Meeting on July 27th
There were talks on two very different areas of Geology in our July meeting.
In the first half, Les Knight gave a fascinating talk about glacial erratics and the introduction of a database recording these boulders that are found across large areas of the UK. An erratic is a glacially deposited rock differing from the type of rock native to the area in which it rests. There are several granite erratics in the Barnard Castle area, the most famous of which is probably the Great Stone found in Deepdale. This was transported from the Shap area in Cumbria over Stainmore during the most recent ice age some 11000 years ago.
The recognition of the glacial origin of erratics is a classic example of the tension in the mid 19th century between the introduction of modern concepts of geology and the established belief in the biblical flood. In the 1830s Louis Agassiz recognised the clear evidence of past wholesale glaciation in Switzerland and after a trip to Scotland, William Buckland and some other leading British geologists were also convinced of the impact of glaciation. Much information about the extent and direction of glaciation can be derived from erratics deposited during the most recent ice age and earlier ice ages. Les is currently compiling a database of these boulders which will be invaluable for future reference and research.
In the second half Bob Tuddenham gave a brief talk about UNESCO Geoparks in the UK. There are twelve UNESCO Geoparks, the nearest being the North Pennines, an area of amazing geology. The geopark concept is much more than just geology and seeks to promote sustainable economic development through ecotourism and involves the local community and its geological, cultural and historical heritage. The geopark status imposes no restrictions on development and planning but is about promoting an outstanding geological area by encouraging local authorities and local organisations to work together. The Black Country Geopark in the West Midlands is another most successful example of this. One of the potential drawbacks to obtaining UNESCO status is the substantial cost of validation and then the revalidation process required every four years. Two UK Geoparks have withdrawn from the UNESCO scheme for this reason.
There is no Geology meeting in August and our next meeting will be at The Witham on Monday September 28th at 10 am. All are welcome to join us. Please contact the convenor for details.
Bob Tuddenham