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The Geologists' Association

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Founded in 1858, the Geologists' Association (GA) is a charitable organization that exists for all geologists and earth scientists. Our offices are co-located with those of the Geological Society at Burlington House in central London.

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There's still time to enter up to 3 photos on any geological topic into the GA 2025 Photo Competition. It's free to enter and you could win a cash prize of up to £150!

Closing date: 22 August

For full details visit our website: geologistsassociation.org.uk/photocomp_en...

01.08.2025 10:14 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

On the coast of County Antrim is the Giant's Causeway, a World Heritage Site for the importance of its geology. The remarkable basalt columns were formed about 60 million years ago as basalt lava cooled and contracted.

01.08.2025 10:14 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0
Columnar Basalt, Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland. On the coast of County Antrim is the Giant's Causeway, a World Heritage Site for the importance of its geology. The remarkable basalt columns were formed about 60 million years ago as basalt lava cooled and contracted. Photo: Graham Hickman

Columnar Basalt, Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland. On the coast of County Antrim is the Giant's Causeway, a World Heritage Site for the importance of its geology. The remarkable basalt columns were formed about 60 million years ago as basalt lava cooled and contracted. Photo: Graham Hickman

Welcome to August with a dramatic image from the Geologists' Association 2025 calendar of Columnar Basalt, Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland taken by Graham Hickman, which won first prize in the GA 2024 Photographic Competition.

01.08.2025 10:14 — 👍 8    🔁 0    💬 2    📌 0
Cross-sections through CS 26 adjacent to wreck of SS Kyara (126 m long) viewed in Fledermaus to estimate minimum height of dome-shaped structure. Profile B–B′ height is 7 m at 280 m across. Profile C–C′ is 9 m high at 177 m across. Note vertical colouring bands below bathymetric profile are projected down from the depth at the sea floor and have no stratigraphical or structural significance. Coloured dashed lines are reconstructions of correlations between bedding ridges that can be traced around the circular structure, and are concordant with the exhumed core, along profiles B–B′ and C–C′. Inset — location of CS 26 with respect to Kyara wreck.

Cross-sections through CS 26 adjacent to wreck of SS Kyara (126 m long) viewed in Fledermaus to estimate minimum height of dome-shaped structure. Profile B–B′ height is 7 m at 280 m across. Profile C–C′ is 9 m high at 177 m across. Note vertical colouring bands below bathymetric profile are projected down from the depth at the sea floor and have no stratigraphical or structural significance. Coloured dashed lines are reconstructions of correlations between bedding ridges that can be traced around the circular structure, and are concordant with the exhumed core, along profiles B–B′ and C–C′. Inset — location of CS 26 with respect to Kyara wreck.

Reconstructed view to the west across Purbeck lagoon with land (and footwall hills) to north and lagoon deepening to the south. Carbonate mounds accumulated in a depth-restricted zone within the lagoon (corresponding to study area) adjacent to shoreline beaches, bars and lakes as represented by the Durlston Bay section to the north (modified from Sellwood and Wilson, 1990, hybodontiform fish after Stumpf et al., 2021).

Reconstructed view to the west across Purbeck lagoon with land (and footwall hills) to north and lagoon deepening to the south. Carbonate mounds accumulated in a depth-restricted zone within the lagoon (corresponding to study area) adjacent to shoreline beaches, bars and lakes as represented by the Durlston Bay section to the north (modified from Sellwood and Wilson, 1990, hybodontiform fish after Stumpf et al., 2021).

Cover of the scientific journal Proceedings of the Geologists' Association (PGA).

Cover of the scientific journal Proceedings of the Geologists' Association (PGA).

In Volume 136, Issue 4 (August 2025) of Proceedings of the Geologists' Association.

Read the full article here (Open Access): www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

29.07.2025 14:43 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0
Multibeam Echo Sounding (MBES) of sea floor (colour bathymetric scale) and digital elevation onshore (grey scale) images of study area. Circular structures (CSs) are numbered as per Table 1 and those dived and sampled coloured red. Prominent ledges mapped on this seafloor MBES image are marked with dashed coloured lines and define informal units A–D in the Purbeck Limestone Group. Note the circular structures are mainly restricted to the Durlston Formation and are not recognised to the west of structures 1 and 2, or to the east of structure 26. (After Boscence et al., 2018).

