BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Hertfordshire Geological Society - ECPv6.15.18//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Hertfordshire Geological Society
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Hertfordshire Geological Society
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:UTC
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:UTC
DTSTART:20230101T000000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240509T194500
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240509T213000
DTSTAMP:20260404T183313
CREATED:20231204T151115Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240514T212931Z
UID:11131-1715283900-1715290200@www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk
SUMMARY:Identification and implications of the London Clay Formation divisions from an engineering perspective
DESCRIPTION:Dr. Jamie Standing\, Imperial College London \nAbstract: Historically\, engineers viewed the London Clay (LC) Formation as uniform\, homogeneous and rather uninteresting.  Chris King’s seminal work provided a much deeper insight into the characteristics of the LC and how it can be split into divisions\, based on the depositional history of the formation and the microfauna present.  LC water content profiles were compiled from continuous cores as part of an investigation into variations in tunnelling-induced settlements across St James’s Park\, allowing distinct zones to be identified.  These were found to coincide exactly with the divisions identified by Chris King almost twenty years earlier.  Water content profiles can be developed as part of a ground investigation and used to help establish the boundaries between King’s divisions.  Based on two further water content profiles from Hyde Park and St John’s Wood a new methodology for locating the boundaries of the divisions\, involving a trend-line for sub-Division A3\, is proposed and tested\, relevant to conditions in central London.  In developing the method\, significant differences in the elevation of the divisions between the three sites is observed\, suggesting geological processes such as folding or faulting have influenced the LC along the  5-km length of the section.  Once the boundaries of the LC divisions are known\, geotechnical engineers have a greatly improved overall understanding of the ground conditions and how the ground will respond to engineering works such as tunnelling and deep excavations.  Broad engineering implications of the divisions are described and discussed\, citing case histories where possible. \nView This Talk In The Members’ Section.
URL:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/event/tunnelling-the-london-clay-title-tbc/
LOCATION:Oaklands College\, Sapsed Room (SR)\, Oaklands College\, St Albans\, Hertfordshire\, AL4 0XS\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Standing-Sub-divisions-of-the-London-Clay-at-Westminster.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240607T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240609T130000
DTSTAMP:20260404T183313
CREATED:20240501T110128Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240501T110155Z
UID:11724-1717786800-1717938000@www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk
SUMMARY:Fossils and the history of life course
DESCRIPTION:Delivered by Dr Peter Sheldon for the University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education (ICE). \nCourse Overview\nSuitable for beginners as well as those with some previous knowledge. You will see how fossils get preserved\, sometimes in surprising detail\, and learn how to recognise some common fossil groups. Our look at major events in the history of life will include the latest discoveries and discuss the significance of mass extinctions\, such as when the dinosaurs died out. We will end by considering the influence of own species on the biosphere. There will be a chance to study many real fossils put out in the teaching room. \nThis course (with optional accommodation) includes 7 x 90-minute sessions delivered between Friday evening and Sunday lunchtime with plenty of opportunity for further conversations and networking during breaks and mealtimes. \nFor more details and how to book click here.
URL:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/event/fossils-and-the-history-of-life-course/
LOCATION:University of Cambridge\, University of Cambridge\, Cambridge\, Cambridgeshire\, CB23 8AQ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Course
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240613T194500
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240613T213000
DTSTAMP:20260404T183313
CREATED:20231204T150923Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240615T095202Z
UID:11129-1718307900-1718314200@www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk
SUMMARY:Spying on open vent volcanoes from ground\, air and space
DESCRIPTION:Talk by Dr. Emma Nicholson (Liu)\, University College London \nAbstract: \n“Open vent” volcanoes are persistently active and maintain an unbroken connection between shallow magma reservoirs and the atmosphere. These volcanoes are true natural laboratories\, providing an unparalleled window into the subsurface physical and chemical processes that control volcanic activity. Open vent volcanoes sustain large volcanic gas emissions and are therefore the “chimney pipes” of our planet\, responsible for shaping the Earth’s atmosphere over geological time and impacting regional air and water quality on human timescales. Lava lakes are rare end-members in the expressions of open vent volcanism and can remain stable for years to decades. Yet\, recent events at Kilauea (Hawaii)\, Ambrym (Vanuatu) and Nyiragongo (DRC) have emphasized how rapidly these lakes can drain to feed voluminous flank eruptions\, posing substantial environmental and societal hazards. I will review some of the recent advances and outstanding questions in our understanding of the mechanisms and impacts of open vent volcanic activity. In particular\, I will focus on how remote sensing observations—from the ground\, air and space—combined with studies of erupted volcanic rocks are providing new perspectives on the long-term eruptive behaviour of open vent volcanoes. This talk will draw on new insights from a National Geographic expedition to one of the most remote active volcanoes on Earth – Mt Michael\, located in the South Sandwich Islands at the gateway to the Southern Ocean. \nView This Talk In The Members’ Section.
