Watch your step in GEOLODÍA!
- Coasts for Kids The Series
- May 16, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: May 17, 2024
On May 12th, MODUL participated in the XIII edition of Geolodía, under the theme "Geology in the Vicinity of Sancti Petri Island", organized by the University of Cádiz's Earth Sciences Department and with special collaboration from Castillo de Sancti Petri.
This year's focus in Cádiz was on the unique landscape and history of Sancti Petri Island and Punta del Boquerón in San Fernando. Attendees explored the area's geological features, coastline evolution, and human impact on the environment, with insights from experts including Dr. Lourdes Márquez and Dr. Mili Jiménez from the Andalusian Institute of Historical Heritage.
Nearly a hundred attendees embarked on a guided excursion following a brief welcome by Dr. Santiago García López, and an introduction by Dr. Ángel Sánchez-Bellón, delving into the geological significance of the area. Ferried in small groups from the dock of Puerto de Sancti Petri to Punta del Boquerón, they explored the southernmost tip of the barrier island. Designated a Natural Monument in 2003 for its scenic and ecological importance, this sandy promontory became a classroom for understanding the landscape's formation.
Participants were welcomed in Sancti Petri's harbor and ferried across Punta del Boquerón.
Dr. Eduardo Molina discussed the formation and evolution of the reflux delta at Sancti Petri's channel mouth, while Dr. Irene Delgado Fernández and Dr. Juan Montes highlighted the coastline's notable mobility and the formation of coastal dunes.
Attendants learned about aeolian processes and the formation of coastal dunes,
and the evolution of intertidal deltas.
After returning to the port of Santi Petri, attendees embarked on a boat for a scenic tour through the channel before venturing into open sea towards the islet of Santi Petri. On board, Professor Javier Gracia elucidated the marsh's sedimentary processes and presented a paleogeographic reconstruction from the Upper Pleistocene to the present day near the islet. Subsequently, Dr. Tomás Fernández-Momblant discussed the wreck of the Fougueux, a French ship sunk in 1805 during the Battle of Trafalgar, emphasizing the analysis of its remains to understand coastal morphodynamic evolution.
Participants enjoyed a scenic boat tour while listening to the science of reconstructing the geology
and recent history of the area.
Following the field day, attendees enjoyed a delicious paella prepared by two Geolodía participants, fostering a wonderful atmosphere. As a fitting end to this interesting day, Daniel Paniagua led an engaging workshop on shark and megalodon teeth, providing material supplied by Dr. Fernando Muñiz, which was a treat for younger participants!
The event ended with some tasty paella and "cool shark-stuff" for the youngest minds!
Thank you very much to everyone who joined in. We were thrilled to be part of this wonderful event!
What is GEOLODÍA?
Geolodía (Geolo-day) is a nationwide geological outreach event that aims to showcase the geological heritage of Spain's 50 provinces through free field trips and inclusive activities, drawing up to 10,000 participants annually. The initiative is guided by geologists and Earth Scientists; it is free of charge and open to the general public. It is organized by the Spanish Geological Society in collaboration with FECYT and the Spanish Association for Earth Sciences Learning.
Every year, a Geolodía is held in each province on the first or second weekend of May. Geolodías take place in environments of great geological interest and provide simple yet rigorous information. They allow participants to see these places with 'scientific eyes' and understand how the Earth, upon which we live and upon which our natural resources depend, functions. Those who participate also understand the value of our geological heritage, earth processes and landscapes, and the need to protect them.
The 2024 Geolodía boasted its highest number of field trips to date. In addition to trips across all Spanish provinces, events were also programmed in Andorra and Mexico, totalling 65 science communication trips showcasing physical and geological aspects of our natural environments. Geolodía’s videos also provided access to places otherwise inaccessible, such as the depts of the ocean or the planets and moons within our solar system.
Have a look on the following video, presented by SGE President, Prof. Juan Antonio Morales.