Multibeam Echo Sounding (MBES) of sea floor (colour bathymetric scale) and digital elevation onshore (grey scale) images of study area. Circular structures (CSs) are numbered as per Table 1 and those dived and sampled coloured red. Prominent ledges mapped on this seafloor MBES image are marked with dashed coloured lines and define informal units A–D in the Purbeck Limestone Group. Note the circular structures are mainly restricted to the Durlston Formation and are not recognised to the west of structures 1 and 2, or to the east of structure 26. (After Boscence et al., 2018).

Lithostratigraphic divisions of Purbeck Limestone Group (after El-Shahat, 1977; Westhead and Mather, 1996 and Ensom, 2010) with those members in bold as mapped as prominent ledges on the sea floor.

Lithostratigraphic divisions of Purbeck Limestone Group (after El-Shahat, 1977; Westhead and Mather, 1996 and Ensom, 2010) with those members in bold as mapped as prominent ledges on the sea floor.

A. View towards east of CS 13 illustrating exhumed, dome-shaped, circular structure truncated by fault on north-west margin. Sample locations illustrated with red dots. Scale from 100 m spaced grid (depth scale in m). B. View towards northeast of CSs 21a and 22 in southeasterly dipping strata cut by N trending faults. Single sampled location (red dot) in eroded out core of dome-shaped structure CS 22 (depth scale in m and 200 m spaced grid).

A. View towards east of CS 13 illustrating exhumed, dome-shaped, circular structure truncated by fault on north-west margin. Sample locations illustrated with red dots. Scale from 100 m spaced grid (depth scale in m). B. View towards northeast of CSs 21a and 22 in southeasterly dipping strata cut by N trending faults. Single sampled location (red dot) in eroded out core of dome-shaped structure CS 22 (depth scale in m and 200 m spaced grid).

A–F. Greyscale images of selected circular structures to show location of sampling sites (location of circular structures shown in Fig. 3). Within each star samples were taken at the shot point (explained in text below) or on oriented lines radially out from shot point as detailed in Table 1. Arrows in A–C indicate apparent onlap onto crest of circular structures.

A–F. Greyscale images of selected circular structures to show location of sampling sites (location of circular structures shown in Fig. 3). Within each star samples were taken at the shot point (explained in text below) or on oriented lines radially out from shot point as detailed in Table 1. Arrows in A–C indicate apparent onlap onto crest of circular structures.

Microbial mound origin for enigmatic sea-floor circular structures? Purbeck Limestone Group, offshore Dorset by Dan Bosenceᵃ, Jenny Collierᵇ, Arnaud Galloisᵃ, Ian Watkinsonᵃ, Chris Dunkerley, Simon Flecknerᵃ

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29.07.2025 14:43 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0
The cover image of the scientific journal Proceedings of the Geologists' Association.

The cover image of the scientific journal Proceedings of the Geologists' Association.

In volume 136, Issue 4 (August 2025) of Proceedings of the Geologists' Association (PGA)

Read the full article online (open access): www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

22.07.2025 16:39 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Early Jurassic palaeogeography, regional setting, and location of the Dove's Nest study core in the Cleveland Basin. (A) Palaeogeographical reconstruction of Europe showing location of the basin on the European epicontinental shelf; interpreted bottom-water redox conditions associated with the T-OAE are based on geological data and ocean circulation modelling (Ruvalcaba Baroni et al., 2018). Palaeolatitude based on the online palaeolatitude calculator of van Hinsbergen et al. (2015) at 183 Ma (https://paleolatitude.org) with the palaeomagnetic reference frame of Vaes et al. (2023). (B) Global palaeogeography of the Early Jurassic showing continent configuration, major ocean basins, and location of the Karoo–Ferrar Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs) that was emplaced during the early–middle Toarcian (Heimdal et al., 2021; Gaynor et al., 2022). Yellow box shows location of Europe map. Palaeogeographical base maps modified from Blakey, 2012, Blakey, 2016.

