Virtual WGCG

Wed 19 Aug, Virtual Talk (Zoom or YouTube)- Mining in North Wales, by Rob Vernon

Rob will begin with an introduction to the geology of the area before discussing the most important minerals worked (copper, lead, gold, slate, coal and a few “miscellanea”). He will then take us on a round trip of the various mining districts, including perhaps the best known copper mine in Wales  (at Parys Mountain on Anglesey), as well as the Parc lead and zinc mine at Aberconwy and the Gilfach copper mine in Caernarvonshire, among many others. More info and Registration Link

Parys Mountain Copper Mine – Anglesey 2008

Gilfach Copper mine – Caernarfonshire 1989

Wed 12 August, ‘Wednesday Video’ – The Day the Dinosaurs Died – BBC

The Day the Dinosaurs Died – BBC

Following on from Prof Jo Morgan’s talk last week, on the drilling of the Chicxulub  impact crater, here is the BBC documentary by Prof Alice Roberts of The University of Birmingham who gives a fantastic explanation of the scientific importance of this work.. This is a must view…… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Id-M1lerGDQ

Wed 3 August, ‘Wednesday Video’ – Drilling of the Chicxulub impact crater in the Gulf of Mexico | Prof Jo Morgan

Drilling of the Chicxulub impact crater in the Gulf of Mexico | Prof Jo Morgan

There is a series of recorded talks that you may be interested in from the Geologists’ Association.   The GA video lectures are normally only available to GA Members but for the duration of the Covid-19 lockdown / restrictions (and who knows how long this will last), they will be freely available – so do make the most of them while you can!

Wed 29 July, ‘Wednesday Video’  – Mercury: Geological Mapping a Mysterious World | David Pegg

Watch here: https://youtu.be/8J4D9XM1sJo

Mercury,Geological Mapping a Mysterious World,David Pegg – Click image to watch

Wed 22 July, ‘Wednesday Video’  – The Cretaceous Geology of Flamborough Head

This week we continue our virtual field trip up through the Cretaceous around Flamborough head and exploring the relationship with the overlying glacial till deposits Flamborough Head part 3 – https://youtu.be/54L_-pRBQi4 Flamborough Head part 4 – https://youtu.be/VM_fJGYDhwI

Wed 8 July, Zoom Talk – Contrasting Islands: The Geology of Eigg and Rum, by Angus Miller

Abstract: The Hebridean islands of Eigg and Rum are separated by just a few miles of sea, but could hardly be more different in their scenery, topography and land use. Of course this is due to the underlying geology. Both islands have a basement of sedimentary rocks (formed 800 million years apart!). Then, 60 million years ago, this area was a focus of volcanic activity: Eigg is mostly formed by the eroded remains of extensive basalt lava flows, whereas Rum was the site of a central volcano. It is a fascinating clash of rock types and morphologies that has formed two contrasting islands.See PDF here

Wed 17 June, Zoom Talk – Isle of Arran

We will host another Zoom on Wed 17 June. It promises to be a well-illustrated landscape and geological delight. Outline to see/download: Talk 2020-06-17 The Geology of Arran To participate, register for the talk by Mon 15 June at warwickshiregcg@gmail.com The Zoom meeting code will be circulated. If you are unfamiliar with using Zoom, please do not be daunted. It is very easy and a practice session can be arranged in advance of the talk (including talking you through things on the phone if needs be). If you want to sign up for the practice, please register by Saturday 13th June at warwickshiregcg@gmail.com

Wed 10 June, Video: Deep carbon cycling over the past 200 million years

Contributions from tectonic settings. contributions from tectonic settings. Kevin Wong (2019 Award Winner)

Wed 6 June, Video: Birth of Britain 2 of 3 Ice Age – Tony Robinson

This is a great video explaining the mechanisms that brought about the ice ages. Tony Robinson takes us on a tour around Britain looking at the geomorphologic features that were a consequence of the ice ages of Britain. At: https://youtu.be/nvk6DUmTuvE

Wed, 27 May, Video: How the Alps were formed – Part 2

This is the second part of this OU video of the formation of the Alps. This talk focuses on the Pennine mountain range (Southern Section) of the Alps which contains evidence of the subducted oceanic plate that existed between Italy and Europe prior to the Alpine orogenic event. The scenery, as well as the geology, is outstanding. https://youtu.be/lwSov6m1f7U

The Wednesday Geology Video this week take us on a trip to the Alps. Ever wonder how these imposing mountains were formed? Staff of the OU take us on a trip and explain how they have been able to unravel these amazing structures. https://youtu.be/HEU10pVbVQM

13 May, Talk: Fracked or Fiction? Martin Carruthers, via Zoom

Members are invited to enjoy some Fieldwork at Home by revealing • The geology of your house, ground beneath, or garden, • Geology of your daily walk? • Your favourite specimen (rock, fossil. or mineral) or favourite geology related photograph in your collection? More info These two websites might be of interest to those who are interested in volcanoes. Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report – https://volcano.si.edu/reports_weekly.cfm – Gives updates and information about recent volcanic eruptions around the world. Volcanoes of Kurile-Kamchatka Island Arc. Webcams – http://geoportal.kscnet.ru/volcanoes/webcams.php – Webcams showing some of the volcanoes in Kamchatka. Some of them are often active.   The Amazing Volcanic Past of the Black Cuillins, Presented by Tony Robinson – This is part of the Birth of Britain series The Black Cuillins of Skye – https://youtu.be/aBWJZBdWug0 – A 20 minute YouTube video – starts at 31:45 – Wait for it to load. Black screen will give way to video. The remains of ancient volcanic systems on Skye can be seen in the Cuillin and Red Hills. This was formed during an intense period of volcanic activity in the area during the time when north west Europe was splitting from North America and the North Atlantic was formed. The Black Cuillins are mainly made up from gabbro and peridotite and the Red Hills from red-coloured granite. These rocks were formed about 55 million years ago, relatively recent in geology terms. Database of Iceland’s Volcanoes http://futurevolc.vedur.is/

What Coal Mining Hydrogeology tells us about the Real Risks of Fracking – https://youtu.be/PpX1eyDgomA

Geoheritage and the UK’s Most Significant Geological Sites – Rob Butler, University of Aberdeen

Excellent Geo Walk & Trail Guides – Free download: Leaflets, guides & books created/commissioned by WGCG – Please enjoy within Gov.uk Covid 19 Guidelines I.e., “One form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household.”