Geology Field Trip 1: The Rocky Shore 1.27

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Photo (top to bottom): photos 1&2: Goundo, Mourtada, Lucina and Rosa examine the sedimentary layer beneath the Mamelles volcanics; photos 3, 5-7: close-ups of the silty sedimentary layers; photo4: the underside of the earliest volcanic flow forms a cast of the underlying surface; photo8: basalt columns; photo9: wide shot of the area; photo10: evidence of dynamiting, mining the basalt; photo11: Bobby takes a nap.

As the crow flies, ISDakar is not too far from the shore. The quickest access is a 20 minute walk down the Corniche (a major north-south artery, running along the west edge of the peninsula), then directly to the sea down an unimproved road used for the construction of a new oceanfront hotel.

It's a interesting area: a mish-mash of lava flows atop layers of silty sediment.

How do geologists describe rocks; what is the language they use?

The aim of this field lab was to observe ten physical features of rock, from hardness, to luster, surface, cleavage, color, density, and the color left on a rough scratch plate. Groups identified three half meter study plots in which to gather and record their observations.

The site is also beautiful, particularly in late January, when most days are sunny and cool.

Recent Kid Stuff

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Photos (top to bottom): photo 1-8: geology lab: observing physical features; photos 9-14: Everyday Math game, Frac-Tac-Toe; photo1: Anais, Goundo, Alice; photo2: acid test; photo3: Lucie, Nicky, Bella; photo4: Bobby; photo5: Adama; photo6: magnifying Margret; photo7: Aleah; photo8: CJ, Charne, Agnes; photo9: Alice & Emilie; photo10: two artists, Lucie & Aleah; photo11: Margret, Charne, Devyani; photo12: Alphadi, Bobby, Nicolas, CJ; photo13: Marietou & Catherina; photo14: Ibrahima ('s hand).

Two activities: a geology lab in which the kids practice observing and recording the physical features of ten rock samples from two locations in the Grand Canyon -- a prelude to a discussion of correlation; and an Everyday Math game, Frac-Tac-Toe, in which students practice fraction-decimal-percent conversion.

Ile de Madeleine With Steve (Through Soumbidione)

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Photos (top to bottom): photo1/2: Steve & Tod en route to the island; photo3: basalt columns; photo4: nesting cormorants; photo5: Bette Midler baobab; photo6: find-of-the-day, an incised stone (on both sides); photo7: mystery of the day: shell casing; photo8: home of the island's protector jinn; photo9: stone shelter (or sanctuary) on the south end of the island; photo10: turquoise cove; photo11: nesting cormorants; photos 12-15: images of boat landing, cove (note Steve swimming in photo 14).

The backstory (in brief): Ile de Madeleine is a jewel, the country's smallest national park situated several kilometers offshore from Dakar. Until last summer, access was via a park's office near the fishing village of Soumbedione.

A park's officer shot and killed a fisherman who was allegedly violating the 500 meter conservation limit surrounding the island. The death led to riots in Soumbidione, the burning of the park's office, and the closing of Ile de Madeleine to visitors.

I'd heard recently that there was access to the island via the fisherman of Soumbidione, who were willing to arrange transport. With inquiries, Steve and I spent a day touring Ile de Madeleine on an idyllic mid-January day, cool and clear, with relatively calm seas. Beautiful.

The finds of the day included an incised stone (photo2), a exploded shell casing (photo7), and a hot mamma baby baobab (photo5).

Commencement & Sea Anchors

Images posted only as a personal reminder.

What I Know Versus Who I Am: A Dispositional Approach to Internationalism

This entry, too, is more a place-holder, a topic to return to this summer, the result of several conversations with Steve Carber.

Southeast Senegal (stills from video): Coming & Going

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