Early Jurassic palaeogeography, regional setting, and location of the Dove's Nest study core in the Cleveland Basin. (A) Palaeogeographical reconstruction of Europe showing location of the basin on the European epicontinental shelf; interpreted bottom-water redox conditions associated with the T-OAE are based on geological data and ocean circulation modelling (Ruvalcaba Baroni et al., 2018). Palaeolatitude based on the online palaeolatitude calculator of van Hinsbergen et al. (2015) at 183 Ma (https://paleolatitude.org) with the palaeomagnetic reference frame of Vaes et al. (2023). (B) Global palaeogeography of the Early Jurassic showing continent configuration, major ocean basins, and location of the Karoo–Ferrar Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs) that was emplaced during the early–middle Toarcian (Heimdal et al., 2021; Gaynor et al., 2022). Yellow box shows location of Europe map. Palaeogeographical base maps modified from Blakey, 2012, Blakey, 2016.

Schematic PAAS-normalised REE patterns of seawater and representative pore waters. (A, C) Data are plotted in a geochemical framework of increasing depth in sediment underlying an oxic water column. (B) Negative cerium anomalies characteristic of deep open-ocean water are generally lacking in (D–G) marine pore waters. Pore-water REE patterns (e.g., D, F) are typically flatter than those of seawater with MREE enrichment evident in (E) the anoxic ferruginous zone. (G) HREE enrichment may occur under methanic conditions. The thicknesses of the oxic and anoxic manganous zones range from mm to cm in organic-rich shelf and upper slope sediments, to m in organic-lean deep-water pelagic settings. REE patterns compiled from Haley et al. (2004), Kim et al. (2012) and Chen et al. (2015). Geochemical framework (C) adapted after Canfield and Thamdrup (2009). SMTZ is the sulfate (SO4)–methane (CH4) transition zone.

Schematic PAAS-normalised REE patterns of seawater and representative pore waters. (A, C) Data are plotted in a geochemical framework of increasing depth in sediment underlying an oxic water column. (B) Negative cerium anomalies characteristic of deep open-ocean water are generally lacking in (D–G) marine pore waters. Pore-water REE patterns (e.g., D, F) are typically flatter than those of seawater with MREE enrichment evident in (E) the anoxic ferruginous zone. (G) HREE enrichment may occur under methanic conditions. The thicknesses of the oxic and anoxic manganous zones range from mm to cm in organic-rich shelf and upper slope sediments, to m in organic-lean deep-water pelagic settings. REE patterns compiled from Haley et al. (2004), Kim et al. (2012) and Chen et al. (2015). Geochemical framework (C) adapted after Canfield and Thamdrup (2009). SMTZ is the sulfate (SO4)–methane (CH4) transition zone.

Comparison of PAAS-normalised REE patterns for main lithologies sampled in the Dove's Nest core. (A) Mudstone averages for individual chemostratigraphical units. Data filtered to remove low-aluminosilicate (< 10 % Al; sandstones, ironstones, limestones) and high phosphate (≥ 0.10 %) samples prior to calculation of average shale values (number of samples in parentheses). Coloured bands show the fields of average values for Subunits Ia–Ic (grey) and Units III and IV (green). Average values for Unit V also fall within the green-shaded interval. (B) Relationship between percentage P content (brown) and MREE patterns of selected samples (see Fig. 8, Fig. 10B). (C) Ironstones and ferruginous facies (see Fig. 5, Fig. 6). Percentage Fe contents (red) and bed numbers (HB20, PM50, HB43) of selected samples are indicated. Note the impact of P content on the MREE pattern (HB43 = 0.3 % P; PM50 0.1 % P; 218.02 0.05 % P). (D) Limestones and calcareous mudstones. Percentage CaCO3℮ values in blue (see Fig. 5). Note the expanded y-scale in A compared to B–D. Shading emphasises the contrasting REE patterns of oxic Pliensbachian Subunits Ia–c (pale grey) to anoxic–euxinic lower Toarcian Units III and IV (pale green). Bed numbers (PM = Port Mulgrave; HB = Hawsker Bottoms) and names of coast marker beds are indicated where appropriate (Table S1). Values in figure keys are sample numbers ( = m below core top). Symbol styles correspond to placement of samples within chemostratigraphical units (see D and Table S1).

