Geology
Convener
Chris Wilson, Emeritus Professor of Earth Sciences, The Open University
If you are interested in joining the next presentation starting in October 2021 contact the Convener by clicking on the flying pigeon at the top right of the page.
Meetings
Monthly on the third Friday of the month. All day meetings except between November to February when we meet between 10.00 and 12.30 at Portinscale village hall.The latter meetings are currently held using Zoom. All day field trips are suspended until further notice. The course lasts for two years after which members will retire from the Group and if they wish join the independent Continuing Geology group that is not affiliated to U3A.
The programme
The rocks and scenery of Cumbria reveal almost 500 million years of Earth history during which the region was blasted by huge volcanic eruptions, and covered by shallow tropical seas, deserts and thick ice sheets. Click on the 'Geology of Keswick' link to learn more.
There are two parts to the group’s annual programme: morning indoor sessions and all-day geological walks. Members may join the indoor programme only but the walks will be run on the assumption that participants are attending the indoor sessions. The indoor meetings and walks will cater for those with no knowledge of geology and existing members who have some knowledge. Presentations and discussions will be triggered largely by what we see and participants’ questions.
A practical introduction to geology
During the late autumn and winter of 2021-2022 these sessions will give a practical introduction to minerals, rocks, fossils, geological maps and geological processes that have shaped the Lake District. In 2022-23 the indoor sessions will deal with aspects of global geology including the major surface features of the Earth, continental drift, plate tectonics and key events in the geological history of the UK and Cumbria.
Geological walks
This part of the programme will illustrate and reinforce concepts introduced during the indoor sessions and provide insights into the geological history of Cumbria. We will visit various locations around Cumbria starting at 09.30 finishing in the late afternoon. Walks will be up to 8 miles in length and a few involve ascents of up to 500 metres, whereas others involve driving to a number of locations where there will be short walks. Car sharing is encouraged. Lunch will be taken in the field although on some walks cafes and pubs may be visited.