Missouri is known for its beautiful landscapes and scenery. Among these are historic but fascinating rock formations.
But they are often very complex.
Dr. Kevin Evans, professor of geography, geology and planning, will be leading educational field trips to formations like these Oct. 14 – 15 in Anderson, Missouri.
And the best part is students can come along, too.
The lesson plans
Evans is the president-elect of the Association of Missouri Geologists (AMG).
The non-profit organization aims to promote the study of geology in Missouri and the education, welfare and professional status of all geologists in the state.
Oct. 14-15 will be AMG’s 69th annual meeting. Evans will be leading the educational field trips in conjunction with the meeting.
The formations that will be visited in Anderson have an interesting component: petroleum.
“Along the sub-surface strata of southern Kansas and northern Oklahoma, there are oil fields,” Evans said. “They produce oil out of the same rocks that are exposed around Anderson.
“You can actually crack these rocks open and smell the oil.”
There have already been journals regarding this phenomenon written by geologists in other states, like the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG).
Evans says the meeting opens up the floor for Missouri geologists to provide their insights on the origin of this interesting find.
The trips also serve as a fantastic learning experience for students.
“These field trips introduce students to the gray areas of science,” Evans said. “We don’t have time machines, but we have imagination.
“We always can apply the question, ‘What if this is related to that?’ A lot of that is done in the sciences, but the hypothesis testing and experiments keep us honest and on the right track.”
The details
This trip is packed with activities, including:
- Friday, Oct. 14: Field trip #1, themed “Structural and Stratigraphic Framework of the Ozarks Uplift: A Show-Me Perspective of the Mississippi Lime Play; Why does Missouri have so many grabens?”
- Friday, Oct. 14: Evening includes business meeting, social, banquet and program.
- Saturday, Oct. 15: Field trip #2, themed “Structures and strata of Bee Bluff, Greasy Creek Fault, Washburn Syncline, and the Chesterian.”
Transportation, lodging and food will be provided.
Registration ends at 5 p.m. Oct. 7.
Ticket prices vary based on bundles that are purchased.