Comparison of PAAS-normalised REE patterns for main lithologies sampled in the Dove's Nest core. (A) Mudstone averages for individual chemostratigraphical units. Data filtered to remove low-aluminosilicate (< 10 % Al; sandstones, ironstones, limestones) and high phosphate (≥ 0.10 %) samples prior to calculation of average shale values (number of samples in parentheses). Coloured bands show the fields of average values for Subunits Ia–Ic (grey) and Units III and IV (green). Average values for Unit V also fall within the green-shaded interval. (B) Relationship between percentage P content (brown) and MREE patterns of selected samples (see Fig. 8, Fig. 10B). (C) Ironstones and ferruginous facies (see Fig. 5, Fig. 6). Percentage Fe contents (red) and bed numbers (HB20, PM50, HB43) of selected samples are indicated. Note the impact of P content on the MREE pattern (HB43 = 0.3 % P; PM50 0.1 % P; 218.02 0.05 % P). (D) Limestones and calcareous mudstones. Percentage CaCO3℮ values in blue (see Fig. 5). Note the expanded y-scale in A compared to B–D. Shading emphasises the contrasting REE patterns of oxic Pliensbachian Subunits Ia–c (pale grey) to anoxic–euxinic lower Toarcian Units III and IV (pale green). Bed numbers (PM = Port Mulgrave; HB = Hawsker Bottoms) and names of coast marker beds are indicated where appropriate (Table S1). Values in figure keys are sample numbers ( = m below core top). Symbol styles correspond to placement of samples within chemostratigraphical units (see D and Table S1).

REE patterns of modern average river sediments compared to Dove's Nest Jurassic mudstones. (A) Data normalised to the PAAS values of Taylor and McLennan, 1985, Taylor and McLennan, 2001, ‘average mud’). (B) Data normalised to the PAAS values of Pourmand et al. (2012). World River Average Clay (WRAC) and World River Average Silt (WRAS) after Bayon et al. (2015); Average River Suspended Load (ARSL) from Goldstein and Jacobsen (1988). Jurassic mudstone averages as in Figure 12A. Note the absence of positive MREE anomalies and increased positive Eu anomalies in the Pourmand et al. (2012) PAAS-normalised patterns. Eu anomalies were considered by Bayon et al. (2015) to be artefacts of anomalous low Eu values in average shale compilations.

REE patterns of modern average river sediments compared to Dove's Nest Jurassic mudstones. (A) Data normalised to the PAAS values of Taylor and McLennan, 1985, Taylor and McLennan, 2001, ‘average mud’). (B) Data normalised to the PAAS values of Pourmand et al. (2012). World River Average Clay (WRAC) and World River Average Silt (WRAS) after Bayon et al. (2015); Average River Suspended Load (ARSL) from Goldstein and Jacobsen (1988). Jurassic mudstone averages as in Figure 12A. Note the absence of positive MREE anomalies and increased positive Eu anomalies in the Pourmand et al. (2012) PAAS-normalised patterns. Eu anomalies were considered by Bayon et al. (2015) to be artefacts of anomalous low Eu values in average shale compilations.

Do REEs in mudstones record bottom-water redox?: The Pliensbachian–Toarcian record (L. Jurassic) & T-OAE in the Cleveland Basin, England by Ian Jarvisᵃ Elizabeth Atarᵇᶜ Darren R Gröckeᵇᶜ João P Trabucho-Alexandreᶜ

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22.07.2025 16:39 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0
The view from Black Rocks across to the Derwent Gorge at Matlock.

The view from Black Rocks across to the Derwent Gorge at Matlock.

