Full Title: Kirk Bryan Field Trip (1/2 day): Quaternary Landscape Evolution, Soils, and Geoarchaeology in the Medina River Valley, South-Central Texas
Endorsed by: GSA’s Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology, Geoarchaeology, Soils and Soil Processes, Environmental and Engineering Geology, History, Philosophy, and Geoheritage, Geochronology Divisions, Kansas Geological Survey
Led by: Rolfe D. Mandel, Lee C. Nordt
Date: Sat. 18 Oct. 2025
Time: 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
CEUs: 0.6
This trip will include the Kirk Bryan Field Trip in the morning and conclude with the Geoarchaeology Field Trip in the afternoon. The Kirk Bryan Field Trip will focus on Quaternary landscape evolution, soils, and geoarchaeology in the Medina River valley at the deeply stratified Richard Beene archaeological site on the south side of San Antonio. The sequence of cultural and alluvial deposits at the site is one of the most complete records of Holocene human occupation and sedimentation documented in North America and is very important to the interpretation of the cultural history of the Inner Gulf Coastal Plain and adjacent areas of the Southern Plains. The trip to San Marcos Springs in Hay County, Texas will highlight a significant landscape for geological, hydrological, and archaeological interests. The artesian springs are among the largest in Texas and provide an exceptional opportunity for GSA attendees to study aquifer dynamics, karst geomorphology, and human history. This field trip proposes to lead attendees on a glass bottom boat tour, hiking tour of the fault zones of the escarpment, and tour of the cultural materials recovered over the years at the archaeological site. This trip is partially funded by the Geoarchaeology Division and the Kansas Geological Survey. The cost includes transportation (bus), boat fees, lunch, snacks, and water.
This field trip starts and ends at the Convention Center in San Antonio. However, for those on the Kirk Bryan Field Trip who also registered for the Geoarchaeology Division’s trip, "The Geoarchaeology of Spring Lake, San Marcos Texas," you will depart after lunch (1 p.m.) from the Richard Beene site and travel to San Marcos. A bus will transport us directly to the Land Heritage Institute’s facility at the Richard Beene archaeological site. Except for walking about 150 meters on flat ground to view an outcrop along the Medina River, there will be no long walks. Wear comfortable walking shoes and expect the temperature to be around 80-82° F. Refreshments will be provided during the tour, and bathrooms are available in the Land Heritage Institute’s facility at the site.
By purchasing this item, you are buying a seat on an in-person geological field trip.
Please review these Field Safety Documents. You will be contacted to provide your consent to these forms after purchasing a field trip.
Learn more about this and other GSA Connects 2025 events.
For additional information, please contact Rebecca Taormina, rtaormina@geosociety.org, GSA Field Trip and Short Program Coordinator.
Product Code: FT25CN413
Product Category: FTRIP