copyright IES.

Figure 2. Photomicrograph in plane polarised light of ash dust fallout from the Eyjafjallajökul

volcano collected in Nottinghamshire on 19th April 2010. It includes a number of dark brown elongate,

angular glassy tephra fragments and clearer crystals probably of olivine and pyroxene. The slide also

includes circular pollen grains about 15-20 microns diameter. Courtesy of Noel Worley. Copyright

Noel Worley.

Figure 3. SEM photomicrograph of ash dust fallout collected by Tony Milodowski (BGS) in

Nottinghamshire on 19th April 2010, showing angular glassy fragments and as single pyroxene crystal

(?). Copyright BGS (NERC).

Figure 4. Dramatic picture taken by Jez Everest (British Geological Survey) on board a flight over the

Eyjafjallajökul volcano on 16th April. Note the enormous plume of volcanic ash and gas punching

through the cumulonimbus cloud and reaching a height of up to 7,000 feet. Copyright BGS (NERC).

Figure 5. Proximal ash fallout covering the road and fields (see Figure 6) at Moldnupur, about 10 km

south-west of Eyjafjallajökul (hidden in the cloud). 21st May 2010. Roofs of the buildings had been

cleared of ash. Copyright John Powell

Figure 6. Angular ash fallout with grass growing through ash cover at Moldnupur, about 10 km south-

west of Eyjafjallajökul (see Figure 5), 21st May 2010. Boot print for scale. Copyright John Powell.

Figure 7. Dark grey plume of volcanic ash (top left) erupting through the cloud from Eyjafjallajökul;

view north from Skogar area. Copyright John Powell

Figure 8. Skogar waterfall showing stream and path covered in ash with grass growing through.

Copyright John Powell.

Figure 9. Eyjafjallajökul looking north-east from the Markarfljót river valley in the foreground (dark ash

fluvial sediment). Note the absence of an ash plume; only white steam emanating from the volcano on

24th May. Seljalandsfoss waterfall on left. Copyright John Powell.

Figure 10. SEM photomicrograph showing angular glassy tephra and smaller adhering particles. Ash

collected from Moldnupur, about 10 km south-east of Eyjafjallajökul. Copyright BGS (NERC).

Figure 11. SEM photomicrograph showing vesicular ash particle. Collected at Moldnupur, about 10 km

south-west of Eyjafjallajökul. Copyright BGS (NERC).

Figure 12. Analysis of volcanic ash collected on 23 May 2010 from Moldnupur (blue), near Hotel Anna,

Skogar Region, Iceland (approximately 10 km SSW of the Eyjafedlajokull eruption centre). Red data

point is for fallout reported by Sigmarsson et al., for 14th April 2010 – open symbol is for

normalised data). Copyright BGS (NERC).

Figure 13. View on board a flight over the south Iceland on 24th April. The Eyjafjallajökul volcano (top,

centre) is a small puff of steam above the black ash-covered ice-cap (compare to Figure 4). Note the

sandur delta plain and the offshore volcanic island of Elliðaey (Westman Islands) between the cloud

cover. Copyright John Powell.


The West Yorkshire Geology Trust

has been working on a project with

Leeds City Council at the Chevin for

the last year. We were asked to

produce a geological trail taking in

the main features of the Local

Geological Site and write a leaflet to

illustrate it. The trail is marked by

large stones, which have been carved

in local sandstone by a local sculptor

and depict various geological

features, such as plant fossils, cross-

bedding and tidal laminites. The start

of the trail, in East Chevin Quarry car

park, is marked by an enormous

boulder, carved with many geological

features, including the words

‘Variscan orogeny’. This will provide

something for the general public to

ponder!

There is an excellent geological

interpretation board at Surprise

View, which overlooks Wharfedale

from the top of the Chevin. Leeds

Geological Association originally

provided the splendid drawings, diagrams and photos, but we have been asked to update

some of the information, particularly geological dates. A large landscape photo also needed

to be retaken, as the view from the top of the Chevin has changed over the last decade.

West Yorkshire Geology Trust’s final contribution to the project is the production of a

professionally produced audio trail, which will be available to download from the Friends of

Chevin Forest website www.chevinforest.co.uk and the WYGT website, www.wyorksgeologytrust.org, to accompany the geological trail. Many walkers now want to know more

about what they see, having downloaded some information from a website beforehand. Then

they can walk the trail listening to their MP3 player, or use the leaflet to locate themselves.

We look forward to hearing the recording, which should be finished in a few weeks time.

Alison Tymon,

West Yorkshire Geology Trust

OTLEY CHEVIN PROJECT

A Joint Venture Between West Yorkshire Geology Trust & Leeds City Council

Marker stone at Otley Chevin.


OTLEY CHEVIN PROJECT

A Joint Venture Between West Yorkshire Geology Trust & Leeds City Council

Otley Chevin Geology Trail DayWednesday 27th October 11.00 – 4.00Organised by West Yorkshire Geology Trust and Leeds City Council

Walks around the Geological Trail 11.30 and 2.00 with Alison Tymon, starting from the White House.Each walk will take about 1hour 30minutes and will include some steep steps and narrow

paths, so walking boots or good trainers should be worn. We will see sandstones, mudstones

and a thin coal seam, as well as plant fossils, many sedimentary features such as soft-sediment

deformation, and landslips and excellent views of the surrounding landscapes from the top of

the Chevin.