The obligatory group photo at the Black Rocks viewpoint at the end of a very enjoyable day exploring Derbyshire geology in the glorious sunshine.

The obligatory group photo at the Black Rocks viewpoint at the end of a very enjoyable day exploring Derbyshire geology in the glorious sunshine.

Tomorrow we will be continuing the Carboniferous story looking at the limestone, karst hydrology & mining legacy around Over Haddon with Vanessa Banks

Photo credit: Cathy Gallagher

12.07.2025 19:51 — 👍 3    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
The Geosteps at the National Stone Centre. A special auditorium and performance arena - the ten risers represent the transition of rock ages in ascending order.

The Geosteps at the National Stone Centre. A special auditorium and performance arena - the ten risers represent the transition of rock ages in ascending order.

The Eyam Limestone Formation in a disused quarry at the National Stone Centre. This crinoid-rich limestone was laid down in the Lower Carboniferous period when the Peak District was the bed of a sub-tropical shallow continental shelf sea.

The Eyam Limestone Formation in a disused quarry at the National Stone Centre. This crinoid-rich limestone was laid down in the Lower Carboniferous period when the Peak District was the bed of a sub-tropical shallow continental shelf sea.

National Stone Centre logo.

National Stone Centre logo.

Black Rocks: a small outcrop of Ashover Gritstone (a coarse Carboniferous sandstone).

Black Rocks: a small outcrop of Ashover Gritstone (a coarse Carboniferous sandstone).

Thank you to Peter Jones for leading our very informative trip to Derbyshire today to examine the geology of the Wirksworth and Cromford areas

Starting and ending the day at the The National Stone Centre we focused on rocks of the Carboniferous period among the wider Quaternary landscape

12.07.2025 19:51 — 👍 3    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0
Map of the Holwell Quarries of the quarries in April 1977 showing the positions of all the major fissures. A) Lime Kiln Quarry, B) Cree's Quarry, C) North Quarry and D) Coleman's Quarry. Redrawn from Copp (1980; fig. 69). Each fissure is labelled according to the locality, quarry and incremental numbering of the fissures (e.g., HBiv: Holwell, Cree's Quarry, fourth (iv) fissure).

Map of the Holwell Quarries of the quarries in April 1977 showing the positions of all the major fissures. A) Lime Kiln Quarry, B) Cree's Quarry, C) North Quarry and D) Coleman's Quarry. Redrawn from Copp (1980; fig. 69). Each fissure is labelled according to the locality, quarry and incremental numbering of the fissures (e.g., HBiv: Holwell, Cree's Quarry, fourth (iv) fissure).

Geological map of the Holwell Quarries with the position of the HDi fissure sampled here, as well as the two nearby localities of bedded Rhaetian Marston Road 1 (Nordén et al., 2015) and Marston Road 2 (Whiteside and Duffin, 2021).

Geological map of the Holwell Quarries with the position of the HDi fissure sampled here, as well as the two nearby localities of bedded Rhaetian Marston Road 1 (Nordén et al., 2015) and Marston Road 2 (Whiteside and Duffin, 2021).

Osteichthyan teeth. (A) Gyrolepis albertii (BRSMG Cf8617.40). (B–F) Severnichthys acuminatus; (B, C) ‘Birgeria acuminatus’ type (BRSMG Cf8617.116), (D, E) ‘Saurichthys longidens’ type (BRSMG Cf8617.117), (F) ‘Birgeria acuminatus’ type embedded in matrix (BRSUG 29410-14). (G, H) Sargodon tomicus teeth, (G, H) molariform (BRSMG Cf8617.107) and (I) incisiform (BRSMG Cf8617.49). (J, K) “Colobodus” tooth (BRSMG Cf8617.98). (L, M) Ceratodus sp. tooth (BRSMG Cf8617.55) in lateral? (L) and occlusal (M) views. All scale bars are 0.5 mm, except where labelled otherwise.

