Hertfordshire Geological Society

RGS Field Trip to South Pembroke
2022-05-15 - 2022-05-18 | Hertfordshire
The Reading Geological Society (RGS) are extending an invitation to HGS members to join their 2022 field trip to South Pembroke. Details of itinerary to follow.
If you are interested in this trip and would like to be notified when further details become available please click here.

Civil engineering meets geology: Panama Canal
2022-05-12 19:30 - 21:00 UTC | Oaklands College, Sapsed Room (SR), Oaklands College, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL4 0XS, United Kingdom
given by Dr. Tony Waltham, travelling geologist.
Abstract:
A long and varied history of great canal construction extended throughout the 1800s, and included the first attempt at a canal across Panama, which failed in its early stages. It was therefore into the next century that that the Americans built the Panama Canal between 1904 and 1914. Construction of the massive concrete locks and of Gatun Lake both broke world records at the time, and were brilliant in concept and evolution. Complex geology, dominated by the horrendously weak Cucaracha Clay, created huge problems in the deep Culebra Cut, and these were overcome, in less than subtle style, by brute force and massive expenditure of machinery and effort. The Panama Canal continues to be a critical element in world trade, and recent completion of its larger locks assures its future.
View This Talk In The Members’ Section.

Joint BGS/HGS Field Trip to Greensand Ridge
2022-04-23 10:00 - 15:30 | Clophill Ecolodges, Old Church Path, Clophill, Bedfordshire, MK45 4BP
led by Bev Fowlston (BGS).

Meet at Clophill Ecolodges at 10:00 for 10:30 depart

Field trip details

Percy Evans Lecture on Tunnelling the Chilterns:
2022-04-14 19:30 - 21:00 | over Zoom
Progress so far; understanding the risks; and how technology, planning and logistics help address the challenges of tunnelling through a highly fractured chalk aquifer.
given by David Eve (ALIGN, Head of Engagement & Compliance for HS2)
Abstract:
Who are Align and how does the company fit within the HS2 structure? This leads on to an overview of HS2. The HS2 route is split into various sectors, so I need to give an overview of Sector C1. What progress have we made to date and what were the results of the Ground Investigation?
What are the risks?

Volume loss; frac in and out;
Loss of slurry to surface;
Loss of ground stability within excavation chamber;
Loss of air to surface (if intervention conducted under hyperbaric conditions);
Loss of grout to surface; and over-excavation within excavation chamber.
Leading to: Ground deformation; and excessive movement of structures.

How do we mitigate for these risks?

Overview of the ‘system’ – TBM to Slurry Treatment Plant;
Pre-treatment where required (shafts);
Technology of the TBM (selection) – speed, variable slurry density control, anulus Grouting to maintain <1% volume loss, continuous monitoring (MobyDic, borehole data, ground instrumentation) and adaption;
Logistics and processing of slurry;
Exclusion zones and planning of appropriate maintenance stops;
Securing of land in higher risk areas.

View this talk in the Members’ Section.

AGM followed by a talk on What can satellites tell you about local geology?
2022-03-10 19:30 - 21:00 | over Zoom
given by Jo Conway (Herts County Council & HGS).
Abstract:
The talk is based on one presented recently as the summary of my dissertation topic for the Masters course in Geological and Environmental Hazards at the University of Portsmouth. My dissertation title was ‘Use of Sentinel-2 data to identify glaciotectonic features near Barkway, Hertfordshire and link to geohazard assessment’.
Relocating from North Wales, with limited awareness of Hertfordshire geology, my tutor suggested I look at the area near Barkway in North Hertfordshire for the geological hazard of glaciotectonic rafts, with the added dimension of whether new technology (the Sentinel-2 satellite array) could be used in identification of geological features. Satellites give a global coverage of the earth’s surface passing over the same spot at mid-morning every 5 days (and shorter return periods as more in the array are launched). The satellite images are downloaded as ‘multi- spectral images’, which enables the wavelengths to be separated. Using software these can be manipulated to calculate indices which can give different ‘colour’ images for comparison, as well as graphical information. I will talk about the processing of the satellite images and how I linked various images to look for pattern recognition.
View this talk in the Members’ Section.

