2004 Southeast Friends of the Pleistocene Field Trip

THE INCISION HISTORY OF A PASSIVE MARGIN RIVER
THE POTOMIC NEAR GREAT FALLS

This one-day field trip will focus on the ages of bedrock strath terraces bordering the Potomac River above and below Great Falls . Recent cosmogenic exposure dating shows that the Potomac incised rapidly into Piedmont crystalline bedrock during the Last Glacial Maximum. Incision of more than 20m occurred after 35ka to form Mather Gorge, a spectacular geomorphic feature in an unglaciated basin in a passive margin setting. The geomorphology of the Potomac and factors that contributed to this rapid channel adjustment will be discussed

ITINERARY

Friday, October 22

5 P.M. Registration at Lake Fairfax Park Campground or site TBA.Campsites are available at the park on Friday and Saturday nights. The following map provides local directions. We will be in Group Camping area G-9.

For those who prefer not to camp, there are numerous motels in the Reston-Herndon area. The closest motels are south of Lake Fairfax Park on Baron Cameron Ave as it enters Herndon and becomes Elden St. I have reserved a block of rooms at the DAYS INN hotel, 2200 Centreville RD, Herndon, VA 20170 703-471-6700. Their rate is $79/Night for a double room. (Exit 10 on 267).

Please Note: Camping rules are to be strictly followed, including the prohibition on alcoholic beverages.


Saturday, October 23

Assemble at 8 A.M. at the Great Falls Park(9200 Old Dominion Dr., McClean, VA) parking lot which is about 1/2 mile past the entrance guard station. Entrance fee may be required. The field trip will start from the parking lot and follow the sequence of stops in the accompanying guidebook.

Potomac Guidebook

5 p.m. Field Trip ends.

6.pm. Buffet banquet at Champps (11694 Plaza America Dr.) off Sunset Hills Rd.

Sunday, October 24

No SEFOP activities are planned, but there are numerous sites of interest along the Potomac and in D.C.

Additional Reading:
Reuser et al.

REGISRATION

Registration Form PDF

Registration Form MS WORD