GMS Field Trip April 2022

GMS Field Trip
Gravel in Alabama
Saturday, April 16, 2022

This gravel field trip has become a popular location for many GMS members. Why? Because there is a variety of interesting things to collect, and that variety changes every time we are there. The flavor du jour was weird stuff. Plus a few good agates and a few nice fossils, but weird won the day.

Intrepid members faced the prospect of being rained upon all day, but instead, it rained just long enough to wet the gravel so we could see what was there! Yes, on a regular day, you would bring a spray bottle and wet the gravel yourself, so naturally wet gravel made collecting super easy. Maybe that’s why the “weirdites” abounded. Some of the unusual finds of the day: possible stromatolites, a “cupcake” rock, pisolitic rocks, and a fossil shell imprint smack in the middle of a pebble!

Ooliths are tiny concretions that vary in size from .25mm to 2mm. Oolitic rocks are made of ooliths (also called ooids). Pisoliths are similar to ooliths, but larger than 2mm, and pisolitic rocks are made up of pisoliths. We usually find oolitic rocks at this location but it is the first time we have ever found any pisolitic rocks.

The quarry people were incredibly gracious and accommodating. The piles we were allowed to peruse were specifically set aside just for us. We cannot thank them enough for their generosity. Thank you also to Charles for setting up this fantastic trip, and thank you to all of the participants who made the day so much fun!

Lori Carter
On behalf of Charles Carter, Field Trip Chair
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