Stratigraphy of Silurian sandstones in western Virginia from Eagle Rock to Bluegrass

September 25-26, 2015
Natural Bridge Park


John Haynes and Steve Whitmeyer: James Madison University

Rick Diecchio: George Mason University

REGISTER for the Conference

This year's field trip will be focused on examining the local and regional stratigraphic relationships among the many Silurian sandstones in western Virginia, from Eagle Rock in Botetourt County, to Bluegrass in Highland County. This is a complex stratigraphic interval, and regional correlations have been puzzled over by geologists in this area for decades, even before 1941, when H.P. Woodward referred to exposures in the Eagle Rock and Clifton Forge area as a "stratigraphic tangle of Silurian sandstones". We will see quartz arenites in the Tuscarora, Keefer, McKenzie, Williamsport, Wills Creek, and Tonoloway formations, as individual formations, and collectively as a locally restricted but thick amalgamated unit known as the "Eagle Rock Sandstone." We will also examine exposures where shales and limestones represent more distal facies equivalents of most of the quartz arenites of the more proximal sections.

Lodging:

The conference will be based out of the Natural Bridge Hotel, Natural Bridge Virginia. For information regarding rooms and rates contact- http://www.naturalbridgeva.com/

Camping:

Natural Bridge KOA (RVs, Tents, and Cabins) http://www.naturalbridgekoa.com/

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park http://www.campnbr.com/

Wilderness Canoe Campground http://www.wildernesscanoecompany.com/