At Our Meeting:
Monday, October 10, 2005
Program: Scott and David Peters shared with us
their travel experiences on the geology of Turkey.
[Eric Meier]
Program Review: Members Scott Peters and his son David
gave us an impressive presentation on the Geology of Turkey. The Peters family
recently visited this nation that straddles two continents, and sits upon three tectonic
plates.
They brought mineral samples: obsidian, agates, meerschaum clay, amber, and volcanic
tuff and pumice for all to see. Their customized map of the country, along with
their DVD, showed us some of the geologic processes prominent in Turkey.
Apart from the Capadocihia area's two volcanoes, some ancient salt deposits were shown.
They showed us footage of "fairy cones", ancient underground cities
carved into them, and shared various facts about the extent of these features in the
geologic and cultural landscape.
David gave us a brief history of Turkey, expounding later with his father upon the
cultural uses of land features. An example is the hot springs and travertine
terraces used since ancient times for mineral baths as still found in Pemmukale.
David described a walk across one the terraces: "It was slippery and smooth, and
bizarre to walk over."
Scott explained how many ancient buildings, constructed from the local stones,
exhibited analagous geology to our own area. He cited how some stone walks were
paved with a garnet schist similar to that in the Wissahickon formation in Eastern
Pennsylvania. Also, he told us an historically important building in Ephesis had
limestone steps with recognizable brachiopod fossils included.
All in all, Scott and David got to explore and share with us their personal adventures
from an ancient land with friendly people and accessible geology. Thanks guys!
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