| This group, now in its fifth year, of some 20 members, continues to meet as a house group
which provides a friendly, sociable and informal learning atmosphere in which members are
encouraged to contribute. The focus is on describing and attempting to explain the relationship between the Earth
Science of Geology and the natural and human landscapes of planet earth. This involves
exploring the evolution of our planet in the solar system, an understanding of our Earth's
history, and the effects of the continuing process of plate tectonics and sea floor spreading
and its interrelationship with earthquakes, volcanicity and mountain formation, and also of
climatic change, including Ice Ages. Other topics examine the influence of geology on
prehistoric man, early civilisations, and on mans economic and cultural activities such as
industry, mining and conservation (e.g. proposed South Downs national park).
The identification of minerals, rocks and fossils and recognition of landscape features is
fostered through field study; 3-4 day visits are arranged throughout the year, and in early
summer 2003 the residential field trip will be to Shropshire (Church
Stretton) The first meeting is on September 25th. |
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