[Aqualist] AQUA pre-conference field trip: First Circular

[Tim Barrows]

AQUA pre-conference field trip: First Circular

A field trip will run before the 2004 Australasian Quaternary Association 
meeting at Cradle Mountain looking at glacial and periglacial geomorphology 
of Tasmania. Below is the program for the trip. The trip will begin in 
Launceston and will travel around Tasmania clockwise.

Program

2nd December (Thursday)
Pre-trip meeting at Launceston airport in the evening.

3rd December (Friday)
Ben Lomond Plateau

The largest expanse of alpine area in Australia, the Ben Lomond Plateau 
sports a huge variety of glacial and periglacial geomorphology. The plateau 
edge is draped in talus slopes and relict rock glaciers whereas vast 
solifluction slopes fill the valleys on top of the plateau. At some point 
during the Pleistocene an ice sheet extended over the plateau and spilled 
out on to the flanks. Exposure ages on a relict rock glacier limit this 
glaciation to before 500,000 yr. During the last glacial maximum (LGM) only 
a small area was glaciated. We will look at the evidence for an ice sheet 
and one of the talus slopes we exposure dated.

4th December (Saturday)
Mt Field National Park

On the second day we will look at some of the exceptionally well-preserved 
glacial geology in the Mt Field area. Here are some of the best-dated 
moraines in Tasmania from the LGM together with a record of rapid ice 
retreat. There is also clear evidence here for an ice advance during MIS 3 
and the youngest moraines dated in Tasmania.

5th December (Sunday)
West Coast Range

On the last day we will travel through the West Coast Range. We will look 
at the Hamilton Moraine, one of the most impressive moraines in Tasmania. 
Viewed as the LGM type section in the past, exposure dating shows that it 
is older than 190,000 yr and was probably formed before 350,000 yr. We will 
also see the Poets Hill moraine, left an the LGM glacier. Time permitting; 
we may look at some older glacial features on the drive to Cradle Mountain.

Light hiking will be involved, so a reasonable level of fitness will be 
required.

References
Barrows, T. T., J. O., Stone, L. K., Fifield, and R. G., Cresswell (2002). 
The timing of the last glacial maximum in Australia. Quaternary Science 
Reviews, 21: 159-173.
Barrows, T. T., Stone, J. O., and Fifield, L. K. (2004). The timing of late 
Pleistocene periglacial activity in Australia. Quaternary Science Reviews, 
23: 697-708.

Numbers for the trip will be finalised on the 15th September and costs will 
be calculated. The second and final circular will then be sent to those who 
have registered an interest. Payment will be due by the 10th October. 
Refunds will not be possible after this date (the money will be spent!), 
but you may be able to swap with someone on a reserve list. Total numbers 
may be limited to 12.

We will hire vehicles in Launceston, and these will need to be returned to 
Launceston after the meeting. Those with their own vehicles may be able to 
help transport some of the trip attendants cheaply.

We will stay in budget accommodation where possible and camping 
opportunities will be present at each location. To keep costs to a minimum, 
meals will not be included. There will be some opportunity to self cater, 
if you can bring the appropriate equipment. Depending on the level of 
interest, both a budget registration and a 2nd tier option (softer beds) 
will be offered.

To register for the field trip, please send an email to Tim Barrows.