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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Civil engineering meets geology: Panama Canal
2022-05-12 19:30 - 21:00 | 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.

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.

Village Geology in Hertfordshire (Ashwell) - for GeoWeek
2022-05-15 10:30 - 16:30 | Meet at Lynch Gate, St Mary’s Church, Ashwell, Hertfordshire, SG7 5LY, United Kingdom
Leader: Mike Howgate
Meeting up at the lych-gate of St. Mary’s church Ashwell at 10.30 am.
Morning: Visit to this ‘ clunch’ church with its famous graffito of the Black Death and a devastating storm in the Middle Ages. Followed by a walking tour of the village including the Chalk springs with their ‘Ice Age fauna’, a lock-up built of ‘clunch’ blocks and a Wichert/Cobb thatched wall.
There are two decent pub for lunch.
Afternoon: The village museum ( small charge) has a small but interesting geological collection. Possibility of a walk to Ashwell Chalk pit or cars to Steeple Morden quarry.

GA Henry Stopes Memorial vLecture
2022-06-03 18:00 - 19:30 | over Zoom
Mapping the past: Quaternary Palaeogeography

Preliminary observations and implications of a new Bathonian (Middle Jurassic) lagerstätte in Wiltshire, UK
2022-06-09 19:30 - 21:00 | Oaklands College, Sapsed Room (SR), Oaklands College, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL4 0XS, United Kingdom
with a focus on the micropalaeontology and geochemistry

given by Dr. Steve Stukins (Senior Curator Micropalaeontology, Natural History Museum, London)
Abstract:

A new UK Bathonian (Middle Jurassic) lagerstätte has been revealed and was publicised last year as one of the most important Jurassic echinoderm localities in the world. Excavation of the site has produced thousands of exceptionally preserved articulated echinoderms including at least 18 species, belonging to all five extant echinoderm classes. A closer look however, at the range of other fossil groups has shown the exceptional preservation and diversity is not limited to the echinoderms.
Stephen will be presenting initial findings from the palynological and microfaunal investigations along with some geochemical analysis in order to help understand the local environment and why this ‘unique’ site exists. The wider context of palaeogeography and our understanding of the UK Jurassic will also be opened up to debate.
View This Talk In The Members’ Section.

BBC Radio 4 - In Touch
2022-06-21 20:40 - 21:00 | BBC Radio 4
Tune in to In Touch to hear HGS member Mike Lambert talking about access to museums.

The Anthropocene: a new epoch of geological time characterised by humans
2022-07-14 19:30 - 21:00 | Oaklands College, Sapsed Room (SR), Oaklands College, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL4 0XS, United Kingdom
given by Prof. Mark Williams (University of Leicester).
Abstract:
The Holocene Epoch was a time of growing human population, urbanisation, agriculture and industry. But over the past 200 years, and especially since the 1950s, the human footprint on the Earth has grown very substantially. Thus, human population grew from circa 1 billion in 1800 to 2 billion in 1930. In 1950 it was about 2.5 billion and then nearly 8 billion in 2022. Through this interval of time there has been a rapidly increasing, though very uneven, demand for the Earth’s resources that has left a clear geological signal in sedimentary deposits. These identify a fundamental change to the Earth System, and the record of this is being discussed as a proposed new epoch of geological time that succeeds the Holocene. This is the Anthropocene and its boundary may be placed in deposits forming in the mid-20th century. The Anthropocene challenges us about our place in the Earth System, and about our unsustainable use of resources. It has also been the catalysis for developing transdisciplinary solutions to the many environmental problems we now face.
View This Talk In The Members’ Section.

HGS Summer Event - Is it flat or bent? The Chalk around Royston
2022-08-06 11:00 - 16:30 | Royston Cave, Katherine’s Yard, Melbourne Street, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 7BZ, United Kingdom
Morning at Royston Cave. Park in one of the town centre car parks & walk to Royston Cave.
Royston Cave interior
Come and explore the amazing Royston Cave; check out the theories and get an update on the latest geological dates produced by the Herts. Geol. Society
Lunch – local pub – The Tally Ho!, Barkway
Afternoon visits to Barkway Chalk Pit and Reed Chalk Pit
Barkway Chalk Pit
Have a look at some upended Lewes Chalk and see if we can find the Chalk Rock.
Register through: haydonbailey@outlook.com Cost £5.00

Understanding large igneous provinces and volcanic rift margins
2022-09-08 19:30 - 21:00 | Oaklands College, Sapsed Room (SR), Oaklands College, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL4 0XS, United Kingdom
given by Dr Dougal Jerram (DougalEARTH Ltd)
Abstract

Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs) represent some of the largest eruptive episodes on the planet and along with their associated volcanic rifted margins, they have left a great footprint on the geology of the planet. This talk will present a number of examples from around the globe looking at the scales and occurrences of LIPs and studies into both onshore and offshore volcanic margins. We will touch on the relationship with climate change, offshore exploration and the possibilities for carbon sequestration. Look at how we can build 3D models of key outcrops and the use of modern day analogues to help unravel their evolution.

Dougal Jerram (BSc Cardiff, PhD Liverpool) began his professional career in 1996 with a two-year postdoctoral position at the University of Würzburg, Germany. In 1998 he returned to the UK and spent 13 years as research fellow, lecturer and senior lecturer at the University of Durham. In June 2011 he set up DougalEARTH Ltd., where he combines his pursuits in consultancy, media, research and teaching, and joined the University of Oslo as a 20% research professor. He has published extensively in the scientific literature as well as penning a number of books for both children and adults including; Victor the Volcano, Dig to the Centre of the Earth, Introducing Volcanology, Volcanoes of Europe, and The travel Guide the Centre of the Earth, as well as two of the geological field guide series (Igneous and metamorphic guides). He has also appeared on the BBC, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, History Channel and Channel 4, and on many other TV and radio programs, relating the earth sciences to the general public. In 2006 he received the Murchison Fund by the Geological Society of London for his early career contribution to geology.
View this talk in the Members’ Section.