URL:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/event/volcanoes-and-their-emissions-title-tbc/
LOCATION:over Zoom
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG_E4040.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240711T194500
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240711T213000
DTSTAMP:20260404T183313
CREATED:20231204T150744Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240712T092525Z
UID:11127-1720727100-1720733400@www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk
SUMMARY:Painting with Stone: Materials\, Methods and Traditions in Pietre Dure
DESCRIPTION:Talk by Dr. Ruth Siddall (University College London) \nAbstract:\nThe talk will introduce the history\, techniques and materials used in the decorative art of pietre dure (hard stone work). Almost every stately home and museum has a table-top or other object decorated with pietre dure and yet the craftmanship and materiality of the technique has been one of the most disregarded topics of study within the decorative arts. The technique of making patterns with coloured stones began in Antiquity and then found a renaissance in 15th Century Europe and was used equally for adorning large objects of furniture and small items such as stuff boxes and jewellery. The technique remained popular until the 19th Century in Europe and continues to be used in architecture and the decorative arts in Asia and particularly in India. The choice of stones used often has a specific connection to the workshops and therefore a knowledge of decorative stones used is essential for assigning a provenance to works made using the pietre dure technique. \nView This Talk In The Members’ Section.
URL:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/event/building-stones-title-tbc/
LOCATION:Oaklands College\, Sapsed Room (SR)\, Oaklands College\, St Albans\, Hertfordshire\, AL4 0XS\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/RS-IMG_3033.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240720T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240720T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T183313
CREATED:20240327T160350Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240425T161410Z
UID:11579-1721469600-1721491200@www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk
SUMMARY:Summer Event - The Water Table II: Where does all the water go?
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/event/hgs-conference-water-table-ii/
LOCATION:Affinity Water Ltd\, Tamblin Way\, Hatfield\, Hertfordshire\, AL10 9EZ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Conference
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=application/pdf:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Water-Table-Conference-July-2024.pdf
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240912T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240912T213000
DTSTAMP:20260404T183313
CREATED:20231204T151914Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240926T180056Z
UID:11136-1726169400-1726176600@www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk
SUMMARY:Modelling the Atmospheres of Tidally-locked Terrestrial Exoplanets
DESCRIPTION:Talk by Dr. Andrew Rushby\, Birkbeck College\, University of London unfortunately had to be cancelled. We hope to reschedule the talk and include it in our 2025 programme. \nAbstract\nThe climates of terrestrial planets are affected by their host star\, the properties of their atmospheres\, as well as any land\, ocean\, and icy surfaces\, in predictable but also complex ways. I will provide a short introduction to the novel climatologies of tidally-locked (synchronously-rotating) planets in the orbit of small\, cool M-Dwarf stars\, highlighting recent ensemble and climate model intercomparison studies have been used to uncover some of the effects of the complex\, ‘non-Earth-like’ rotational regimes of these worlds\, which are likely common in our galaxy\, on their possible climates and habitability by presenting some results from my recent work\, as well as that of my students\, collaborators\, andcolleagues working in this area. \nIf time allows\, I will also discuss the NASA ‘Research Coordination Network’ (RCN) model (of which NExSS was the first) and the means by which the astrobiology research and funding landscape within NASA\, and beyond\, is evolving to meet the needs of interdisciplinary scientists working in the field to leverage upcoming NASA\, ESA\, JAXA etc. missions\, analogue studies\, and observational platforms. \nBio – Dr Andrew Rushby is a Lecturer in Astrobiology and Programme Director of the MSc. Astrobiology programme in the School of Natural Sciences at Birkbeck\, University of London. \n\nSnowball Earth
URL:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/event/modelling-the-atmospheres-of-tidally-locked-terrestrial-exoplanets/
LOCATION:over Zoom
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Red-dwarf-planet.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241003T174500
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241003T193000
DTSTAMP:20260404T183313
CREATED:20231204T152204Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241001T165106Z
UID:11138-1727977500-1727983800@www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk
SUMMARY:The Geology of the Albert Memorial
DESCRIPTION: Talk by Professor John Cosgrove\, Imperial College London. \nWhich will be followed by a visit to the Albert Memorial on Saturday 5 October 2024.
