ISGS (Illinois State Geological Survey) and Field Trips
The Illinois State Geological Survey, a division of the Ill. Department of Natural Resources, has studied and mapped the states geology and mineral resources since 1905. The ISGS also collects, stores, and distributes a great quantity of geological data for basic and environmental research.
ISGS Web Site is http://www.isgs.uiuc.edu/isgshome/isgshome.html
ISGS FIELD TRIPS (Open to the Public, pre-registration required - On-line registration)
Illinois State Geological Survey Science Field Trips
2007-2008:
Fall Trips: Pere Marquette State Park and Surrounding Area, Jersey County
September 22, 2007
October 20, 2007
You're invited to join ISGS scientists on a field trip. Each year, we conduct
four trips, two in the fall and two in the spring. Each trip is designed to
acquaint you with the geology, landscape, mineral resources, and biodiversity of
a different part of the state. Along the route, well stop frequently to give you
time to explore a special area, to talk with geologists and other experts, or
simply to admire the view. You also have opportunities to collect rocks,
minerals, and fossils.
People of all ages are welcome; however, grade school groups must be supervised
by at least one adult for each five students, and high school groups must be
supervised by at least one adult for each ten students. The trips are especially
helpful to teachers of earth science classes.
Each participant will receive a guidebook explaining the geology, topography,
and other features along the route and at the stops. A list of guidebooks from
previous field trips is available for use in planning your own class tours or
private outings.
Scenic Pere Marquette State Park is located near the confluence of the
Mississippi and Illinois Rivers in southwestern Illinois. Majestic limestone
bluffs create a spectacular vista along Illinois Route 100 (the Great River
Road) from Pere Marquette State Park, southeastward toward Alton, Illinois. The
structurally complex Cap au Grès Faulted Flexure, crossing the area from east to
west, contributes to the rugged topography. The originally horizontally
deposited rock layers have been tilted and now stand nearly vertical. Bedrock
exposed in this area consists of Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian, Mississippian,
and Pennsylvanian age strata. Some of the rocks are quite fossiliferous,
containing brachiopods, corals, and scattered trilobites.
Meet before 8:15 a.m. at the Visitor Center parking lot, located near the main
entrance within Pere Marquette State Park. The park is located north of Grafton
along Illinois Route 100.
For information about ISGS research and service, field trip details, previous
field trip guidebooks, or educational publications, contact the Illinois State
Geological Survey (217-333-4747 or 244-2427; TDD 217-244-6677).
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Last Updated 09/8/2007