(1) Your field books will be graded for neatness and clarity (20 % of grade)

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

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

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

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

All work is due on Thursday, March 19 at 3.00 p.m.

Techniques we will review in the Field
 

• Major types of geological contacts: unconformities, bedding surfaces.
• Stratigraphic column, geological contacts, sediments, sediment grain sizes, measuring bearings with your compass, map scale, apparent vs. true dips.
• Field identification of quartz clasts, clay, and fossils.
• There are 2 major sedimentary bedding surface contacts:
• The first contact lies between the Peoria loess and the sand and gravel (Citronelle Formation) and the second lies between the sands and gravels, and the Miocene Fleming Group clay and silty clay (also contains travertine).

http://www.geol.lsu.edu/rferrell/class/ClarkCreek/Clark.html

http://tellus.geol.lsu.edu/html/Ft_Adams_Field_Trip_pict.html

(1) In which unit will you expect to find fossils?

(2) What is the dominant color of the Citronelle Formation?

(3) Within which unit will you find the waterfalls?

(4) Are there any public toilets at the Pond General Store?

Carry out a geologic traverse marking positions on a map and take down geological observations at each geologic stop/contact, describe the sediments, position yourself on the map (with a number). There will be approximately 5 - 6 stops.

(a) Complete geological section at the first stop.

(b) Complete the 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.

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

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

-- 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 is 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, and a flask with hot chocolate, coffee or tea. 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.