URL:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/event/the-geology-of-the-albert-memorial/
LOCATION:Oaklands College\, Sapsed Room (SR)\, Oaklands College\, St Albans\, Hertfordshire\, AL4 0XS\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/image1.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241005T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241005T143000
DTSTAMP:20260404T183313
CREATED:20231204T152630Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241001T165150Z
UID:11140-1728118800-1728138600@www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk
SUMMARY:Visit to the Albert Memorial and a journey through time
DESCRIPTION:led by Professor John Cosgrove\, Imperial College London. This visit follows on from the talk on the same subject given by John on the previous Thursday. \nIf you’re intending to go\, can you please contact Haydon Bailey as soon as possible at haydonbailey@outlook.com so that we have an indication of numbers attending. \n11:00 – meet at the Albert Memorial\, South Kensington to investigate the geological aspects of the memorial \n13:00 – independent lunch at one of the local hostelries or cafes \n14:30 – reconvene at the entrance to the new Natural History Museum Urban Garden where we will take a walk through time and explore how the NHM has used rocks and fossils to exhibit the history of the earth. \nWhen you contact Haydon can you please indicate if you wish to attend just the morning session or both sessions.
URL:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/event/visit-to-the-albert-memorial/
LOCATION:The Albert Memorial\, Kensington Gardens\, London\, W2 2UH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Field Trips
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/image1.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241114T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241114T213000
DTSTAMP:20260404T183313
CREATED:20231204T152804Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241202T164420Z
UID:11143-1731612600-1731619800@www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk
SUMMARY:Unveiling the geology of Mars with robotic explorers
DESCRIPTION:Talk by Dr Joe McNeil\, Natural History Museum\, London. \nAbstract:\nBefore the first observations of Mars by orbiting spacecraft in the 1970s\, it was widely thought that the red planet resembled Earth’s Moon in its geology. However\, decades of robotic exploration by orbiters\, landers\, and rovers alike have radically reshaped our understanding\, revealing Mars’ unique and complex geological history. Abundant evidence of past liquid water on its surface reveal processes both familiar from Earth and others that are entirely unique to Mars. In this talk\, we will cover an overview of Mars’ geology\, discuss how geological investigations of Mars are conducted from orbital and landed spacecraft\, and explore the geological mysteries of Oxia Planum\, the future landing site of the European Space Agency’s ‘Rosalind Franklin’ ExoMars Rover (launching in 2028). \nView This Talk In The Members’ Section. \n\nPerseverance examines martian geology
URL:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/event/critical-raw-materials-for-the-energy-transition/
LOCATION:over Zoom
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Mars-rover0D-Curiosity-selfie-courtesy-NASA.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241212T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241212T213000
DTSTAMP:20260404T183313
CREATED:20231204T152921Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241213T142937Z
UID:11145-1734031800-1734039000@www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk
SUMMARY:The Rutland Ichthyosaur: Digging up a 'Dragon’
DESCRIPTION:Talk by Dr. Emma Nicholls\, Oxford University Museum of Natural History \nAbstract:\nThe full-scale excavation in 2021 uncovered the largest near-complete reptile\nskeleton ever found in Britain. The animal nicknamed the ‘Rutland Sea Dragon’\,\nwould have been around 10m long\, in life\, and is thought to be the first confirmed\nrecord of its species\, Temnodontosaurus trigonodont\, found anywhere in the world\noutside of Germany. In this lecture we will hear about the highs\, lows\, blood\, sweat\nand plaster\, of the dig. \nView This Talk In The Members’ Section.
URL:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/event/the-rutland-ichthyosaur-digging-up-a-dragon/
LOCATION:over Zoom
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Emma-Nicholls.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250109T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250109T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T183313
CREATED:20241203T112902Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250110T144158Z
UID:12521-1736451000-1736456400@www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk
SUMMARY:More adventures in the Lambeth Group - how understanding stratigraphy helps engineering understanding
DESCRIPTION:Desiccated Reading Formation clays around the London Underground Jubilee Line between Baker Street and Bond Street stations. Image is in the public domain at Bowers\, Keith\, and Neil Moss\, 2018. “Investigation and reconstruction of a London Underground tunnel\, UK.” Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers-Civil Engineering. Vol. 171. No. \n\n50th anniversary lecture by Dr. Jackie Skipper\, Geotechnical Consulting Group & GSL William Smith Medal Winner.\n\nAbstract:\nThe highly variable Paleocene Lambeth Group is today understood far better than even 25 years ago. Boreholes and engineering exposures for major civil engineering projects have provided clarification into how these sediments were formed\, what engineering hazards they can cause and how we can manage these if we have a good understanding of the ground. \nView This Talk In The Members’ Section.
