Saturday, Feb. 24, 1996
 
 

OBJECTIVES

* Learn to take geological notes. Your field books will be graded for neatness and clarity (20 % of grade)

 * Measure stratigraphic thicknesses of major units and draw stratigraphic column (20 % of grade)

 * Draw field geological cross-section (20 % of grade)

 * Draw geological contacts on map and complete geological map of the Clark Creek Natural Area, south of Fort Adams-Pond road (30 % of grade).

 * Write short report (less than one page) in complete English sentences summarising field observations (10% of grade).
 
 

BACKGROUND

Major types of geological contacts: unconformities, bedding surfaces.

Field identification of quart, clays, and fossils.

 There are 2 major contacts:

 The first contact lies between the Peoria loess and the sands and gravels (Citronelle Formation) and the second lies between the sands and gravels, and the Miocene Fleming Group clay and silty clay (also contains travertine).
 
 

METHODS

Carry out a geologic traverse marking positions on a map and take down geological observations at each geologic contact.

 At home:

 (a) Complete geological section at first stop.

 (b) Complete geologic map by marking the two contacts on the topographic sheet for the area south of the Fort Adams -Pond Road) . Assume a regional dip for the first contact such that the same contact lies 400 feet below LSU campus and that the second contact lies 7000 feet below the contact, i.e. calculate the regional dip and use this dip to make your map.
 
 

The above assumption greatly simplifies drawing the first contact. Why? What paleorelief did you see?
 
 

At each stop:

Describe the sediments, position yourself on the map (with a number).
 
 

Helpful concepts to understand before the trip (review is your responsibility):

stratigraphic column, geological contacts, sediments, sediment grain sizes, measuring bearings

 with your compass, map scale, apparent vs. true dips.
 
 

SCHEDULE

Time of Departure

8.00 a.m., southern Geology parking Lot.

Transport

Geology Department Van

Estimated time of return

Hopefully, no later than 5.00 p.m.

Destination

Clark Creek Natural Area in Wilkinson County

Directions (warning, from memory)

-- Route 61 N to Bains

 -- At Bains turn off left toward Weyanoke, travel along Little Bayou Sarah.

 -- Turn right to Pinckneyville (Little Bayou Sarah).

-- At Pond there is a crossroads with a General Store next to a burro farm on your left.

-- Take the road to Clark Creek Natural Area (there's a fallen sign on the main road) toward that General Store.

-- Continue past the General Store. Park at the top of the hill on the left side of the road
 
 

Equipment

-- Hand lens, geological hammer, field note book and pencils, clipboard, compass.

Handout consist of two copies of topographic map and a general information sheet of the park.
 
 

Marginalia

 Bring lunch and water. Bring adequate clothes and footwear. If it is raining and cold you will feel miserable unless you have brought gloves, boots, warm underwear, a flask of hot liquids. The area is very steep and full of ravines. Light boots are preferable. Bring the topographic profiles from the first lab. There are no toilets at the Clark Creek General Store.
 
 

Restrictions

In case of bad weather, contact Juan M. Lorenzo at 344-5963 between 6.30 a.m. and 7.00 a.m. the morning of the trip.

 Please, no alcoholic drinks are permitted in the university vehicles.