Fieldtrip Essentials. A Guide for the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark

Transcription

1 2 Fieldtrip Essentials A Guide for the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark

2 3 Contents About this guide 3 About us 3 Education service 4 Areas of study 5 Field-trip localities 7 Bibliography & references 15 Useful information 17 Contacting us 18

3 4 About this guide This guide has been prepared to assist further education establishments who may be considering a geological / geomorphological fieldtrip to Counties Fermanagh and Cavan. This booklet is not intended to be an all encompassing fieldtrip guide, it merely provides information on the possibilities for study in the region as well as providing assistance with the logistical organisation of any potential fieldtrip. About us Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark is one of only two Geoparks on the island of Ireland and encompasseses 18,000 hectares of public lands in Counties Fermanagh and Cavan. A Geopark is an area with an outstanding geological heritage, whether that is because it is of great scientific value, good for education, very rare or simply because it is beautiful to look at. What makes a Geopark so special however is that it has a real commitment to benefit the local community, by attracting visitors to the area and creating an increased need for local services. Cavan and Fermanagh share a common geological heritage in that they are underlain primarily by a sequence of Carboniferous sedimentary rocks. The dominant rock type is Carboniferous limestone meaning that extensive cave systems and karst have developed including the Marble Arch Caves themselves. As in most parts of Ireland, evidence from the last glaciation is common throughout the area, and unusually more than once phase of glaciation is recorded is some places. Such geodiversity lends itself well to numerous possibilities for studying geology and / or geomorphology. The Geopark has its base at the Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre where Geopark management staff are situated and day-to-day operational activities are carried out from. This is an ideal place to start any field visit as it is strategically located in the centre of the expanded Geopark region. For more information on UNESCO Global Geopark please visit: Educational Services

4 5 Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark has a wide programme of activities for school children of all ages. Around the Visitor Centre there are numerous activities that can be carried out as part of organised educational activities. Please see Education and Learning Section of our website for more detail. At further education level we realise that many staff members prefer to organise and lead their own groups so that is why this booklet has been prepared. It should be noted that the Geopark has a dedicated geologist who is on hand should you have any questions about your visit and can provide additional information on any aspect of your trip. The Geopark has a number of resources that can be availed of including a collection of rock thin section photomicrographs, fossil and rock collection, aerial photography, detailed maps (including cave maps) and a small library. Regional Map Areas of study

5 6 There are various areas of study that can be covered whilst on a fieldtrip to Counties Fermanagh and Cavan. Some of these have been listed below but this list is by no means exhaustive. Carboniferous Geology The Geopark contains one of the most complete successions of Carboniferous rocks in the north of Ireland. This makes it the ideal place to study the various palaeoenvironments that are represented within the rock record. Areas of study include: Sedimentology Stratigraphy Palaeoecology Karst Geomorphology & Hydrology The presence of large amounts of Carboniferous limestone at or very near the surface, especially on the middle slopes of Cuilcagh Mountain, means that many karst features are visible and easily accessible. The Marble Arch Caves European Geopark has had a long association with the limestone research group from the University of Huddersfield. This has been exceptionally beneficial to the Geopark for a number of reasons not least because the research carried out has provided an excellent base for karst hydrology studies. Surface (exokarst) landforms Underground (endokarst) landforms Glacial Geology Due to their relatively rural locations, the Counties of Fermanagh and Cavan are reasonably undeveloped meaning that many glacial landforms have remained visible and have not been removed or destroyed. This area is unusual in that it is one of the few areas of Ireland that records more than one phase of glaciation. Areas of study include: Depositional landforms Erosional landforms General Geology & Geomorphology Representation from all three of the major rock groups is present in the Geopark making it an ideal place for an introduction to geology. The overall landscape of the Geopark is extremely diverse ranging from the rugged uplands in the north of the area to the gently rolling lowlands in the south. This means that general geomorphological studies can easily be carried out. The area has received relatively little attention from researchers not least because of the conflict in Northern Ireland during the last century. This has meant that there are few detailed geological maps that span the whole area. Coupled with the rural aspect of the region and the quality of outcrop, the area is an ideal location to carry out undergraduate mapping projects.