URL:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/event/more-adventures-in-the-lambeth-group-how-understanding-stratigraphy-helps-engineering-understanding/
LOCATION:Zoom Talk
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/BsBS-tunnel-Lambeth-Group-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250213T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250213T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T183313
CREATED:20241203T113052Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250214T150621Z
UID:12525-1739475000-1739480400@www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk
SUMMARY:Scotland’s Greatest Ice Age
DESCRIPTION:Talk by Emeritus Professor Ian Fairchild\, University of Birmingham \nAbstract:\nThe Port Askaig Formation were the first Precambrian rocks interpreted as glacial in origin\, anywhere in the world. Now we know that Neoproterozoic glaciation was global in distribution. The exposures of the Port Askaig Formation are also the best permanent exposures of glacigenic deposits of any age in the British Isles and have attracted much international interest. Over a decade of study by an interdisciplinary team have led to many new insights that will be presented in a Memoir of the Geological Society of London. There is an informal proposal that the base of the Cryogenian geological System should be located here on the Garvellach Islands of western Scotland.  \nIan Fairchild’s contributions to Neoproterozoic geology have focused mainly on Svalbard and Greenland\, as well as Scotland. In relation to the Port Askaig rocks he has sought to understand the association of dolomite with glacigenic facies and the significance of the glacial record both on the Garvellachs and the Isle of Islay. \nView This Talk In The Members’ Section.
URL:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/event/scotlands-greatest-ice-age/
LOCATION:Zoom Talk
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250313T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250313T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T183313
CREATED:20241203T113718Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241203T113718Z
UID:12529-1741894200-1741899600@www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk
SUMMARY:AGM & Launch of the Hertfordshire 50th anniversary book 
DESCRIPTION:Annual General Meeting  followed by refreshments & The Launch of the Hertfordshire 50th anniversary book
URL:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/event/agm-launch-of-the-hertfordshire-50th-anniversary-book/
LOCATION:Oaklands College\, Sapsed Room (SR)\, Oaklands College\, St Albans\, Hertfordshire\, AL4 0XS\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250410T194500
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250410T213000
DTSTAMP:20260404T183313
CREATED:20241203T114147Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250412T112954Z
UID:12536-1744314300-1744320600@www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk
SUMMARY:Epping Forest through geological time
DESCRIPTION:48th Percy Evans Lecture given by Mike Lambert\, HGS Honorary President \nAs a child\, Epping Forest was my playground\, where I climbed trees\, made dams and rode my bike. But there was one way in which it disappointed me. When I began collecting fossils and minerals and taking an interest in Geology\, it seemed to have nothing to offer. Real Geology\, so it seemed to me\, only existed in places like Lyme Regis and Scotland. \nThis talk is my attempt to set the record straight and appreciate the many wonders that exist in and under Epping Forest. After describing the Epping Forest Ridge in its regional context\, I’ll work my way up a stratigraphic column\, from the oldest rocks of the Palaeozoic basement to the youngest superficial deposits. Along the way\, we’ll examine discoveries made from roadworks in the 1970s\, see how Anglian ice turned rivers back-to-front and visit a Neanderthal hunting and butchery site. \nView this talk in the Members’ Section.
URL:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/event/is-epping-forest-a-nunatak/
LOCATION:Oaklands College\, Sapsed Room (SR)\, Oaklands College\, St Albans\, Hertfordshire\, AL4 0XS\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/EppingForrest-kc11777_xgaplus.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250508T194500
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250508T213000
DTSTAMP:20260404T183313
CREATED:20241203T115254Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250520T084433Z
UID:12538-1746733500-1746739800@www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk
SUMMARY:Sea Level Change in the Anthropocene
DESCRIPTION:Talk by Dr. Colin Summerhayes\, Emeritus Associate\, Scott Polar Research Institute\, University of Cambridge \nAbstract:\nGiven the magnitude and rapid rise of greenhouses gases(including water vapour)\, their long lifetime in the atmosphere\, and the present disequilibrium in Earth’s energy budget (expressed as the Earth’s Energy Imbalance\, or EEI)\, both temperatures and sea level must continue to rise – even with carbon emissions lowered to net zero (where anthropogenic CO2 emissions = anthropogenic CO2 removals) – until the energy budget balance is eventually restored. Due to the natural lags between temperature rise\, ice melt\, and sea level rise\, it will take a few centuries for this equilibrium point to be reached. There is a high probability that sea level rise will reach at least 1m (range 0.9-1.8m) above 1900 levels by 2100. During past warmer-than-present interglacials\, sea level commonly reached between 4-9m above 1900 levels and occasionally between 12-15m above (much as in the warm periods of the mid-Miocene and mid-Pliocene). \nUnfortunately due to technical problems this talk was not recorded.