Little Heath Geoconservation
2022-02-20 10:00 - 14:00 | Little Heath, Potten End, Potten End, United Kingdom
Two stages:
Stage 1: vegetation clearance
Stage 2: face
Restricted numbers – please register your interest here

The eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat
2022-02-10 19:30 - 21:00 | over Zoom
given by Prof. Steve Sparks (University of Bristol).
Abstract:
The volcanic eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat (1995 to 2010) is one of the most detailed studied eruptions of an andesite volcano. The research led to major advances in understanding volcanic processes. The eruption was also a traumatic experience for the people of Montserrat which they faced with fortitude and resilience. New innovations in managing volcanic emergencies were pioneered during the eruption.
View this talk in the Members’ Section.

GA Lecture
2022-02-04 18:00 - 19:30 | over Zoom
Pushing back the boundaries of early life.

Mammal miniaturisation during Paleogene hyperthermals: a new palaeodietary perspective
2022-01-13 19:30 - 21:00 | over Zoom
given by Dr. Neil Adams (University of Oxford Natural History Museum)
Abstract:

A repeated response to abrupt climate warming among vertebrates is body size reduction, which has been observed in response to anthropogenic climate change and to abrupt warming events in the geological record. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain this size decrease among mammals, including range shifts of populations with geographically variable body size, as well as in situ evolutionary responses to environmental changes. In this talk, I will present findings of a new test of these hypotheses using a novel, multi-comparator approach to dental microwear texture analysis. The evidence favours a scenario of in situ ecological responses to changes in resource availability during a period of abrupt climate warming in the early Paleocene (ca. 62.3 Ma). The more rapid rate of modern climate and environmental change, compared to natural warming events in the Paleogene, leads us to question whether living mammals will be able to adapt quickly enough to avoid extinction without human intervention.
View This Talk In The Members’ Section.

GA Lecture
2022-01-07 18:00 - 19:30 | over Zoom
Secret Life of Crinoids

The last British Ice Sheet
2021-12-09 19:30 - 21:00 | Zoom Talk
given by Dr Bethan Davies (Royal Holloway, University of London)
Abstract:
Understanding how the last British-Irish Ice Sheet behaved in response to external climatic forcing may be used as an analogue for how the Antarctic Ice Sheet may behave in the future. We can use these empirical datasets to calibrate numerical simulations and better understand ice-sheet response to climate and ocean forcing. During the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), ice streams of the last British-Irish Ice Sheet (BIIS) controlled the ice discharge from various dispersal centres. Deglaciation was characterised by shifts in ice-divide location and changes in internal ice-sheet dynamics, resulting in substantial flow switches and significant ice-stream reconfiguration, and hence modification of their landform signatures. We present new geomorphological mapping and 10Be cosmogenic nuclide ages from Northern England (Stainmore Gap, Eden Valley and Vale of York), that constrain regional dynamic ice-stream retreat following the LGM. We identify complex decoupling of competing ice lobes, characterised by early retreat of the North Sea Lobe and a minor re-advance of Stainmore ice prior to ~20 ka. This was followed by rapid recession of the central Stainmore Gap, contemporaneous with the recession of the Tyne Gap Ice Stream. The northwards ice-flow reversal in the Vale of Eden was associated with the development of ice domes across the northern Pennines, Howgill Fells and the Lake District. This shift in dispersal centres and ice divide migration likely triggered the rapid collapse of eastward ice stream corridors. The central sector of the BIIS rapidly collapsed back up into upland dispersal centres between 20 to 17.5 ka. This work highlights the role internal factors, such as topography, in driving ice-divide migration and flow switches during externally and climatically forced ice-sheet thinning.
View this talk in the Members’ Section.

