‘Please Mind the Gap-Groundwater flow through the Permian- Triassic rocks’ 2 Day Fieldtrip

‘Please Mind the Gap-Groundwater flow through the Permian- Triassic rocks’

Leader Dr Mark Cooper GSNI Chief Geologist; GSNI Geology and Landscape team leader, BGS Belfast

This excursion is to look at how faults and igneous intrusions, such as dykes and sills, influence how fluids and heat move underground.  Understanding the impacts of these kinds of structures on the subsurface is becoming more and more important was we look to develop geothermal energy systems and make greater use of ground water here and around the world.

Packed lunches will be needed on both days and waterproof footwear. The rock exposures we will be looking at are mainly intertidal so will be slippy.  Dress appropriately for weather conditions. There will be some short periods moderate exertion on both days.

 The proposed itinerary for the joint BGS and IGA trip is as follows:

Day 1 – 2^nd August.

10.30am:  Meet at Scrabo Quarry Carpark. Toilets available.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/nZ3qi2sEdMabvvHq7

The NIEA country park provides opportunity to look recently restored quarry faces with Sherwood Sandstone Group rocks and Paleogene dykes and sills.  The Sherwood Sandstone here is unusual in that is includes evidence of desert dunes and river environments. 

Lunch 12.30-1.30pm.

1.30 Drive to layby adjacent to Strangford Lough.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/LKzTWoTsDiKKocC38

Here we will look at a fault zone intruded by Paleogene dykes.  We will also examine Triassic Sherwood Sandstone Group country rocks, that were laid down in river environments, and show the impacts of heat and fluid flow.

Excursion will end around 4pm. Return to accommodation. ( IGA Memebers)

Day 2 – 3r^d August.

9.30am:  Meet at Carrickfergus Castle Carpark. Toilets available.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/WGvHLQEP9RDj5oqB8

We will examine the form of Paleogene dykes and a sill in the foundations of the castle.  The contact between the intrusion(s) and Triassic Mercia Mudstone Group rocks is visible and is baked.

10.30am: Drive to Andrew Jackson Cottage & US Rangers Museum.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/k9fFqAgzJovx7Q2Q7

Here we will examine a number of dykes and sills intruding the Triassic Mercia Mudstone and see the development of intrusion breccias and what happens when dykes and sills come to an end. 

Lunch 12.30-1.30pm

1.30pm Drive to  Hazelbank Car Park. Toilets available.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/o8SToNqPLSSgQXcR7

From Macedon Point to Whiteabbey, we can examine dykes intruding Mercia Mustone and the Sherwood Sandstone groups. In addition, we will examine a large fault that brings the two rock groups together, and which is intruded by multiple dykes.

Excursion will end around 4pm.

Further contact details for joining into this trip will be added later