URL:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/event/sea-level-change-in-the-anthropocene/
LOCATION:Oaklands College\, Sapsed Room (SR)\, Oaklands College\, St Albans\, Hertfordshire\, AL4 0XS\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talks
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250612T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250612T213000
DTSTAMP:20260404T183313
CREATED:20241203T115438Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250520T084656Z
UID:12540-1749756600-1749763800@www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk
SUMMARY:Adventures of an Argon geochronologist: Why do we date rocks?
DESCRIPTION:Talk Dr Sarah Sherlock\, Senior Research Fellow\, The Open University \nAbstract:\nMy current preoccupation is to find new ways in which we can increase the spatial resolution of Ar/Ar laserprobe dating to extract new information from rocks and minerals. Through this I\, and colleagues\, are investigating the diffusion mechanisms of argon in feldspars\, understanding the behaviour of argon during friction melting\, the uptake of excess argon in mudrocks and their attendant strain-fringes\, the timing of fluid-rock interaction through dating authigenic alkali feldspars\, dating meteorite impact craters\, the behaviour of argon in volcanic glasses\, and most recently in basalts. Recent work in Turkey provides examples of the use of Ar39/Ar40 dating techniques and how they can be used in the geological interpretation of regional igneous and tectonic provinces.
URL:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/event/adventures-of-an-argon-geochronologist-why-do-we-date-rocks/
LOCATION:Oaklands College\, Sapsed Room (SR)\, Oaklands College\, St Albans\, Hertfordshire\, AL4 0XS\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talks
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250704T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250704T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T183313
CREATED:20250628T095502Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250628T095710Z
UID:13222-1751619600-1751644800@www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk
SUMMARY:Summer Event - Water Table III Understanding Our Aquifer
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/event/summer-event-water-table-iii/
LOCATION:Cambridge Geological Society\, Babbage Lecuture Theatre\, new Museums Site\, Pembroke Street\, Cambridge\, CB2 3QZ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Conference
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Water-Table-III-programme-2.1.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250710T194500
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250710T213000
DTSTAMP:20260404T183313
CREATED:20241203T115639Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250626T152309Z
UID:12542-1752176700-1752183000@www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk
SUMMARY:Thames Through Time - with a Cornish flavour
DESCRIPTION:Talk by Ian Mercer from the Essex Rock & Mineral Society. \nAbstract: \nIan Mercer reveals the story of the Thames across Essex by digging into the landscape in and around the county. The Thames has changed course dramatically and repeatedly throughout the past two million years of the current ice age. The greatest impact of the Thames upon the landscape is during times of cold\, when Spring thaws create mighty torrents of water. River-bed gravels have been deposited while the land has been tilting gradually throughout this time\, resulting in ‘staircases’ of gravel terraces across the landscape and beneath the temporary flood of the North Sea. \nDuring this time\, the rivers have brought rocks from across the area of southern Britain as evidence of their journeys. These include beautiful black-and-white pneumatolytic quartz-tourmalinite from around the granite intrusions of the South-West. Ian has collected many of these from across Essex and East Anglia and has grown to love them. He reveals their evidence in the land and in church walls. The Thames will change again many times as climate continues to oscillate.
URL:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/event/subsurface-water-flow-through-hertfordshire-tbc/
LOCATION:Oaklands College\, Sapsed Room (SR)\, Oaklands College\, St Albans\, Hertfordshire\, AL4 0XS\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talks
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250719
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250720
DTSTAMP:20260404T183313
CREATED:20241203T120210Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241203T120210Z
UID:12544-1752883200-1752969599@www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk
SUMMARY:Golden Anniversary Dinner
DESCRIPTION:Details to follow nearer the time
URL:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/event/golden-anniversary-dinner/
LOCATION:The Wellington\, 1 High Street\, Welwyn\, Hertfordshire\, AL6 9LZ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Celebration
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250911T194500
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250911T213000
DTSTAMP:20260404T183313
CREATED:20241203T120430Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250820T111812Z
UID:12549-1757619900-1757626200@www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk
SUMMARY:Update on Icelandic volcanism
DESCRIPTION:Talk by Emeritus Professor Hazel Rymer\, The Open University \nAbstract\nVolcanism on Iceland is both a source of geothermal & tourism revenue but also a hazard. Geophysical data can be used to explore the origin of the island of Iceland\, the ongoing volcanic activity and to predict its future. Here we’ll look at the latest news and measurements from the land of ice and fire.
