Field Trip (A) - CANCELLED

Triassic dryland rivers and modern tidal flats: a field trip to the Cheverie Shore, Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia's Minas Basin has the world's highest tides, resulting in spectacular cliff exposures and vast expanses of tidal flats. On this field trip we examine the superbly exposed late Triassic dryland rivers of early Atlantic rifting time: the wide wave-cut platform allows for examination of fluvial architecture in 3D. At low tide, we have a chance to examine the immense Rainy Cove tidal flat. These locations are well documented.

High tide is at 13:00. We therefore don't leave Halifax until 10:00. There will be a coffee and bathroom stop on the coast prior to going out in the field. Lunch will be in the field.

Participants should come with sturdy field boots, preferably water-repellent or somewhat supportive rubber boots.

Field Trip (B) - CANCELLED

Petroleum-Pluton Parallels - granite magmas mimicking fracking processes,
sedimentary structures and degassing activity

• Costco Contact – metasedimentary rocks and granite in juxtaposition
• Portuguese Cove Elephant – natural fracking of metasedimentary rocks
• Chebucto Head Layering – well-developed sedimentary structures in granitic rocks
• Prospect Ring Schlieren – magma degassing structures
• Peggy’s Cove Scenery – Nova Scotia’s principal tourist destination

As the trip will run ‘rain or shine’, participants should bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a rain jacket, camera (if desired), water, and a snack.

Field Trip (C)

The Coal-Age Galapagos: a field trip to the Joggins Fossil Cliffs, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site

The Joggins Fossil Cliffs were awarded status as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2008 for their cultural, scientific and historic importance:

“The classic coastal section at Joggins, Nova Scotia, is of outstanding universal value. It contains an unrivalled fossil record preserved in its environmental context, which represents the finest example in the world of the terrestrial tropical environment and ecosystems of the Pennsylvanian 'Coal Age' of the Earth's history.” - Statement from the UNESCO submission

Preserved in situ at Joggins, “Coal Age” trees stand where they grew, the footprints of creatures are frozen where they once walked, the dens of amphibians are preserved with remnants of their last meal, and the earliest reptiles remain entombed within once hollow trees. Nowhere is this record of plant, invertebrate and vertebrate life within now fossilized forests rendered more evocatively. Please visit the Joggins Fossil Centre website for more information and to view spectacular images and video: http://jogginsfossilcliffs.net/centre/

Participants should come with sturdy footwear, prepared for an extended hike on a cobble strewn beach. As the trip will run ‘rain or shine’, participants should bring a hat, sunglasses,sunscreen, a rain jacket, camera (if desired), water, and a snack.