A Resource for Information on the Commonwealth's Geology
Featured Image
Micrograph of Deformed Quartz Sandstone
This micrograph colorfully illustrates deformed quartz grains in a well-cemented quartz sandstone from the Cambrian Antietam Formation, a prominent geologic unit in the Blue Ridge geologic province. Many of the individual sand grains are elongated (~horizontal orientation), but not recrystallized. Photo taken in cross polarized light with the gypsum plate inserted.
What’s New in Virginia Geology
Virginia is for Lavas- The Catoctin Formation
Many of the highest peaks in Shenandoah National Park (including Hawksbill, Stony Man, and Hightop Mountain, just to name a few) are underlain by distinctive bluish-green rocks that were once ancient lava flows (Virginia is for Lavas!), and are part of a geologic unit known as the Catoctin Formation. From the presidential retreat at Camp David to Jefferson’s […]