URL:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/event/icelandic-volcanoes-title-tbc/
LOCATION:Oaklands College\, Sapsed Room (SR)\, Oaklands College\, St Albans\, Hertfordshire\, AL4 0XS\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2025-08-20-at-12.15.48.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250924T160000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250928T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T183313
CREATED:20250520T092538Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251003T104057Z
UID:13065-1758729600-1759060800@www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk
SUMMARY:HGS Field Trip Excursion to the Isle of Wight
DESCRIPTION:Numbers and arrangements now finalised for this excursion.\n\nWednesday 24 September arrive on island\nEmbark from Southampton @ 1 pm on Red Funnel Ferries arriving East Cowes 2 pm. Please check in at least 30 mins prior to sailing.\n3 pm check-in at Wight Hotel\, Sandown PO36 8BN \nEvening meal at hotel where we will be joined by our field trip leader Andy Gale. \nThursday 25 September Day 1\nSandown to Whitecliff Bay\, seeing almost the whole stratigraphy exposed. \nMorning:  Sandown to Culver\, along the sandy beach (Wealden-Chalk groups).\nLunch: Culver Haven pub.\nAfternoon: Whitecliff Bay\, Chalk to Bembridge Limestone\, the whole Paleogene succession. This traverse illustrates much of the Cretaceous-Paleogene geological history of southern England (GA Guide Chapters 2 pg 27 & Chapter 3 pg 33). \nFriday 26 September Day 2\nSouthwest Wight (high tide 14:11) \nMorning: Wealden dinosaur habitat at Brook Chine and Chilton Chine. Dinosaur footprints at Hanover Point.\nLunch: Wight Mouse pub\nAfternoon: Compton Bay for Wealden\, Lower Greensand and Chalk groups (GA Guide Chapters 11 pg 56 & Chapter 12 pg 59). \nSaturday 27 September Day 3\nNorthwest Wight \nAlum Bay\, the Needles\, Chalk\, through to Headon Hill Formation.\nLunch in Red Lion\, Freshwater\nAfternoon\, Solent Group (Eocene sands and clays\, very fossiliferous) in Thorness Bay. \nMost of the beach going is pretty easy\, sand/shingle. Although tides are not ideal they are manageable. However if there is an onshore wind\, we may have to modify the afternoon itineraries (GA Guide Chapter 9 pg 50). \nEvening meal at hotel where we will be joined by our field trip leader Andy Gale. \nSunday 28 September depart island\nHotel check-out by 10 am (high tide 15:30)\nDepart from East Cowes @ 2:30 pm on Red Funnel Ferries arriving Southampton 3:30 pm.
URL:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/event/hgs-field-trip-excursion-to-the-isle-of-wight/
LOCATION:Wight Hotel\, 11 Avenue Road\, Sandown\, Isle of Wight\, PO36 8BN\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Field Trips
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IoW-Wealdon-Chalk-groups-scaled.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251009T194500
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251009T213000
DTSTAMP:20260404T183313
CREATED:20241203T120821Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251116T173728Z
UID:12557-1760039100-1760045400@www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk
SUMMARY:Angiosperms: pollen\, evolution and ecosystems
DESCRIPTION:Talk by Dr Luke Mander\, Senior Lecturer\, The Open University \nAbstract \nLuke’s works with both living plants and material from the plant fossil record\, which represents a vast archive of morphological novelties and natural design solutions that have been produced over the course of evolutionary time. In this context\, he is particularly interested in the evolution of tropical rainforests\, which are among the most complex ecosytems on Earth. He has worked mostly with pollen grains\, which are morphologically fascinating objects with an outstanding fossil record\, but also work with the leaves of vascular plants. \nHis current research activities are focused on plant palaeobiology and morphology. \nHe is interested in quantifying the morphology of plants\, classifying plants on thebasis of their morphological characteristics\, and investigating the biogeographical evolution of plant diversity. \nBiography \nLuke received a PhD in 2010 from University College Dublin for a thesis that investigated 200 million-year-old fossil plant remains in East Greenland. He then spent two years as a postdoc in the Department of Plant Biology at the University of Illinois\, Urbana-Champaign. I returned to the UK with a two-year EU Marie Curie fellowship in the Earth System Science group at the University of Exeter. He has been a lecturer at The Open University since 2015. \nView This Talk In The Members’ Section.
