Introductory Geology, with an exercise for you

Those of you who re-enrolled in Introductory Geology this year will have realised that the walk so far has been one long field trip. Your field notebooks should therefore make interesting reading. Remember that they have to be handed in at the end for marking!

Think back on colours. For instance the reds of the northern Brecon Beacons and the reds of south Staffordshire. Then think back on paths. For instance the springy turf we’ve walked over in places. Then think back on names. For instance that lexicon of signposts in the Welsh Borderland – Aymestry, Bringewood, Downton, Ludlow, Wenlock. Then think back on plants. For instance the holly in the hedges. Then think back on age. So far we’ve crossed almost everything from late Precambrian to Triassic, with also of course the glacial and post-glacial overprint.

Which brings me to your exercise. Here are two outcrop photographs of the same sedimentary structure. What is the critical difference between them – and I do not mean that one of them has a Turkish actress for scale? Answers in time for Monday’s tutorial, please.

Field example 1. Lud’s Church.

Field example 2. Deniz Akkaya for scale.

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