6 7 Introduction to geology Introduction to geomorphology Geological mapping Local Solid Geology Fieldtrip Localities

7 8 Several fieldtrip localities have been suggested offering a wide range of activities and covering a wide range of geological and geomorphological subjects. In each case a scanned map has been provided as well as a brief list of activities and subjects that could be covered. Lough Navar Forest Map taken from 1:50000 OS Map Sheet 17 Lower Lough Erne Lough Navar Forest is located in West Fermanagh and is owned and managed by Forest Service NI. The area is extensively forested in parts but in other areas forestry activities have not taken place or clearfelling has occurred allowing access to outcrops. Access is primarily along the Lough Navar Scenic Drive, a 7-mile drive through the forest. There are several forest roads off this main thoroughfare that can be accessed by off-road vehicles if not blocked with a locked gate or can be used on foot at any time. Features within the forest:

8 9 Blackslee Dyke Palaeogene dyke exposed at several localities allowing for the study of igneous rocks and their relationship with surrounding country rocks. Disused limestone quarry Lower Carboniferous Dartry Limestone exposed in large disused quarry. Tafoni weathering Several exposed Upper Carboniferous sandstone scarps have developed unusual weathering features. Active slope movement Exposures of Quaternary drift material along the roadside have occurred due to recent slope movement. General geomorphology Several scenic virepoints along the Lough Navar scenic drive allow for the study of regional geomorphology. Features of note include glacially overdeepened lakes, drumlins, and exposed limestone scarps. View over Lower Lough Erne from Lough Navar Viewpoint Legnabrocky

9 10 Map taken from 1:50000 OS Map Sheet 26 Lough Allen Legnabrocky is the name of a townland located within Cuilcagh Mountain Park. There is a track that leads from the entrance of the mountain park to approximately 1km from the summit of Cuilcagh Mountain. This can be accessed by an off-road vehicle as long as permission is sought from Marble Arch Caves staff. The primary interest in this area is the karst landscape that has formed as a result of the underlying Lower Carboniferous Dartry Limestone. There are however a number of other interesting features that can also be investigated. There are several features that can be examined as part of a fieldtrip in this area: General observations of surface karst features such as limestone pavement, Rundkarren, tufa deposits and various types of dolines. Hydrological mapping of underground karst systems Mapping and measurements of dolines General geological mapping of the near complete mid-carboniferous succession

10 11 Karren features just off the Legnabrocky Track Carboniferous succession just off Legnabrocky Track

11 12 Gortalughany Map taken from 1:50000 OS Map Sheet 17 Lough Allen Gortalughany is a series of sites located off the main Enniskillen to Swanlinbar Road (A32) and is signposted as Gortalughany Scenic View. The road that leads to the final parking area is narrow and has several tight bends. It is accessible by a minibus but not by any vehicles bigger than this. The quarries are privately owned but there is no problem with academic groups using the area. The viewpoint is public access. The area that contains the Legacurragh limestone pavement is owned by the Forest Service and is managed by Fermanagh District Council so access on foot is allowed. There are a selection of suggested sites and activities noted below. A workbook is also available that has been compiled for use by A Level and University geology students. Gortalughany Quarries Things to see: Disused limekiln, Lower Carboniferous limestone, sedimentary structures, palaeokarst Activities: Graphic logging, Fischer plot construction

12 13 Gortalughany Viewpoint Things to see: Geological and geomorphological overview, drumlin landscape, working quarries Legacurragh limestone pavement Things to see: Dry valley, dolines, limestone pavement, Lower Carboniferous palaeontology Activities: Palaeocological analysis Palaeokarst exposed at one of the Gortalughany quarries

13 14 Cavan Burren Park Map taken from 1:50000 OS Map Sheet 26 Lough Allen The Cavan Burren is located on a minor road leading south from the small town of Blacklion. The Cavan Burren is owned and managed by Coillte and access is fully available. The Burren is known locally for its archaeological significance with over 100 archaeology sites within a 250 acre area. Much of this area is heavily forested but there are parts of this forest where excellent geology can be seen. Main points of interest: Glacial erratics there are hundreds of glacial erratics within this forest many of which are known as pedestal rocks due to their location on top of limestone plinths. This is the ideal area to study the distribution and size of glacial erratic trains. Karst hydrology there is a relict dry valley and its associated sinkhole in the Burren forest known as the lost valley. These are interesting when studying the hydrological history of the area. General karst features areas of the forest contain fine examples of limestone pavement.