Geological displays and activities at the White HouseDisplays of rocks, minerals and fossils and activities for children in the educational room at the

White House, Otley Chevin all day. All activities are free.

Park at one of the car parks around the Chevin and walk to the White House, using the maps

available on signboards at each car park. There is no parking at the White House itself, but

there is a café there, which serves light refreshments, which can be enjoyed from the terrace

with excellent views over the valley.

The White House is circledon the map.


Mr Stephen Foster Boston Spa Ordinary

Mr Mike Soulsby West Bridgford Nottingham Ordinary

Mr Derrick Harrison Bardsey, Leeds Ordinary

Mr Harry Stokoe Ripley, Yorks Student

Caroline Lumsden Darlington Student

Miss Colette Lyle Colne Student

Miss Victoria L Coates York Student

Mr Alexander Dunhill Bristol University Student

DEATHFrank Trowbridge April 5th 2010. Member since 1963, on Council.

NEW MEMBERSHIP

Dean Lomax recently asked the YGS Council members for some help researching and

naming a fossil collection held by Doncaster Museum and Leeds University; unfortunately no

one on Council could help Dean so in an effort to supply this gentleman with the

information he requires his email is printed below. If you can help Dean please contact him

directly on [email protected]

I am researching an early Doncaster geologist, Henry Culpin, part of his collection resides at

the Doncaster Museum (quite important collection of local fossils) the rest of his collection

resides at the Leeds University. My main problem is the names of the fossils in the collections,

first named in 1908 and still identified with their original names, I assume the nomenclature

for most if not all has changed, I was wondering if there may be somebody that is 'up to date'

with this material who could help identify these specimens? The majority of fossils come from

Bentley and Brodsworth collieries in Doncaster although just under half come from areas

such as Lancashire, Cheshire and Yorkshire (surrounding areas) etc. The fossils include plants,

vertebrates and molluscs amongst other.

Dean Lomax

[email protected]

HENRY CULPIN DONCASTER & LEEDS COLLECTION


CORRESPONDING SOCIETIES

Contact society representatives for the latest information

CRAVEN & PENDLE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY - Celebration of 20 years of CPGSContact: Paul Kabrna, tel: 01282 813772; e-mail: [email protected] or www.cpgs.org.uk/

Venue: Rainhall Centre, Barnoldswick.

Permian Mass Extinction: Evidence from Around the World Friday 8th OctoberPaul Wignall

Hot Stuff in the Deep Sea: Present and Past Life Friday 12th Novemberat Hydrothermal VentsCris Little

CUMBERLAND GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY Contact: Rosemary Vidler, tel: 017697 79326 or www.cumberland-geol-soc.org.uk

Patterns of upland erosion-it's all downhill from here! Wednesday 20th OctoberDr Jeff Warburton

Use of groundwater models in protecting the Wednesday 17th Novemberaquatic environment of East AngliaTim Lewis

EAST MIDLANDS GEOLOGICAL SOCIETYJanet Slatter, tel. 01509-843.297; e-mail: [email protected] or www.emgs.org.uk

Venue: Lecture Theatre B3, Biological Sciences Building, University of Nottingham

Going underground: in search of the coal forests Saturday 23rd OctoberHoward Falcon-Lang

The Jurassic Coast: a walk through time Saturday 20th NovemberSam Scriven

EDINBURGHContact: Sarah Bailey, tel: 0131 466 9653; e-mail: [email protected]

The proto-Andes: a long-lived margin in South America Wednesday 13th OctoberDr Dave Chew

Maps, Mountains and Madness – Wednesday 27th OctoberCharles Lapworth and the Highlands ControversyProfessor Paul Smith

HUDDERSFIELD GEOLOGY GROUPJulie Earnshaw (Secretary). Telephone: 01484 311 662 or e-mail: [email protected]

Exciting Fossils from Morocco & What They Tell Us about the Monday 11th OctoberEvolution of LifeLucy Muir

A Walk Through The Palaeozoic History of South Elmsall Monday 18th Octobernear WakefieldRick Ramsdale


HULL GEOLOGICAL SOCIETYMike Horne. Tel: 01482 346 784 or e-mail: [email protected] or www.go.to/hullgeolsoc

Venue: Department of Geography, University of Hull, at 7.30pm.

Felix Whitham tribute field trip - Hildenley Quarries with Saturday 2nd OctoberRyedale Vernacular Building Materials Research GroupRichard Myerscough

Quaternary Techniques Workshop Saturday 30th OctoberLed by Mike Horne, Rodger Connell and Stuart Jones

Booking required before 1st October, there may be a small fee to cover costs.

