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
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 -
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
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
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
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
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
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.