GA Lecture
2021-12-03 18:00 - 19:30 | over Zoom
From bones to pixels – using computer technology to understand the behaviour of fossil animals

Geoscience, and the World After Oil
2021-11-11 19:30 - 21:00 | Zoom Talk
given by Tony Doré (Global Chief Scientist, Energy & Geoscience Institute (EGI) agdore@gmail.com, tdore@egi.utah.edu)
Abstract:
Meeting burgeoning global energy demand while mitigating anthropogenic climate change must overcome the challenges of denial and indifference, and also the negation of some genuine attempts by industry to move towards cleaner energy. Real progress will come not from blame and confrontation, but from forward-looking scientific and engineering solutions.
We are living at a historical crisis point in the world energy balance, in which future projections depend on a complex interplay between fossil fuels and alternative energy sources, and where the role and type of fuels employed will be driven by geopolitics and environmental concerns. All projections to approximately three decades hence show rising global energy demand, primarily driven by further development of emerging markets. This is coupled with a decline in legacy petroleum supply, waning exploration and a steady reduction in new resource additions. Conventional exploration, particularly by the International Oil Companies, is opportunity-constrained, and to date export of the North American experience with unconventionals has met with mixed success.
Additionally, the most optimistic current projections for growth in alternative energy sources such as renewables and nuclear do not make up the demand shortfall. Radical step changes are likely in both demand and supply, based on world-changing events such as the current pandemic, or technological developments. However, by their nature these are difficult to predict.
Bridging this energy gap, and meeting global CO2/climate targets, requires close international co-operation, responsible stewardship of fossil fuel resources, investment in alternative energy and more emphasis on critical minerals and energy storage. Progressive companies are already embracing these ideas, and developing business models based on renewable energy phasing out petroleum, on carbon management, and on environmental sensitivity. This talk will discuss what role the geoscience community can – and should – play in this energy transition.
View this talk in the Members’ Section.

GA Real Urban Geology Walks
2021-11-07 10:00 - 16:00 | Hertfordshire

GA Virtual Festival of Geology
2021-11-06 09:00 - 17:00 | over Zoom

GA Zoom talk/workshop
2021-10-31 18:30 - 20:30 | over Zoom
on the Wealden (Smokejacks)

Geoconservation - principles into practice
2021-10-07 19:30 - 21:00 | Zoom Talk
given by Dr Colin Prosser (Principle Specialist in Geoconservation, Natural England).
Rearranged from October 2020.

Abstract:
The UK is extremely geodiverse with many geological features and sites of international, national and local importance for research, education, tourism and recreation. However, we are a small country with a large population and our geoheritage is subject to a range of threats. These include development pressure, landfill, coastal and river engineering, neglect and ignorance. Retaining these features and sites for future generations requires us to take action locally, nationally and internationally, both to conserve them and to raise awareness amongst the public and decision makers about their value to science and society. This talk explores some of the broad principles which influence different approaches to geoconservation and drawing upon the work of local geoconservation groups and societies, national associations, government conservation agencies and UNESCO Global Geoparks and World Heritage Sites, illustrates how geoconservation is being put into practice on the ground.

View this talk in the Members’ Section.