Osteichthyan teeth. (A) Gyrolepis albertii (BRSMG Cf8617.40). (B–F) Severnichthys acuminatus; (B, C) ‘Birgeria acuminatus’ type (BRSMG Cf8617.116), (D, E) ‘Saurichthys longidens’ type (BRSMG Cf8617.117), (F) ‘Birgeria acuminatus’ type embedded in matrix (BRSUG 29410-14). (G, H) Sargodon tomicus teeth, (G, H) molariform (BRSMG Cf8617.107) and (I) incisiform (BRSMG Cf8617.49). (J, K) “Colobodus” tooth (BRSMG Cf8617.98). (L, M) Ceratodus sp. tooth (BRSMG Cf8617.55) in lateral? (L) and occlusal (M) views. All scale bars are 0.5 mm, except where labelled otherwise.

Invertebrate remains. (A, B) Crinoid ossicle (BRSMG Cf8617.121) in facet (A) and lateral (B) views. (C–E) Eolepas rhaeticus (BRSMG Cf8617.126, 124 and 127), rostrum (C), scutum (D) and ?carina (E). (F) Echinoid interambulacral plate (BRSMG Cf8617.77). (G) Echinoid spine (BRSUG 29410-37). (H) Lingula sp. (BRSMG Cf8617.123). (I) Possible micronconchid worm tube (BRSUG 29410-34). (J) Unidentified shell plate (BRSMG Cf8617.122). All scale bars are 0.5 mm.

Invertebrate remains. (A, B) Crinoid ossicle (BRSMG Cf8617.121) in facet (A) and lateral (B) views. (C–E) Eolepas rhaeticus (BRSMG Cf8617.126, 124 and 127), rostrum (C), scutum (D) and ?carina (E). (F) Echinoid interambulacral plate (BRSMG Cf8617.77). (G) Echinoid spine (BRSUG 29410-37). (H) Lingula sp. (BRSMG Cf8617.123). (I) Possible micronconchid worm tube (BRSUG 29410-34). (J) Unidentified shell plate (BRSMG Cf8617.122). All scale bars are 0.5 mm.

Microvertebrates from a Rhaetian neptunian dyke at Holwell, Somerset: Dating the fissures

In volume 136, Issue 4 (August 2025) of Proceedings of the Geologists' Association. Read more here (open access): www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

11.07.2025 14:50 — 👍 3    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

There's still chance to submit up to 3 photos to the GA 2025 Photo Competition to be in with a chance of winning a cash prize!

Closing date: Friday 22 August 2025

Email your entries to: photocomp@geologistsassociation.org.uk

For full details: geologistsassociation.org.uk/photocomp_en...

09.07.2025 11:00 — 👍 1    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0

Hire a box for up to 10 weeks with a £40 returnable deposit. All we ask is that you cover the price of the return postage (£14)

For more information about SchoolRocks!, including an introductory video, visit the GA website: geologistsassociation.org.uk/schoolrocks/

08.07.2025 16:32 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

Our boxes have been specifically designed for the KS2 Yr 3 'Rocks & Soils' and KS2 Yr 6 'Evolution & Inheritance' elements of the National Curriculum

The boxes contain lots of specimens for hands-on learning plus teaching plans, learning activities and resources produced by the SchoolRocks! team

08.07.2025 16:32 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0
Learning about Eocene horse evolution with the Year 6 box (photo credit: Laurie Baker)

Learning about Eocene horse evolution with the Year 6 box (photo credit: Laurie Baker)

Year 6 children examining fossil horse hooves.

Year 6 children examining fossil horse hooves.

A SchoolRocks! Rock and Fossil box, for Key Stage 2, Year 3 'Rocks and Soils'

A SchoolRocks! Rock and Fossil box, for Key Stage 2, Year 3 'Rocks and Soils'

A Year 6 child plotting the information on a graph which they collected using the Evolution box. This fits the Science National Curriculum.

A Year 6 child plotting the information on a graph which they collected using the Evolution box. This fits the Science National Curriculum.

Did you know that the GA have boxes of fossils, rocks and minerals that we hire out to schools and home educators for the study of Key Stage 2 earth-science related curriculum subjects?

We are now taking bookings for September 2025!

