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.
By purchasing this item, you are buying a seat on an in-person geological field trip.
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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