POSTPONED TO FALL 2021: 85TH ANNUAL FIELD CONFERENCE
OF PENNSYLVANIA GEOLOGISTS
GEOLOGY OF OHIOPYLE STATE PARK AND
THE LAUREL HIGHLANDS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Conference planning will continue, because as stated in our announcement email, we are determined to showcase all the work that has been done in the area! The one-year delay in the 85th Field Conference has opened the opportunity for a guidebook rich in research articles highlighting geologic research in the State, particularly projects that have been completed or are in progress in the region covered by the 2020-21 conference. Articles from students and early-career geoscientists are particularly welcome. The articles can be on any geoscience or related topic including geologic mapping, trail guides, environmental geology, history of geology, geoarcheology, and geologic education.
We will be experimenting with a guidebook review process that would allow for the articles to count as published papers and be cited as peer-reviewed science. Authors are encouraged to assemble a guidebook manuscript and submit it for peer review to two colleagues who will comment on the quality of the data and interpretations and make suggestions on how it can be improved. The author then revises the manuscript according to the reviews and submits the entire package including original manuscript, reviews, and revised manuscript to Kristen Hand by Friday June 4, 2021. Specific guidelines for article format, construction of figures, citation of references, and the submission process are forthcoming.
Now Available!
A PRELUDE TO THE GEOLOGY OF OHIOPYLE STATE PARK AND
THE LAUREL HIGHLANDS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Schedule: Nov 16 - Videos are posted here! Please watch them prior to the live sessions. Come
prepared with questions and comments to discuss with the video hosts.
Nov 19, 6-7 PM - live session with Frank Pazzaglia and Steve Lindberg
Nov 20, 6-7 PM - live session with Jim Shaulis and Katie Schmid
Location: Videos on this webpage. Live sessions will be hosted on Zoom - meeting links will be
emailed to registrants.
Cost: Free
Video hosts: Jim Shaulis, PA Geological Survey
Katie Schmid, PA Geological Survey, and Ryan Maurer, Fayette Co. Cave Survey
Frank Pazzaglia, Lehigh University
Steve Lindberg, Energy and Earth Resources Dept., University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
Participants eligible for up to 3 PDHs for watching all videos and attending both live sessions.
Please visit our Virtual Conference page for more information.
The 85th Annual Field Conference of Pennsylvania Geologists will be held in the Fall of 2021 and focus on the geology of Ohiopyle State Park and surrounding areas in the Laurel Highlands with a special emphasis on geoheritage attributes of several sites. During the last half of the 18th century George Washington and other adventurers made some history while they ventured over the rock strata in this region. In 1877, J.J. Stevenson, was the first to notice that the Youghiogheny River at one time flowed across the narrow neck of what today is known today as the Ferncliff Peninsula (see photo above).
In the FCOPG’s 89-year history it has visited Ohiopyle twice, but the last time was nearly 60 years ago. Since then the area has been made into a state park, and we’ve learned more about the geology and evolutionary history of its landscape. Topics to be discussed include: Pleistocene weathering and erosion rates related to Lake Monongahela and knickpoint migration in its Youghiogheny tributary; weathering rates of Homewood sandstone on Laurel Ridge related to the formation of Turtlehead Rock Bog and the preserved ecological record; understanding the complexity of ground water movement in Mississippian Mauch Chunk and Burgoon strata to form caves and its impact on underground mining and springs; the Paleozoic stratigraphy and structural geology of the area; and also some unique geologic and culturally historic aspects of Pennsylvanian and Mississippian strata exposed at quarries, water falls, rail trails, ridgelines and caves. The headquarters will be the Seven Springs Resort in Somerset County.