Order yours now: email schoolrocks@geologistsassociation.org.uk

08.07.2025 16:32 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0

There's still time to register for tomorrow's free Zoom lecture - Here be sea monsters: new perspectives on fossil marine tetrapods by Dr Rebecca Bennion

• GA Members: use the link in the Members' area of the GA website
• Non-members: call 020 7434 9298 or email sarah@geologistsassociation.org.uk

03.07.2025 14:48 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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Our colleagues at the Geologists' Association club for junior geologists: @rockwatch.bsky.social currently have a vacancy for a volunteer Fieldtrip Manager.

If you are interested helping to inspire the next generation of junior geologists email hello@rockwatch.org.uk for more details.

02.07.2025 14:34 — 👍 6    🔁 7    💬 0    📌 1

Namaskard is a colourful area of hot springs and boiling mud pools near Myvatn in north-east Iceland. In 1969 a geothermal power plant was built to the west which was one of the first geothermal stations in the world to produce electricity.

01.07.2025 09:31 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Namaskard Geothermal Area, Iceland. Namaskard is a colourful area of hot springs and boiling mud pools near Myvatn in north-east Iceland. In 1969 a geothermal power plant was build to the west which was one of the first geothermal stations in the world to produce electricity. © John Shipp. In the foreground is a colourful, flat geothermal plane in shades of terracotta, white and grey with occasional concentric circles where the mud pools have formed. In the distance is a terracotta-coloured mountainside devoid of vegetation sitting below a sky with dark, threatening clouds.

Namaskard Geothermal Area, Iceland. Namaskard is a colourful area of hot springs and boiling mud pools near Myvatn in north-east Iceland. In 1969 a geothermal power plant was build to the west which was one of the first geothermal stations in the world to produce electricity. © John Shipp. In the foreground is a colourful, flat geothermal plane in shades of terracotta, white and grey with occasional concentric circles where the mud pools have formed. In the distance is a terracotta-coloured mountainside devoid of vegetation sitting below a sky with dark, threatening clouds.

Welcome to July 2025 with a colourful image from the Geologists' Association 2025 calendar of Namaskard Geothermal Area in Iceland taken by John Shipp, which was Highly Commended in the 2024 Photographic Competition.

01.07.2025 09:31 — 👍 4    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0
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Registration for the 2025 GA Conference 'The Geology and Natural Resources of North Staffordshire' is now open! Join us for a long weekend of talks, displays and field visits. Booking essential.

📍 @keeleuniversity.bsky.social
🗓️Fri 3rd - Sun 5th Oct 2025

geologistsassociation.org.uk/conferences/

30.06.2025 16:31 — 👍 4    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0

Come and join us and the other exhibitors for a free fun and family-friendly science day - for details: www.merthyrsciencefestival.co.uk/home

#geology #geological #geologyrocks #earthscience #familytime #familyfriendly #fun #science #scienceforkids #merthyrtydfil #STEM #stemforkids #STEMlearning

30.06.2025 10:13 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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Join us on Saturday, 5th July 2025 from 10am at @merthyrscience.bsky.social

We'll be there with our interactive earth science exhibits: have a go at our 'extinction' game and match the minerals to the materials. Plus fossils, rocks and mineral specimens to handle.

#stemeducation #stemactivities

30.06.2025 10:13 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0

Members should use the link in the Members area of the Geologists' Association website; Non-members should telephone 020 7434 9298 or email sarah@geologistsassociation.org.uk

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting

27.06.2025 19:13 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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Join us online on Friday 4th July at 19.00 BST for our next free talk - Here be sea monsters: new perspectives on fossil marine tetrapods by Dr Rebecca Bennion, North Craven Life Museum

This will be an online event via Zoom. Members and non-members should register in advance...

27.06.2025 19:13 — 👍 0    🔁 1    💬 1    📌 1

AGS members: Free, Non-members £5 (first glass of wine and nibbles included)

📆 Tuesday 12th August 2025
⏰ 7.30pm for 8.00pm start
📍 Finchley Baptist Church, London N3 3LX
🔗 amgeosoc.wordpress.com

Email mikeeh1086@hotmail.com to book in advance.