14 15 Pedestal rock in the Burren Forest The Calf House Neolithic Portal Tomb in the Burren Forest

15 16 Bibliography & References A selection of references has been provided in the list below that may be useful for further information on the area. McCabe, M. & Dunlop, P. (2006). The Last Glacial Termination in Northern Ireland. Geological Survey of Northern Ireland, Belfast. Mitchell, W.I. (Ed.) (2004). Geology of Northern Ireland: Our Natural Foundation. Geological Survey of Northern Ireland, Belfast. Legg, I.C., Johnston, T.P., Mitchell, W.I. & Smith, R.A. (1998). The geology of the country around Derrygonnelly and Marble Arch. Memoir for 1:50,000 Geological Sheets 44, 56 and 43 (Northern Ireland). Geological Survey of Northern Ireland, Belfast. Harney, S., Long, C.B. & MacDermott, C.V. (1996). Geology of Sligo - Leitrim: A Geological Description of Sligo, Leitrim and adjoining parts of Cavan, Fermanagh, Mayo and Roscommon, with accompanying Bedrock Geology 1:100,000 Scale Map, Sheet 7, Sligo Leitrim. Geological Survey of Ireland, Dublin. Dykes, A.P. & Kirk, K.J. (2006). Slope instability and mass movements in peat deposits. In: Martini, I P, Martínez Cortizas, A and Chesworth, W (Eds.), Peatlands: Evolution and Records of Environmental and Climatic Changes. Elsevier, Amsterdam. Yang, J. and Dykes, A.P. (2006). The liquid limit of peat and its application to the understanding of Irish blanket bog failures. Landslides. Gunn, J. (2002). The UK s first European Geopark. Earth heritage, 18, Kelly, J.G., I. Enlander, A.M. Kelly & T. Fogg (2002). The geological setting, hydrology and ecology of Roosky Turlough, Ely, Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. Cave & Karst Science, 29 (3): Clark, C.D. & Meehan, R.T. (2001). Subglacial bedform geomorphology of the Irish Ice Sheet reveals major configuration changes during growth and decay. Journal of Quaternary Science, 16 (5): Dykes, A.P. & Kirk, K.J. (2001). Initiation of a multiple peat slide on Cuilcagh Mountain, Northern Ireland. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 26, Dykes, A.P. & Kirk, K.J. (2000). Morphology and interpretation for a recent multiple peat slide event on Cuilcagh Mountain, Northern Ireland. In

16 17 Bromhead, E, Dixon, R and Ibsen, M-L (Eds.), Landslides in Research, Theory and Practice (Vol. 1). Thomas Telford, London, Gunn, J. (2000). Karst catchment protection : The Cuilcagh Mountain Park initiative, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. In: Barany-Kevei, I & Gunn, J. (Eds.) Essays in the ecology and conservation of karst, Special issue of Acta Geographica Szegedensis, XXXVI, Meehan R.T. (1999). Directions of ice flow during the last glaciation in counties Meath, Westmeath and Cavan, Ireland. Irish Geography, 32(1): Other sources of information that you may find useful are listed below: Geological Survey of Northern Ireland ( The GSNI can provide general geological information for all of Fermanagh; this includes geological maps and memoirs. The GSNI also has a large database highly detailed geophysical information, not just for Fermanagh but for the whole of Northern Ireland, that was recently acquired through the TELLUS project. Although this data is available free of charge providing there is a legitimate research need. Geological Survey of Ireland ( The GSI can provide general geological information for all of Cavan, which includes geological maps and memoirs.

17 18 Useful Information Places to stay: Field Studies Centre, Derrygonnelly, Co. Fermanagh Gortatole Outdoor Education Centre, Florencecourt, Co. Fermanagh Lough Melvin Holiday Centre, Garrison, Co. Fermanagh Sandville House Hostel, Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan Coach / minibus hire: Lakeland Tours Coaches, Co. Fermanagh Melvin Coach Hire, Co. Fermanagh Fays Coaches, Co. Cavan Martins Coaches, Co. Cavan For further information please contact Cavan Tourism and / or Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism. Other points: It should be noted that distance markers and speed limits are signposted in kilometres in the Republic of Ireland and in miles in Northern Ireland. The Euro is the currency of the Republic of Ireland whilst Sterling is the currency in Northern Ireland. The emergency services contact number is the same (999) in both countries.

18 19 Contact Us Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark Florencecourt Co. Fermanagh BT92 1EW NORTHERN IRELAND Telephone: +44 (0) Fax: +44 (0)