Field Trip: Lilstock Bay
Leader:
Entry Fee
Members: Free
Visitors: £3.00
Date and Time
10:30
Location
Will be provided on registration
Field Trip Description
Sunday May 29th, 2022 @ 10:30am-4:00pm
The day will be spent looking at the cliff and foreshore sections to the east of the beach access at Lilstock Bay. The trip will examine the Triassic-Jurassic transition sequence between the Penarth Group (Westbury and Lilstock Formations) and the Blue Lias. This will provide the opportunity to discuss the causes of end Triassic extinction / biotic crisis. We will also look at the fault and fractures exposed in both cliff and foreshore including relay ramps which provide an appreciation of how faults propagate and link-up. A classic example of a fault gouge will also be examined.
Other subjects of interest include coastal geomorphology and the fossils (ammonites!). The remains of the old port near the beach access will also be visited.
Satellite view (Google Earth captured 06-2006) showing fault structure
Practical and HSE: Low tide on 29th May is about mid-day so most of the walking will be on the foreshore platform which is relatively easy, although some clambering over the rocky ledges, which form mico-cuestas, will be required. Walking over rounded cobbles of the upper shore face storm beach will also be necessary, especially later in the afternoon, due to the rising tide. It should be possible to avoid thick Severn Estuary mud. There are no facilities on the beach. Please bring a packed lunch.
Parts of the cliff face are especially hazardous due to overhanging ledges of Blue Lias paper shales and limestones. Extreme care should be taken and hard hats are mandatory. Stout boots with ankle support are advised.
To register please email Bob Mustow at [email protected]
Important Notice: Bath Geological Society Insurance
Each person attending a field meeting does so on the understanding that he/she attends at his/her own risk. The Bath Geological Society has Public Liability Insurance Cover for field and indoor meetings, but Personal Accident Cover and Personal Liability Cover remain the responsibility and personal choice of the participant.
There may be an element of appropriate cover included in house insurance or in travel insurance: although Bath Geological Society activities are not particularly dangerous members are advised to check whether exclusions apply to activities in which they plan to participate in case they wish to arrange further cover. An annual travel insurance may be the best solution for any member who regularly attends field events: this again is a matter of choice.
Please note however that all members participating in overseas events will be required to have travel insurance for the duration of the event: this is so that participants are covered for Medical, Repatriation and Personal Liability expenses. The Personal Accident element remains the personal choice of the member and again members are advised to check exclusions so that they can make an informed decision about the cover they want.