The ***cretes of Hertfordshire
2021-09-11 10:00 - 16:00 | Hertfordshire
A field trip in search of Calcrete, Silcrete and Ferricrete in South hertfordshire, led by Mike Howgate.
Calcrete cliffs at Waterford Heath
We will meet up in the car park at Waterford Heath Nature Reserve which is just north of Hertford ( O.S. TL 317150 ) at 10.30 am. This is a small car park much used by dog walkers so it would be best to come in as few cars as possible. Here we can examine spectacular cliffs of calcrete within the glacial gravels where we can find erattic fossils. We will then move on to see silcretes starting with the ‘Balloon Stone’ at Standon Green End where I have arranged for us to park up in the farmyard of Mott’s Spring Farm ( O.S. TL 363199 ).
The Balloon Stone is a sarsen stone moved here from Bengeo in the eighteenth century to celebrate the landing point of the first flight in a balloon in England by Vincento Lunardi. Our final stop of the morning will be in the village of Standon ( O.S. TL 396223 to see their famous Hertfordshire puddingstone boulder – the Standon Stone. Park up in the wide part of the road before you reach the church, then walk past the church and the stone is on a small green as the road curves round to the left. I will explain why I think that this HPS boulder has pagan significance. A sandwich lunch can be picked up at Day’s Bakery in the village.
In the afternoon we will meet up at North Mymms church ( O.S. TL 222045 ) where we can have our pic-nic lunch in the churchyard. Park in the road leading up to the church rather than in the church car park. We will examine the church building stones for examples of ferricretes then look for their source in the surrounding farmland. These has been missed for years despite being noted on the 6” to the mile Geological Survey field slips. This part of the trip will involve a two mile walk along well used tracks so boots are recommended.
SAFETY NOTES
We will cross three country roads and be walking on uneven pavements, rough tracks and across fields. The farmer should have removed his livestock from the ‘Balloon Stone’ field. If not beware of inquisitive sheep.

Ammonites - mythology to modern era
2021-09-09 19:30 - 21:00 | Zoom Talk
given by Dr Mick Oates (Retired: BG)
Abstract: Ammonites are a popular subject, as they are both common and rather attractive planispiral fossils. So it is no surprise that they attracted interest from ancient times. The talk will cover a lot of ground, from early beliefs attached to these petrifactions dug from the ground to the most recent interpretations of how they evolved as molluscs and functioned as a part of Jurassic and Cretaceous ecosystems.
View this talk in the Members’ Section.

HGS Summer Event – Chalk Stream Walk – BoxMoor and Chesham
2021-07-10 10:00 - 16:30 | The Box Moor Trust Centre, London Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP1 2RE, United Kingdom
Leaders: Peter Ablett and Paul Jennings
Over the years the River Bulbourne has been heavily compromised by historical changes. In 2013, in conjunction with the Environment Agency and other interested parties, the Box Moor Trust embarked on a restoration project for the Bulbourne.

09:45 meet at Box Moor Trust Center (HP1 2RE)
Walk through the trusts’ meadows following the restored section of the
River Bulbourne with Peter Ablett
13:00 Picnic lunch at the Trust Center – it may be worth brining a deck chair
14:00 Drive to Chesham town centre car park (which one?)
Walk along the Chess in the company of Paul Jennings, Chair of the River Chess Association

For full details click here.
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The Dinosaur - Bird link: A critical overview
2021-07-08 19:30 - 21:00 | Zoom Talk
Given by Mike Howgate (HGS).
Abstract:
To most interested lay-people and even most vertebrate palaeontologists the theory that birds arose from a group of Theropod dinosaurs is now regarded as an incontestable fact. However there are a handful of dissenters from this supposed certainty. I am one.
I will start by outlining the position of Archaeopteryx as the quintessential example of an intermediate between two classes of organisms – reptiles and birds, before considering the various theories which have been put forward to explain which group of reptiles could best be considered the direct ancestor of the avian lineage and whether flight could have originated from the ground – up as suggested by the ‘Dino-Bird link’ supporters.
In the final half of the talk will concentrate on two alleged Dino-Birds which featured prominently in the debate. Sinosauropteryx prima, a compsognathid dinosaur which is supposed to exhibit PROTOFEATHERS and Microraptor gui the alleged four winged flying dinosaur which is an archaeopteryx-like bird and not a theropod dinosaur at all. A more parsimonious ancestor for the avian lineage will be suggested.
View this talk in the Members’ Section.

