Virtual Excursions

 


Below is a list of websites and apps for exploring geology through virtual field trips. A summary of each site is given with some useful links to resources that could be accessed to use with students.

NSW

NSW Geotrails

NSW Geotrails

This is the website that lists all current Geotrails in NSW. There are new ones being developed so it is worth checking from time to time. There are many ways to explore the Geotrails. In person using the signage at the site, in person using an app (download the Geotrail information before you go) and in 3D on the website, as a virtual tour.

The Port Macquarie Geotrail covers 4 km along the coast from Shelly Beach to Rocky Beach. It tells the story of plate tectonics and how Earth’s crust was formed.

The Newcastle Geotrail explores the prominent rock platforms and cliffs of the coastline from Nobbys Beach to Merewether headland. It details the geology of the northern edge of the sedimentary Sydney Basin and cultural heritage along the coastline.

The Warrumbungle Geotrail investigates the eroded remnants of Warrumbungle Volcano which erupted between 15 and 18 million years ago. There are 5 geotrails that follow existing walking tracks and roads within the Wurrumbungle National Park.

Mutawintji National Park Geotrail in far west NSW follows existing walking tracks to explore the park’s ancient geology and Aboriginal cultural significance. Explore rock formations of Devonian age, rock art and fossils revealing evidence of life up to 500 million years ago.

Sydney Basin Geology

Sydney Basin Geology

Sydney Basin Geology - Long Reef

Explore the geology of the Sydney Basin through YouTube videos filmed around the southern edge of the Basin near Wollongong and at Long Reef in Sydney.

Canowindra Fish Fossils

Canowindra Fish Fossil Images

Explore the specimens from the Canowindra fish fossil site which was excavated near the town of Canowindra. It is a rich late Devonian site with all the fossils preserved on a single bedding plane, part of an ancient fish community trapped in a pool of water which dried up, killing them.

Broken Hill: one of the world's largest lead-zinc-silver deposits

Broken Hill Deposit

This site has been compiled by Geoscience Australia and details the history of the discovery and mining of the Broken Hill deposit. It has lots of beautiful historical images as well as information and photos of the minerals of the deposit.

 

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Nilpena Virtual Field Trip – Ediacaran Fossils

Nilpena - Flinders Ranges - Virtual Field Trip

This is an immersive virtual field trip exploring the Nilpena site in the Nilpena Ediacara National Park. It documents the Ediacaran fossils of the region as well as providing videos with scientists.

Ediacara Golden Spike Virtual Field Trip

Ediacara Golden Spike Virtual Field Trip

This virtual field trip visits the Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP often referred to as a Golden Spike), for the Ediacaran. The Ediacaran Period named after the Ediacara Hills of South Australia, is the last geological period of the Neoproterozoic Era immediately preceding the Cambrian Period. Explore the collection of photos and videos.

 

VICTORIA

Weekend Geology – Step Back in Time this Weekend

Weekend Geology

This site has been compiled by Lauren Swann a geologist and secondary science teacher. It details a wealth of sites to visit around Victoria as well as resources and hints for enjoying geological sites.

 

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Marble Bar Chert Virtual Field Trip

Marble Bar Chert Virtual Field Trip

The Marble Bar Chert is one of the earliest sedimentary deposits on Earth. The Marble Bar Chert, along with the presence of pillow basalts, could be an important part of Earth’s early oxygen story. Explore one of the oldest geologic time periods of Earth’s history through this virtual field trip. There are lots of high-quality images and videos including a great one to explain the Stratigraphic Law of Original Horizontality.

Ancient Stromatolites of the Dresser Formation

Dresser Formation Stromatolites Virtual Field Trip

The Dresser Formation is formed from 3.5-billion-year-old fossil stromatolites. They are evidence of early microbial activity. There are high-quality images and videos explaining the importance of the rocks in this formation and their history.

Stromatolites of Shark Bay Virtual Field Trip

Shark Bay Virtual Field Trip

Explore the living stromatolites of Shark Bay. Three thousand years ago microbes started building up stromatolites in Shark Bay. Explore the high-resolution images and videos to learn more about the biology and geology of this unique location.

Banded Iron Formations of Karijini Gorge

Karijini Gorge Banded Iron Formation Virtual Tour

Explore the history of the formation of banded irons and their link to the Earth's oxygen. Alternate theories of their formation are presented. There are lots of high-resolution images and videos to explore.

 

INTERNATIONAL

USA - Grand Canyon Virtual Field Trip

Grand Canyon Virtual Field Trip

This is an immersive virtual field trip exploring the Grand Canyon in the USA. Explore the sedimentary layers at various sites along the Colorado River as well as videos with scientists.

Cretaceous–Paleogene (K–Pg) extinction event

K-Pg Extinction Boundary Virtual Field Trip

This is an immersive virtual field trip which provides the opportunity to explore the mass extinction of the K-Pg. Investigate rocks and fossils found at boundary locations around the world, explore biotic and environmental changes that occurred, and consider the causes of the mass extinction.

 

Volcanism Virtual Field Trips

Italy - Pompeii 79 AD - Explosive Eruption Virtual Field Trip

Iceland - Laki Fissure 1783 – Effusive Eruption Virtual Field Trip

Explore historical eruptions that impacted the environment and humans living nearby. Both virtual field trips have interactive videos and activities to help with learning about explosive and effusive volcanic eruptions.

Virtual Caves

Virtual Caves

This site has a range of images and videos that detail how various types of caves are formed. It has a long list of cave formations with some really creative names.