The overall theme of this trip is to look at the sequence of sedimentary layers which are found in the Massanutten Synclinorium (Cambrian to Devonian), interpreting their depositional setting and tectonic meaning, then look at how they were deformed during Appalachian mountain-building (Pennsylvanian-Permian), and how they have been sculpted by modern erosional forces.

Pre-trip readings (introductory level)

Detailed stratigraphic column for the Appalachians at our latitude. (by Lynn Fichter, James Madison University Geology, 1996)

The Valley and Ridge province (from the College of William and Mary's "Geology of Virginia" series)

Geological Evolution of Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic Region (from James Madison University's "Geology of Virginia" series)

George Washington National Forest webpage on their geology

"Massanutten Synclinorium field trip" on NOVA Geoblog (by Callan Bentley, May 2008)

Most important: A series of graphics and photos (with captions) that I have assembled for this trip

Oh, and you'll definitely want to watch this video, produced by a student who took the class in 2010:

Additional resources (of a more technical nature; for the student who is really interested):

Blatt, H. Tracey, R. and Owens, B. 2005. "Bentonite" in Petrology, W. H. Freeman; 3rd edition. p. 278.

Fichter, L.S., and Diecchio, R.J., 1986, "The Taconic sequence in the northern Shenandoah Valley, Virginia." In: Geological Society of American Centennial Field Guide - Southeastern Section, p.73-78.

Huff, W.D., Bergstrom, S.M., and Kolata, D.R. 1992. "Gigantic Ordovician volcanic ash fall in North America and Europe: Biological, tectonomagmatic, and event-stratigraphic significance." Geology, vo. 20 (10), p. 875-878.

Melson, W.G. 2004. Geology Explained: Virginia's Fort Valley and Massanutten Mountains. Interpress, Washington, DC: 167 pages.

Roberts, W.P., and Kite, J.S. 1978. "Syntectonic deposition of lower to middle Silurian sandstones, central Shenandoah Valley, Virginia." Virginia Minerals, vol. 24 (1): 1-5. Virginia Division of Mineral Resources, Charlottesville.

Secrist, M.H., and Evitt, W.R. 1943. "The paleontology and stratigraphy of the upper Martinsburg Formation of Massanutten Mountain, Virginia." Journal of the Washington Academy of Sciences, vol. 33 (12): 358-368 (PD collection no. 5397).

Tucker, R.D., Bradley, D.C., Ver Straeten, C.A., Harris, A.G., Ebert, J.R., and McCutcheon, S.R. 1998. "New U–Pb zircon ages and the duration and division of Devonian time." Earth and Planetary Science Letters, vol. 158 (3): p.175-186.

Vocabulary words to learn before the trip:

Rocks and minerals:
...calcite
...quartz
...clays
...limestone
...chert
...shale
...graywacke
...quartz sandstone
...conglomerate

Stratigraphy,
structures, etc:
...formation
...oolite
...stromatolite
...cross-bedding
...trace fossils
...anticline
...syncline
...slaty cleavage
...orogeny
...differential weathering