It's 'Ard Up North: An overview of the Chalk of the Northern Province
2021-06-10 00:00 | Zoom Talk
given by Paul Hildreth (Yorkshire Geological Society).
The Chalk of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire belongs to a sedimentary basin distinct from, and yet closely related to, other late Cretaceous basins in southern England. For many years, geologists attempted to fit the southern biostratigraphy onto the northern succession; rather like fitting a square peg in a round hole! A short, though very significant, paper was published in the Proceedings of the Yorkshire Geological Society (PYGS) in 1978 which re-classified the northern Chalk, exactly 100 years after the first recorded reference to its greater similarity to the succession in Germany than to those of southern England and France. Ironically perhaps, but certainly apt for this meeting, a co-author of the 1978 paper was a native of Hertfordshire and well known to the Hertfordshire Geological Society.
This talk will focus on the lithostratigraphy of the chalks of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, compare with some levels of the southern succession and present some thoughts on future research. I may also be able to convince you that the spectacular chalk cliffs of Flamborough Head, which provide valuable exposures of the full Chalk succession as well as breathtaking scenery, are well worth a visit!
View this talk in the Members’ Section.

Smith - marks on a landscape
2021-05-13 19:30 - 21:00 | Zoom Talk
given by Dr Peter Wigley (Consultant for Lynx Information Systems & co-author of Strata. – William Smith’s Geological Maps.

Strata. – William Smith’s Geological Maps cover
Abstract
William Smith (1769–1839), surveyor and geologist, was born on 23th March 1769 at The Forge, Churchill, Oxfordshire, the son of the village blacksmith and educated at the village school.
In 1787 Smith became assistant to the land surveyor Edward Webb (1751–1828) at Stow-on-the-Wold, learning to measure and value land. In 1791 the young 22 year old Smith was sent by his employer to survey an estate near High Littleton in Somerset. He made the journey on foot from Stow-on-the-Wold down to Stowey in Somerset, a distance of over 80 miles. It was in Somerset, while surveying the course of a canal, that Smith developed his ideas on strata and the relationship of particular fossils to specific strata. This led to his first geological maps around Bath, Somerset and later to his pioneering 1815 geological map of England and Wales.However, there was much more to Smith than just his maps. He made geological cross-sections, he was a coal finder, land drainer and improver, he worked on land slips, he sunk water wells and built sea defences but most importantly, through his publications, he laid the foundations for the science of stratigraphy.
Through digital technology it has been possible to combine Smith’s maps and other aspects of his work with modern remote sensing data and to visualise his enduring legacy on the landscape of England and Wales.
View this talk in the Members’ Section.

Percy Evans Lecture & Presidential Address "In search of Buronite in Norway"
2021-04-08 19:30 - 21:00 | Zoom Talk
given by Linda Hamling.
View this talk in the Members’ Section.

Science driven by conflict
2021-03-11 20:00 - 21:00 | Zoom Talk
Followed our 2021 AGM and given by Haydon Bailey (HGS).
This talk was not recorded.

2020 AGM
2021-03-11 19:30 - 20:00 | over Zoom

Jungle Volcano
2021-02-11 19:30 - 21:00 | Zoom Talk
given by Prof. Chris Jackson (Imperial College London)
Rearranged from December 2020.
View this talk in the Members’ Section.

The geology of Mars and the rover missions
2021-01-14 19:30 - 21:00 | Zoom Talk
given by Dr Susanne Schwenzer (Open University).
Dr Susanne P Schwenzer is a planetary scientist, who has researched Mars geology, petrology and mineralogy since her PhD. In her talk, she will tell the story of Mars as seen from its rocks: First, there was a (warm?) and wet Mars that saw rivers flowing and lakes forming. At the same time, a period of intense impact cratering shaped the Martian landscape, with its own effects on the mineralogy in the subsurface of the planet. About 4.2 Billion years ago, the Martian climate changed to much dryer conditions, and it remained that way to this day. Most of the evidence for the Martian geologic record comes from orbiters, but landers and rovers have most recently contributed hugely important details that in turn make it possible to interpret the global picture. The talk will briefly discuss several of those missions, especially the Curiosity rover mission and its most important findings.
View this talk in the Members’ Section.

Peak District - From the bowels of the earth to the Garden of Eden
2019-09-19 - 2019-09-22 | Hertfordshire
Summary of Excursion

Some aspects of the Geology of Mayo, Western Ireland
2018-09-06 - 2018-09-09 | Hertfordshire