24.06.2025 13:39 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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One of our affiliated societies - The Amateur Geological Society is holding a 'Conversazione Evening' on the theme of 'Chalk Sea Ecosystems', including two mini-presentations, displays, minerals/fossils for sale plus bring along your chalk fossils to be identified. Wine and nibbles will be provided

24.06.2025 13:39 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0
Joining the GA | Geologists' Association

The quarterly magazine is free for GA members and is just one of the benefits of becoming a member: student membership is only £20/year and full membership only £40/year. For more details: geologistsassociation.org.uk/join/

20.06.2025 16:51 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Booking is now open for the Geologists' Association 2025 Annual Conference in Keele, Staffordshire, 3rd-5th October.

Booking is now open for the Geologists' Association 2025 Annual Conference in Keele, Staffordshire, 3rd-5th October.

Details of the Geologists' Association 2025 Photographic Competition. Your chance to win a cash prize! Closing date: Friday 22nd August 2025.

Details of the Geologists' Association 2025 Photographic Competition. Your chance to win a cash prize! Closing date: Friday 22nd August 2025.

▪️The GA Photographic Competition - your chance to win a cash prize. Closing date: Friday 22nd August. For more details: geologistsassociation.org.uk/photocomp_en...
▪️Booking is now open for the GA Annual Conference in Keele, Staffordshire, 3rd-5th October: geologistsassociation.org.uk/conferences/

20.06.2025 16:51 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 1
Some of the Devonian fossil fish from the collection of Jack Saxon on display at Castlehill, Thurso. A: Coccosteus cuspidatus, B: Pterichthyodes milleri and C: Palaeospondylus gunni.

Some of the Devonian fossil fish from the collection of Jack Saxon on display at Castlehill, Thurso. A: Coccosteus cuspidatus, B: Pterichthyodes milleri and C: Palaeospondylus gunni.

Sketch map of the geology of East Sutherland and Caithness (modified from Trewin & Hurst, 2009).

Sketch map of the geology of East Sutherland and Caithness (modified from Trewin & Hurst, 2009).

A selection of 'Cornish pebbles' found across England.

A selection of 'Cornish pebbles' found across England.

How the Cornish breccia was formed. Cross section diagram (left) and a photograph of the shattered pale granite and dark tourmaline vein margin at Wheal Remfry, Cornwall (C. Halls).

How the Cornish breccia was formed. Cross section diagram (left) and a photograph of the shattered pale granite and dark tourmaline vein margin at Wheal Remfry, Cornwall (C. Halls).

▪️ GA 2025 award winners
▪️ A new Geoscientist degree apprenticeship at Keele University
▪️ A collection of Devonian fossil fish belonging to the late Jack Saxon, which is now on display at Castlehill Heritage Centre, Thurso
▪️ The remarkable distribution of pebbles of Cornish origin in Essex and beyond

20.06.2025 16:51 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0
Black tourmaline pebbles amongst rounded quartzite pebbles on Budleigh Salterton beach, South Devon. © Ian Mercer.

Black tourmaline pebbles amongst rounded quartzite pebbles on Budleigh Salterton beach, South Devon. © Ian Mercer.

Volume 24, No 2 (June 2025) of the Geologists' Association Magazine is out now!

On the cover is an image of black tourmaline pebbles amongst rounded quartzite pebbles on Budleigh Salterton beach, South Devon taken by Ian Mercer. This edition includes a variety of other content, including:

20.06.2025 16:51 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0
Preview
A brief history of the Earth on a walk around the Isle of Arran, Scotland A six-day hike on Arran – a new Unesco Geopark – reveals tales of dinosaurs, tectonic plate collisions and lightning strikes from millions of years ago

Lovely article in The Guardian newspaper highlighting Scotland's new UNESCO Geopark on Arran. Some light weekend reading to inspire your next geological adventure.

www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/...

14.06.2025 08:44 — 👍 35    🔁 10    💬 0    📌 1

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