Placeholder: southern France collection

[JustinGOSSES]

A potential placeholder for a provence area of France write up

[JustinGOSSES]

Roussillon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur https://www.google.com/maps/@43.9026428,5.2896944,3a,73.7y,165h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1slMFqG09ymu16GXaOOcdu5g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu

Location: latitude = 43.902649, longitude = 5.289664

Geology Response: Welcome, students! We are currently standing at a point with coordinates latitude = 43.902649, longitude = 5.289664, where we can observe a fascinating rock outcrop. The uppermost surface geology is composed of sandstone and shale from the Upper Cretaceous unit, which dates back to approximately 80 million years ago. This unit was deposited in a shallow marine environment. Below this is a Jurassic unit composed of limestone and shale, which dates back to approximately 200 million years ago.This outcrop is part of the larger geological story of the region. The area we are in is known as the Provence region of southeastern France, which is situated on the western edge of the Alpine orogeny. The Alpine orogeny is a mountain-building event that occurred during the Late Cretaceous to Early Tertiary period, approximately 65 to 35 million years ago. The orogeny was caused by the collision of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, which resulted in the formation of the Alps.The rocks we see here are part of the Provence Basin, which was formed during the Mesozoic era, approximately 250 to 65 million years ago. The basin was a shallow marine environment that was filled with sedimentary rocks, including limestone, sandstone, and shale. The Jurassic unit we see here is part of the larger Lias Group, which is a sequence of marine sedimentary rocks that were deposited during the Early Jurassic period, approximately 200 to 175 million years ago.The Upper Cretaceous unit we see here is part of the larger Cretaceous-Paleogene sequence, which is a sequence of marine sedimentary rocks that were deposited during the Late Cretaceous to Early Tertiary period, approximately 100 to 65 million years ago. This sequence is characterized by the presence of chalk and limestone, which were formed from the accumulation of microscopic marine organisms.Overall, the geologic history of this region is complex and fascinating. The rocks we see here are just a small part of a larger story that spans millions of years. As we continue our field trip, we will explore more of the geologic history of this region and gain a deeper understanding of the forces that shaped it.

[JustinGOSSES]

Gordes, France

Location: latitude = 43.902649, longitude = 5.289664

Geology Response: Welcome, students! We are currently standing at a point with coordinates latitude = 43.902649, longitude = 5.289664, where we can observe a fascinating rock outcrop. The uppermost surface geology is composed of sandstone and shale from the Upper Cretaceous unit, which dates back to approximately 80 million years ago. This unit was deposited in a shallow marine environment. Below this is a Jurassic unit composed of limestone and shale, which dates back to approximately 200 million years ago.This outcrop is part of the larger geological story of the region. The area we are in is known as the Provence region of southeastern France, which is situated on the western edge of the Alpine orogeny. The Alpine orogeny is a mountain-building event that occurred during the Late Cretaceous to Early Tertiary period, approximately 65 to 35 million years ago. The orogeny was caused by the collision of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, which resulted in the formation of the Alps.The rocks we see here are part of the Provence Basin, which was formed during the Mesozoic era, approximately 250 to 65 million years ago. The basin was a shallow marine environment that was filled with sedimentary rocks, including limestone, sandstone, and shale. The Jurassic unit we see here is part of the larger Lias Group, which is a sequence of marine sedimentary rocks that were deposited during the Early Jurassic period, approximately 200 to 175 million years ago.The Upper Cretaceous unit we see here is part of the larger Cretaceous-Paleogene sequence, which is a sequence of marine sedimentary rocks that were deposited during the Late Cretaceous to Early Tertiary period, approximately 100 to 65 million years ago. This sequence is characterized by the presence of chalk and limestone, which were formed from the accumulation of microscopic marine organisms.Overall, the geologic history of this region is complex and fascinating. The rocks we see here are just a small part of a larger story that spans millions of years. As we continue our field trip, we will explore more of the geologic history of this region and gain a deeper understanding of the forces that shaped it.

[JustinGOSSES]

Nice, France (beach to east of airport)

Location: latitude = 43.685835, longitude = 7.237582

Geology Response: Welcome, students! We are currently standing at a point with coordinates latitude = 43.685835, longitude = 7.237582, where we can observe a fascinating rock outcrop. The uppermost surface geology is composed of sandstone and shale from the Upper Cretaceous unit, which dates back to approximately 80 million years ago and was deposited in a shallow marine environment. Below this is a layer of limestone and shale from the Jurassic unit, which dates back to approximately 200 million years ago.This outcrop is part of the larger regional geology of the Provence region in southeastern France. The region has a complex geologic history, with multiple tectonic events and periods of sedimentation. During the Jurassic period, the area was covered by a shallow sea, which deposited the limestone and shale layers we see here. As the region continued to evolve, it experienced tectonic uplift and erosion, which exposed the Jurassic rocks to the surface. Later, during the Cretaceous period, the area was once again covered by a shallow sea, which deposited the sandstone and shale layers we see on top of the Jurassic rocks. The Provence region has also experienced significant tectonic activity, including the formation of the Alps mountain range to the north. This tectonic activity has caused the rocks in the region to be folded and faulted, creating the complex geologic structures we see today. Overall, this outcrop provides a glimpse into the complex geologic history of the Provence region, and highlights the importance of understanding regional geology in order to fully appreciate the geologic story of a particular location.