Event Reminder: The Early Evolution of Birds and why they Survived the Dinosaurs
Date Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Time 19:30
Zoom Details:
Early Evolution of Birds, Zoom Link
Dr. Daniel Field, Cambridge University
Dr Field is an evolutionary biologist and vertebrate palaeontologist at Cambridge University where he is Director of Studies for Earth Sciences, University Assistant Professor and Strickland Curator of Ornithology. He is interested in the evolutionary origins of birds and other tetrapod groups. In 2020 he published the work which he and his team had done in discovering Asteriornis maastrichtensis (aka “the Wonderchicken”), the oldest-known modern bird fossil and an early relative of the group that gave rise to living chickens and ducks.
Daniel will be talking about this work and how birds survived and diversified following the mass extinction of the non-avian dinosaurs. This includes looking at aspects such as how the modern bird skull evolved into its distinctive form. Daniel’s studies include the use of fossil, anatomical and molecular data and his talk promises to give us a very up-to-date insight into this fascinating field of research.
Event Reminder: Armathwaite Dyke and the Permian of Eden Valley
Leader: Phil Davies
Date: 11 September 2022
Time: 10:00 AM
Meet: Armathwaite Bridge, east end, near the Fox and Pheasant. On-road parking with care. NY 508 450.A three part excursion entailing visiting outcrops via woodland paths. Part 1: visit the Palaeogene-age Armathwaite Dyke where it crosses the River Eden about 750m upstream of Armathwaite Bridge. Part 2: relocate by car to visit Permian sandstones and Brockram, Low House Wood, parking beyond Drybeck Farm NY 515 484. Then return by car to Armathwaite Bridge. Option for refreshments at Fox and Pheasant. Ad hoc lunch stop. Optional extension to Part 3: relocate by car to Penrith. Visit Permian dune sandstone exposures at (disused) Cowraike Quarry SSSI, parking NY 540 303.
Members can find additional excursion notes in the membership area at
https://www.cumberland-geol-soc.org.uk/armathwaite-dyke-etc-cgs_2022-09-11/
Postponed Event: High Rigg
Cancelled: Irthing Gorge Lower Carboniferous
Irthing Gorge Lower Carboniferous
Leader: Ben Johnson
Meet: 10.30 Gilsland Spa Car Park, NY636676
Rescheduled to 20th August
A look at the Upper Border Group, part of the Lower Carboniferous. A deep gorge is cut by the River Irthing exposing alternating sediments. We can also walk around to the remains of the Popping Stone NY 6350 6812. If time permits, we can drive up to Crammel Linn waterfall (Parking NY63616980) and better see the effects of the Gilsland Fault Belt. Steep paths, slippery when wet. Fossil hunting possibilities in river boulders.