URL:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/event/fossil-pollen-from-flowering-plants-and-tropical-rainforests/
LOCATION:Oaklands College\, Sapsed Room (SR)\, Oaklands College\, St Albans\, Hertfordshire\, AL4 0XS\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talks
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251113T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251113T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T183313
CREATED:20241203T121000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251116T173658Z
UID:12559-1763062200-1763067600@www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk
SUMMARY:The Onset of Modern-Style Plate Tectonic
DESCRIPTION:Talk by Professor Craig Storey\, University of Portsmouth \nAbstract\nSince the 1960s we have accepted the plate tectonic paradigm as being central to how our planet operates at the present day. However\, there is much ongoing debate as to when plate tectonics began and how similar it was to the current observable mode. Hypotheses range from the Hadean to the Neoproterozoic and therefore span across profound changes in the Earth system\, including atmospheric oxygenation and the proliferation of life. In this talk I will review (some of) the “hallmarks” of plate tectonics\, their first appearance and secular evolution\, and speculate on when it all began and how it evolved. \nView This Talk In The Members’ Section.
URL:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/event/the-onset-of-modern-style-plate-tectonic/
LOCATION:Zoom Talk
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image002.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251211T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251211T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T183313
CREATED:20241203T121136Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T134436Z
UID:12563-1765481400-1765486800@www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk
SUMMARY:The value & potential of the UK’s dinosaur track sites
DESCRIPTION:Talk by Richard Butler\, Professor of Palaeobiology\, School of Geography\, Earth and Environmental Sciences\, University of Birmingham \nDue to unforeseen circumstances Richard was unable to give this talk so it will be rescheduled to a future date. \nAbstract:\nDinosaur tracks provide important data on the distribution of dinosaurs through time and space and unique information on palaeobiology and behaviour\, such as dinosaur locomotion\, herding behaviour and species interactions. Dinosaur tracks and trackways are typically not collected and generally are left in the field: as such they have significant realised and potential value for tourism and education. In our recent work\, we have comprehensively reviewed the distribution of dinosaur track sites in the UK and their scientific and cultural ‘value’. Fourteen dinosaur track sites are present in situ in the UK today\, distributed across England\, Wales and Scotland\, and spanning from the Late Triassic to the Early Cretaceous. UK sites with considerable national and international scientific value include the Late Triassic dinosaur track site Bendrick Rock\, in South Wales\, and the Middle Jurassic site at Ardley and Dewars Farm quarries in Oxfordshire\, parts of the latter having been excavated by our research team in 2024 and 2025. By contrast\, the Early Cretaceous dinosaur track sites at Hanover Point\, Isle of Wight\, and Spyway Quarry\, Dorset have relatively high cultural value due to their accessibility and visitor appeal\, but modest scientific value. Our work helps identify threats and opportunities for UK dinosaur track sites\, potentially helping to guide future conservation\, scientific research\, and public engagement efforts.
URL:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/event/the-value-potential-of-the-uks-dinosaur-track-sites/
LOCATION:Zoom Talk
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/RB-trackway-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260108T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260108T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T183313
CREATED:20260110T142727Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260111T152334Z
UID:19013-1767900600-1767906000@www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk
SUMMARY:Stratigraphy & Sedimentology of Northern European Chalks
DESCRIPTION:given by Dr Haydon Bailey\, HGS Chairman\, Past GA president & geological advisor to the Chiltern Society \nAbstract:\n \nThe Upper Cretaceous Chalks of Northern Europe appear\, on the face of it\, to represent sedimentation during an extended period of relative tectonic and environmental stability. Nothing could be further from the truth. These uniform\, white\, fine grained carbonates are the sediments resulting from constant change in water temperature\, oxygen content\, dynamic water currents both at the sea surface and at depth.  \nBack in 1994 I presented a talk at a European conference entitled “Chalk\, white\, as above!”\, because that was the comment frequently seen on core logs\, geologists’ description sheets and engineering geologists’ well logs. Just how much information were we losing because of this phrase? Over the last 30 years our understanding of chalk deposition\, and the environmental conditions which control it\, have fundamentally shifted. Hopefully I can convince you that this might be the case. \nView This Talk In The Members’ Section. \nThis replaced the scheduled talk on Critical Minerals from Geology to circular economy: A matter of national security planned to be given by Professor Kathryn Moore\, University of Exeter. This was due to bad weather. Kathryn’s talk will be rescheduled to a later date. \n 
URL:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/event/stratigraphy-sedimentology-of-the-northern-european-chalks/
LOCATION:over Zoom
CATEGORIES:Talks
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260108T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260108T213000
DTSTAMP:20260404T183313
CREATED:20251117T172816Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260110T142925Z
UID:16271-1767900600-1767907800@www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk
SUMMARY:Critical minerals from geology to circular economy: a matter of national security
DESCRIPTION:talk given by Associate Professor Kathryn Moore\, University of Exeter \nAbstract:\nWith the imminent release of a new Critical Minerals Strategy\, the UK is updating its approach to national security. In this lecture\, I will highlight the security issues that threaten critical mineral supply chains into the UK and into most countries. I will explain how mitigation of the risks requires ground – truthing\, based on an understanding of geology and material properties\, as well as wider socioenvironmental and political considerations. I will discuss how the needs of critical minerals production is a challenge in terms of skills requirement\, and why the discipline of geology has never been more important. \nUnfortunately this talk had to be cancelled due to communication issues caused by Storm Goretti. The talk will be rescheduled for a later date.
