Field Geology Club of South Australia

Maslin Beach: Sediments, fossils & unconformity

Sunday 25th October

Leader: Kym Dixon

Contact: frances.williams@adelaide.edu.au

Details

Meet at 10:00 am at the carpark at the northern end of Maslin Beach. Allow about 40 minutes for the 40km trip if leaving from Adelaide CBD. Use the Southern Expressway. When travelling along Main South Rd after Seaford Rise, turn right into Tatachilla Rd which becomes Gulf Rd. After 5km from Main South Rd you will come to the carpark. Note, it is not the southern car park off Tuit Rd.

Maslin Beach is regarded as one of the finest beaches in our state. It also shows very clearly a nice sequence of Tertiary sedimentary formations laid down in the Willunga Basin. Because the rocks are gently dipping we will encounter each formation in turn as we walk along the beach. We will see clear evidence of the gradual uplift of the area in Eocene times. Several of the formations contain a variety of fossils that can be easily seen in the rocks that have fallen from the cliff face. In addition, there is an unconformity in the top section of the cliff face. This excursion will provide a perfect teaching aid to many fundamental sedimentary concepts. This beach was Australia’s official nudist beach - declared in 1975. The few nudists who could be there should not be a problem for us – they tend to retreat into the caves when they see clothed people approaching.

The excursion will involve about a leisurely 3km walk on firm sand. If you have a geological hammer – bring it because it is permissible to forage for fossils in the fallen rocks. A hand lens and plastic collection bags will also be useful. Toilets are located in the car park. We anticipate finishing back at the car park at about 2 – 3 pm.

Bring lunch, there are no cafes at the beach. We will eat our lunch somewhere along the walk. Watch the weather forecast and dress appropriately to the conditions. Note: don’t bring your bathers!

Please sign the form at the October meeting if you wish to come on the excursion. Alternatively, contact myself or Frances Williams. Your name, email address and phone (mobile) contact will be required. I will email participants a set of background notes, plus I will have a few spare hardcopies on the day.

kymdixon1@bigpond.com or frances.williams@adelaide.edu.au

ANNUAL PICNIC SATURDAY 28^th NOVEMBER FROM 12 NOON

Following tradition, this will be held in Hazelwood Park, north of Greenhill Road.
Cars may be parked either on the northern side of the park, off Davenport Terrace, or on the southern side off Olive and Hawthorn Groves (across the little bridge from the park). It is easy to spot us – we will be under the olive trees, just south of the toilets.
The Field Geology Club will naturally be following the COVID -19 Safe Plan and as a result, we are not permitted to serve any food in the usual buffet style. There will be sanitisers and also, disposable glove available.
Bring own bowl of salad, wine or other drinks, folding chair, your own plate and utensils. A folding picnic table is useful if you have one. Children, dogs etc. are welcome.
Provided free will be one quarter roast chicken per person, and one vanilla ice cream
but for catering purposes these must be ordered when you sign up for the picnic –
either on the list at the next meeting, or by contacting the Picnic Organiser;– Dianne Radomski: details are on the back of the Bulletin.

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FGC ANNUAL DINNER
Buckingham Arms Hotel, 1 Walkerville Tce, Walkerville.
Friday 13^th November 6:30 for 7:pm, Cost $20 - $30 – a la carte (due to Covid-19)
For further information please contact Dianne Radomski – details are on the back of the bulletin.

PLEASE REGISTER at next meeting if you wish to attend either event.