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The post-conference field trip:
31 August - 2 September

The volcanic and sedimentary evolution of the Palaeogene Faroe Islands Basalt Group on Suðuroy
Leader: Simon R. Passey, Jarðfeingi


This 2 and a ½ day field excursion will visit the southernmost island of Suðuroy and shall examine the oldest exposed formations of the Faroe Islands Basalt Group. Suðuroy has very good exposures of the uppermost aphyric sheet lobes of the Beinisvørð Formation with their distinctive layer cake appearance. This contrasts markedly with the Malinstindur Formation which consists of compound lava flows composed of thinner flow lobes with an overlapping and anastomosing configuration. A number of localities will be visited to examine the different lava flow morphologies and how this information can help constrain their mechanisms of emplacement and styles of volcanism.
The field excursion will also focus on the various volcaniclastic lithologies of the interlava sequences. A visit is planned to the coal mine at Rokhagi to examine the 3-15 m thick Prestfjall Formation, which represents a quiescent period between the eruption of the lava flow formations and is composed of claystones, coals and sandstones of lacustrine, swamp and fluvial environments. This inter-eruption facies is overlain in the east by the Hvannhagi Formation consisting of airfall tuffs interbedded with mass flow and floodplain deposits and a day will be spent in Hvannhagi valley examining these and other lithologies, including the Stapin Vent.

Provisional Itinerary
Day 1 (Friday, 31st August 2007): rendezvous at the ferry terminal, Tórshavn no later than 12:00 to catch the 12:30 M/F Smyril ferry to Suðuroy. Discuss the geology of Sandoy, Stóra Dímun and Lítla Dímun as we sail past. Arrive on Suðuroy at ca. 14:30 and visit the coal mine at Rokhagi. If time permits visit a number of short roadside localities. Have dinner and spend the night at Hotel Øravík. After dinner a lecture on the geology of Suðuroy shall be given.

Day 2 (Saturday, 1st September 2007): Travel to Hvannhagi Valley, Suðuroy, which involves a 1 hour walk each way. The day will be spent examining the Stapin Vent, Hvannhagi Formation and the irregular intrusions. The valley has a number of recent slump deposits due to the in-weathering of the claystones and coals of the Prestfjall Formation. This is a lovely secluded valley which may afford views of passing porpoises. Dinner and night spent at Hotel Øravík. A cultural evening may be arranged if there is enough interest, details to follow.

Day 3 (Sunday, 2nd September 2007): Visit a number of road side localities around the island looking at lava flow morphologies and interlava lithologies. Catch the 17:30 ferry back to Tórshavn. Night shall be spent in Tórshavn at the hotel of your choosing.

Cost

Please refer to the registration form for pricing options.
The field trip is sponsored by Geysir and includes the following:

Field Guide
Return ferry journey
Coal mine visit
Bus hire
2 days breakfasts
2 days packed lunches
2 evening meals

Accommodation
There will be an additional cost of two nights accommodation at Hotel Øravík on Suðuroy and one night in Tórshavn. Please see the registration form for options and prices.

Spaces available = 25

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