LEEDS GEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATIONAnthea Brigstocke (General Scretary). Tel: 01904 626 013. Email: [email protected] or

www.leedsgeolassoc.freeserve.co.uk Venue: Mathematics & Earth Sciences, University of Leeds

Volcano – Ice Interactions in Iceland Thursday 14th OctoberDave McGarvie

The Dynamics and Deposits of Braid Bars in the Thursday 11th NovemberWorld’s Largest RiversDan Parsons

LEICESTER LITERARY & PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY SECTION C (GEOLOGY)Chairman: Dr, Joanne Norris. Tel: 0116 283 3127, e-mail: [email protected], www.charnia.org.uk/

Venue: Ken Edwards Building, University of Leicester

Antarctica - the largest glaciovolcanic province in the world and Wednesday 6th Octoberhow its volcanic products can help to reconstruct past ice sheets John Smellie

Skullduggery: how big was Leedsichthys? Wednesday 20th October Jeff Liston

MANCHESTER GEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATIONJane Michael. Tel: 0161 366 0595, e-mail: [email protected] or www.mangeolassoc.org.uk

Venue: Williamson Building, Department of Geology, University of Manchester

Meteorites, Stardust and the Early Solar System Wednesday 13th OctoberJamie Gilmour

The Broadhurst Lectures: Jurassic Seas, Jurassic Skies Saturday 13th NovemberPeter Hardy, Leslie Noè, Dave Martill, Derek Yalden






NORTH EASTERN GEOLOGICAL SOCIETYMavis Gill. Tel: 01207 545907, e-mail [email protected] or

www.northeast-geolsoc.50megs.com

The Grand Canyon Friday 22nd OctoberBruce R. Julian

A Tale of Two Ore Fields Friday 19th NovemberBrian Young

NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE GROUP OF THE GEOLOGISTS’ ASSOCIATIONEileen Fraser Tel: 01260 271505 email: [email protected] or www.esci.keele.ac.uk/nsgga/

Venue: School of Earth Sciences and Geography, University of Keele

The genesis and evolution of sulphate evaporites in the Midlands Thursday 14th OctoberNoel Worley

The Tenth Wolverson Cope Lecture: ‘Age of extinctions’. Thursday 18th November A comparison of the four mid Phanerozoic mass extinctions, including the end-Permian and end-Triassic eventsPaul Wignall

ROTUNDA GEOLOGY GROUPSue Rawson. Tel: 01723 506502, e-mail: [email protected]

Venue: Quad 4, Scarborough Campus of the University of Hull, Filey Road, Scarborough. 7.30pm

The Earth Ater Us – man’s legacy in the rocks Thursday 7th OctoberJan Zalasiewicz

Establishing Shell’s new technology centre in India Thursday 4th NovemberBob Frith

WESTMORLAND GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY E-mail: [email protected], westmorlandgeolsoc.org.uk/

Venue: Shakespeare Centre, Kendal

William Smith - the Father of English Geology - the early years Wednesday 20th OctoberPeter Banham

Copper Mines in the Lake District - Wednesday 17th Novemberaspects of mining in the Lake DistrictMark Simpson


SUBMISSION OF PAPERSManuscripts for publication in the Proceedings should be submitted to ‘The Editors,

Proceedings of the Yorkshire Geological Society, Geological Society Publishing House, Unit 7,

Brassmill Lane Enterprise Centre, Brassmill Lane, BATH, BA1 3JN’. Typescripts should be

prepared using the updated instructions for authors given on the inside back cover of the

latest issue (Volume 58 Part 1, May 2010).

Publication of manuscripts may be expected in the next, or next but one part, following

acceptance. The Proceedings will be abstracted and/or indexed in, GeoArchive, GeoRef,

Geobase, Geological Abstracts and Mineralogical Abstracts, Research Alert and Science

Citation Index Expanded (SCIE).

COPY FOR CIRCULAR Copy deadline for Circular 562 is 24th October 2010

NEXT YGS INDOOR MEETING4th December - Presidential Address - The End Permian Mass Extinction: Death by Fire

AGM and President’s Day. Weetwood Hall, Leeds.

CONTACTS

GENERAL SECRETARY

Awaiting appointment.

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY

Ms Chris Jennings-Poole B.Sc., 6 Wolsey Drive, Norton, Stockton on Tees, TS20 1SY

e-mail: [email protected]

CIRCULAR EDITOR

Keith Park, B.Sc. (Hons), 24 Ings Lane, Guiseley, West Yorkshire LS20 8DA

Telephone: (Work) 0113 278 4286 (Home) 01943 878787

e-mail: [email protected]

GENERAL INFORMATION

Please Note: Articles and opinions published in the YGS Circular reflect the view of theindividuals writing those parts of the Circular and in no way necessarily reflect the viewof Council or of the Society as a whole.

MODERN GEOLOGICAL

TECHNIQUES

14.00 – 17.00 Saturday 23rd October 2010Cohen Building, University of Hull, Hull

(Joint Meeting with Hull Geological Society)

Meeting venue.

Front cover: Beamline from inside the Diamond Synchrotron.Data from this used by Mike Rodgerson in his talk. © Diamond Light Source Ltd.

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