Question: Geology enthusiasts on KB?

**Mystic13** · 16th September 2009, 08:00

Originally Posted by Danae

Mystic I think you are thinking of geography lol...

I took a paper last semester, can't remember any of it though.

Yep, just having some fun. Although I didn't bet I did learn this year from my 16 year old daughter that Portugal is in Europe and not South America.

My sister is into rocks and land movement and earthquakes etc. It's what she researches and studies. Her belief is the South Island is over due for a biggie because of plate movement (I think) etc. Sorry I took little note of the conversation. She was really excited though.

**vifferman** · 16th September 2009, 09:19

I studied it a wee bit.
Just between 1977 and 1982, in between getting pissed, playing cards, riding bikes, finding a woman, getting married, that sort of thing.

**MsKABC** · 16th September 2009, 10:20

I have a masters degree in geology, my thesis was on ignimbrite geology in the Tokoroa plateau. I've forgotten most of what I learned by now though. My best friend is also a geologist and a motorcyclist.

Edit to add that I also have a teaching diploma, so quite a lot of letters after my name. That still didn't help me keep MBB's gixxer thou upright though

**vifferman** · 16th September 2009, 10:26

Originally Posted by MsKABC

I have a masters degree in geology, my thesis was on ignimbrite geology in the Tokoroa plateau.

Kewlness!
Fascinating stuff, ignimbrite. Well... at least, how it came to be is (and a bit frightening).
My thesis was on Quaternary sedimentary deposits near Port Waikato. Apart from electron microprobing (kinda like miniature anal probing, I guess) the diatoms and various beasties in them, it was SO stultifyingly boring I never finished writing it up. Left and became a professional sheep shagger instead. That was much more fun, because I got to do a lot of bike riding around a farm.

**MsKABC** · 16th September 2009, 10:30

Originally Posted by vifferman

Kewlness!
Fascinating stuff, ignimbrite. Well... at least, how it came to be is (and a bit frightening).
My thesis was on Quaternary sedimentary deposits near Port Waikato. Apart from electron microprobing (kinda like miniature anal probing, I guess) the diatoms and various beasties in them, it was SO stultifyingly boring I never finished writing it up. Left and became a professional sheep shagger instead. That was much more fun, because I got to do a lot of bike riding around a farm.

Yes - when you visualise an ignimbrite racing toward you it's pretty f'n scary alright! I did a big fieldtrip around Port Waikato during my undergraduate degree - cool geology out there!

**vifferman** · 16th September 2009, 10:41

Originally Posted by MsKABC

Yes - when you visualise an ignimbrite racing toward you it's pretty f'n scary alright! I did a big fieldtrip around Port Waikato during my undergraduate degree - cool geology out there!

Ah yes - the Glen Massey limestones. I enjoyed that too, once I got over the 3-day hangover resulting from drinking t'killya the night before the trip. Was 15 minutes late for the bus, and feeling very sorry for myself.

**oldrider** · 16th September 2009, 10:58

Years ago I had a little Honda 70 with a back sprocket almost the size of the back wheel and I used to ride all over the countryside around here just looking at the terrain etc. (thousands of acres at my disposal)

I had a wee one wheel trailer that used to carry a gold pan and the dog! (Staffie bull terrier named Megawatt, Meg for short)

I found quite a lot of colour, took mental note of where I found it and declared that one day when I have time I will come back and try working some of those areas to see how much is actually there!

Last couple of years I have suddenly realised that it's time to do that "now" or it just wont happen!

My wife's grandfather was a mining engineer and was involved with gold dredges, the last one of which was on the Maerewhenua river between Duntroon and Dansey Pass.

The last dredge venture was a failure and it went bust but there are still signs of the activity in the area if you know where to look.

I have spent quite a lot of time in the North Otago museum in Oamaru and on the Nett trying to find out about the gold rush into Livingston and Maerewhenua areas but it always peters out and I am afraid the rich history of this event is going to be lost forever.

It is through this that I have become much more aware of the Geological treasures of the area and my enquiries have sparked further interest in what I now know as (thanks to Ixion) Geomorphology of New Zealand and the entire world at large!

The whole study just keeps growing, every question answered raises another swarm of unanswered questions, I never realised how exciting a pile of old rocks could become!

An interesting site to visit at Duntroon (if you are in the area) is the "Friends of Vanished World Charitable Trust" open to the public daily in summer, week ends in winter, you can't miss it, Duntroon is very small!

Or have a look here: http://www.vanishedworld.co.nz/

**Winston001** · 16th September 2009, 11:20

Good stuff John. I studied geology in the 6th form at Waitaki and have always retained an interest. North Otago has great landforms because of the limestone. My youngest daughter (age 11) likes minerology and we have a cabinet for her rock collection.

**geoffc** · 16th September 2009, 17:31

Originally Posted by oldrider

Any Geology students or enthusiasts on KB?

There is a >55's group for retired but ongoing learners, (forgotten what they call themselves) that had classes on Geology in Oamaru this year. Even arranged field trips & had a lecturer from Otago Uni involved. Your local Citizen's Advice Bureau could put you on to them. Have you checked out the Pillow Lava formations on Cape Wansbrow? (Easy 10 minute walk along Graves walkway.)
Yes I have a keen interest too. Cheers John.

**Big Dave** · 16th September 2009, 18:33

Huh. Old southern rockers.

**Winston001** · 16th September 2009, 21:44

Originally Posted by geoffc

Have you checked out the Pillow Lava formations on Cape Wanbrow? (Easy 10 minute walk along Graves walkway.)

Mate - I have a piece of Pillow-Lava right here from Cape Wanbrow. One of the best places to see this volcanic formation in the world. And don't forget the layers of fossils just a bit further along.