The next IGA field trip will be led by Dr. Markus Pracht (Geological Survey Ireland in the Burren.

It is recommended that you book your accommodation in the vicinity of Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare.

Timetable:

• Friday 14 June: optional talk in Ballyvaughan around 8pm 
• Saturday 15 June: start at 10am sharp to 5pm (bring pack lunch - meeting point TBC) 
• Sunday 16 June: start at 10am - half-day field trip.

Field trip details: 

This field trip will look at the upper Viséan shallow water open marine platform carbonates of the Burren region in the West of Ireland. 

On day 1, we will look first at rocks of the uppermost Tubber Formation (upper Holkerian in age (MFZ12)), followed by limestones of the Burren Formation (Asbian (MFZ13-14) age) and finally cherty and more argillaceous limestones of the Slievenaglasha Formation (Brigantian (MFZ15) age. 

On day 2, we will look at the siliciclastic rocks (shales, sandstones and mudstones) of the unconformably overlying Clare Shale and Gull Island Formation (Serpukhovian age (MFZ16)).  Although karst features will accompany us on both days, on day 2 we will look at a swallow hole and discuss "Karst" in more detail.

Biography:

Markus completed his first degree in Geology and Palaeontology at the University of Freiburg in Breisgau, Germany. He received a PhD from the National University of Ireland, Cork in 1994 with his subject area being the Old Red Sandstones and (sub)-Volcanics of the Beara Peninsula in County Cork. Markus has extensive experience of working as a geologist in the Bedrock /Landmapping section of the GSI.  After successful completion of the 100k project, work began on 50k mapping program. Since c. 2006 his work has concentrated on the undifferentiated Viséan rocks with current focus on East Galway and Roscommon.

Key Publications for the Field Trip:

Gallagher, S.V., MacDermot, C.V., Somerville, I.D., Pracht, M. and Sleeman, A.G. 2006. Biostratigraphy, microfacies and depositional environments of Upper Viséan limestones from the Burren region, County Clare, Ireland. Geological Journal, 41, 61-91.

Meere, P. and Higgs, K. 2013. The Burren National Park, County Clare: Carboniferous sedimentary rocks and karst landscape, 181-193. In: Meere, P., MacCarthy, I. Reavy, J. Allen, A. and Higgs, K. 2013. Geology of Ireland. A Field Guide.

Parkes,M. 2014. Banner Rocks. The Geological Heritage of County Clare. publ. by Clare County Council.

Pracht, M., Lees, A., Leake, B. Feely, M., Long, B. Morris, J., McConnell, B. 2004. Geology of Galway Bay: A geological description to accomapny the Bedrock Geology 1:100,000 scale Map Series, Sheet 14, Galway Bay, Geological Survey of Ireland.

A.G.Sleeman, R.P.Scanlon, M.Pracht and S.Caloca, 2008. Landscape and Rocks of the Burren. Bedrock Geological map 1:50,000 scale with Photographs of the landscape and key geological localities, places of special interest and how the rocks were formed - diagrams and descriptions to explain the origin of the rocks. Geological Survey of Ireland.

Outdoor events guidelines:

Footwear with strong ankle support and protective raingear and headgear are recommended.

If you can car-pool with others, please do so.

If you are bringing a non-member to the event, please inform him/her of the Health & Safety factors.