Flamborough Head - Excursion
2022-09-29 16:00 - 2022-10-02 17:00 | Sefton Hotel, The Sefton Hotel, Bridlington, Yorkshire, YO15 2HX, United Kingdom
Paul Hildreth of the Yorkshire Geological Society will lead this 3-day trip to the delights of Flamborough Head.
Itinerary:
Thursday 29 September
Introductory talk over drinks at 8pm.
Friday 30 September
North Landing(Welton/Burnham Chalk boundary and variations in flint form) followed by Selwick’s Bay (Burnham/Flamborough Chalk boundary, Flamborough Fault zone and syncline) with lunch at local café & free evening.
Saturday 1 October
Dane’s Dyke and Sewerby (Flamborough Chalk, Flamborough Sponge Bed, Devensian stratigraphy and Sewerby Buried Cliff (Ipswichian) with packed lunch & group meal in the evening.
Sunday 2 October
RSPB reserve at Bempton Cliffs – clifftop walk, spectacular geomorphology, fault zone and there should be some seabirds still around with lunch at RSPB Centre.
Participants may wish to revisit the HGS June 2021 talk on It’s ‘And Up North – An overview of the Chalk of the Northern Province given by Paul Hildreth and download a fabulous Field Guide from the Members’ Section.
Janet

GA Lecture
2022-10-07 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom Talk
The rise and fall of the last British-Irish Ice Sheet given by Prof Chris Clark.

The first day of the Cenozoic: Insights from the Chicxulub impact crater
2022-10-13 18:30 - 20:00 | Oaklands College, Sapsed Room (SR), Oaklands College, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL4 0XS, United Kingdom
given by Dr. Auriol Rae (Junior Research Fellow in Earth Sciences Trinity College, University of Cambridge)
Abstract:
66 Million years ago, a 14 km-diameter meteoroid struck the Earth at approximately 20 km/s. This event had a profound influence on the history of life on Earth – causing the extinction of around 75% of all species including all of the non-avian dinosaurs. This impact produced the 200 km-diameter Chicxulub Crater, located in present-day Mexico. This talk will look at the geological, climatological, and biological consequences of the end-Cretaceous impact, with particular insight from drilling of the crater in 2016 by the International Ocean Discovery Program. Furthermore, the wider significance of impact crater formation as a planetary geological process will be discussed.
View this talk in the Members’ Section.

The Stegosaurian Dinosaurs
2022-11-10 19:30 - 21:00 | over Zoom
given by Dr Susannah C. R. Maidment (Senior Researcher, Natural History Museum, London)
Abstract:
Stegosaurs are a group of dinosaurs characterized by the possession of two rows of plates and spines that extend from the neck to the end of the tail. They are known from the Middle Jurassic to the Early Cretaceous and have been found on all continents except Australia and Antarctica. Stegosaurs are part of a larger group of armoured dinosaurs, which also includes the ankylosaurs. Stegosaurs were four-legged plant-eaters and body mass estimates indicate they weighed about the same as a rhino. They were probably slow-moving, and not capable of running. They had very small teeth and do not appear to have chewed, but despite this, their bite forces indicate they could have eaten tough vegetation and small twigs. Several hypotheses have been put forward about the function of the plates of stegosaurs, but these have proven difficult to test. Different species appear to have had differently shaped plates, suggesting a role in display, and perhaps to deter predators. Two stegosaurs are known from North America: the iconic Stegosaurus, which is known from numerous skeletons from Colorado, Utah and southern Wyoming, and the less well-known Hesperosaurus, represented by just a few specimens from northern Wyoming and Montana. Both are known from the Morrison Formation, a suite of rocks laid down by rivers and on flood plains about 150 million years ago, and the two genera appear to have lived at the same time. Over 120 years of sampling in the south of the Morrison basin has failed to find any specimens of Hesperosaurus there, perhaps suggesting the two genera were ecologically segregated. Although stegosaurs are one of the most iconic dinosaurs, much remains unknown about their palaeobiology due to their sparse fossil record.
View this talk in the Members’ Section.

AGM
2022-11-18 08:00 - 17:00 | Venue TBA
followed by Talk on Hertfordshire RIGS

Below the Bonnie Banks - investigating Lock Lomond's subaqueous Quaternary landscape
2022-12-15 19:30 - 21:00 | over Zoom
given by Dr. Andrew Finlayson (Quaternary Geologist, BGS Edinburgh)
Abstract:
Loch Lomond is an iconic part of Scotland’s scenery, spanning landscapes of both Highland and Lowland character on either side of the Highland Boundary Fault. From a Quaternary geological perspective, the wider Loch Lomond basin has a long history of research and forms a type area for a period of environmental change at the end of the last glacial cycle in Britain – the ‘Loch Lomond Stadial’. However, there is still relatively little known about the submerged landscape below the loch surface. This talk will give a brief overview of the Quaternary landscape evolution around Loch Lomond and then present new findings from multibeam bathymetry and shallow seismic profiles. We will look at how these data add the loch’s glacial and postglacial story, and also what they tell us about more recent processes such as subaqueous landslides associated with shoreline infrastructure.
View this talk in the Members’ Section.

GA Lecture
2023-01-06 18:00 - 19:30 | over Zoom
The Lower Cretaceous ‘East Lindsey Group’ a jewel in the geological crown of Lincolnshire given by Paul Hildreth (Yorkshire Geological Society)