URL:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/event/critical-minerals-from-geology-to-circular-economy-a-matter-of-national-security/
LOCATION:over Zoom
CATEGORIES:Talks
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260212T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260212T213000
DTSTAMP:20260404T183313
CREATED:20251117T172940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260213T141351Z
UID:16273-1770924600-1770931800@www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk
SUMMARY:The end-Triassic mass extinction and its aftermath
DESCRIPTION:talk given by Professor Paul Wignall\, School of Earth and Environment\, University of Leeds  \nThe end-Triassic marks one of the big 5 mass extinctions of the fossil record and is also probably one of the least understand. It has many things in common with the preceding mass extinction at the end of the Permian. Both are associated with the eruptions of vast flows of basalt lava and both occurred whilst the world’s continents were united into a supercontinent. The talk will focus on some of the latest discoveries and ideas regarding both the mass extinction event and its aftermath. Unlike some other crises\, the recovery from the crisis was remarkably quick in a geological sense and it of course paved the way for dinosaur to dominate the planet for 135 million years. \nView This Talk In The Members’ Section.
URL:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/event/the-end-triassic-mass-extinction-and-its-aftermath/
LOCATION:over Zoom
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PW-2nd-phase-of-extinction.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260214T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260214T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T183313
CREATED:20251210T075633Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251210T075633Z
UID:17958-1771063200-1771088400@www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk
SUMMARY:Little Heath Geoconservation
DESCRIPTION:Annual vegetation clearance
URL:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/event/little-heath-geoconservation-2/
LOCATION:Little Heath\, Potten End\, Potten End\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Field Trips
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260312T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260312T213000
DTSTAMP:20260404T183313
CREATED:20251117T173321Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T121216Z
UID:16275-1773343800-1773351000@www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk
SUMMARY:AGM - at our new Redbourne Parish Centre venue
DESCRIPTION:followed by refreshments and launch of the\nThe Hertfordshire 50th anniversary book – Mike Lambert & Nick Pierpoint \nThis meeting is being held in the Conference Room in the Parish Centre as shown on the map below\, but be aware that The Park refers to several side roads/cul-de-sac roads. \nFull address Redbourne Parish Centre\, The Park\, Redbourn\, near St Albans\, Hertfordshire\, AL3 7LR. \nBy Car:   Redbourn is easily accessible off the M1 Junction 9 then heading south of the A5183 Redbourn Bypass to the second roundabout at the southern end of High Street\, then up High Street bearing left onto Common Road and taking the 3rd turning on the left into The Park. \nThere is limited parking both in front of the Redbourn Parish Centre and to the rear of the centre on a first come first served basis. Elsewhere in Redbourn there is some on-street parking
URL:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/event/agm-2/
LOCATION:Redbourne Parish Centre\, The Park\, Redbourne\, Hertfordshire\, AL3 7LR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:AGM
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Image.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260321T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260321T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T183313
CREATED:20251210T075845Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T124349Z
UID:17960-1774080000-1774112400@www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk
SUMMARY:Ver Valley Society Walk on the Chalk\, Dunstable Downs
DESCRIPTION:Herts Geol Society have a limited number of places available on this walk (5 – 6) organised by the Ver Valley Society. It will start at the Dunstable Downs National Trust Centre at 10am and will last until 1pm\, when we can get something to eat at the NT Centre. \nIf you’re interested in joining in on this walk\, then please contact Haydon via haydonbailey@outlook.com as he’s taking the bookings on behalf of HGS on a first come first served basis. Be prepared for a wet and very muddy walk; wear wellingtons or waterproof boots and expect muddy trousers!
URL:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/event/joint-trip-to-ver-valley/
LOCATION:Hertfordshire
CATEGORIES:Field Trips
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/image3.png
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR