Full title: FT26SE01. Exploring the Geologic Setting, Production, and Regulations of Natural Resources in West Tennessee and the Northern Mississippi Embayment
Leaders: Bonnie Craighead, Valarie Harrison, William Jackson
Endorser(s): GSA Geology and Society Division, Association of American State Geologists (AASG), GSA Energy Geology Division, SEPM (Society for Sedimentary Geology), Society of Economic Geologists (SEG)
CEUs: 1.6
Dates: Sat-Sun., 7-8 Mar. 2026
Location: Renasant Convention Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Time: 8 a.m.(first day)-12 p.m.(last day)
Description: “If it’s not grown, it’s mined” encapsulates the importance of geologic resources to society. West Tennessee and the greater Mississippi Embayment host economically significant geologic resources including heavy mineral sands, ball clay, and sand and gravel. This two-day trip explores these resources through field visits to three active operations, highlighting depositional settings, extraction processes, production history, and regulatory practices. Representatives from the Tennessee Geological Survey and facility operators will provide overviews of geologic context, extraction, remediation, and regulatory procedures.
Considerations: Travel time between sites will not exceed 2.5 hours. Most travel will occur along major roads, with scheduled stops for restrooms, food, and water. Hikes will be low-relief and short, with a maximum length of 0.5 miles.
By purchasing this item, you are buying a seat for an in-person geological field trip
Field Trips offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs). One CEU equals 10 hours of participation in an organized continuing education experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction.
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 Joint Southeastern, North-Central, and South-Central Section Meeting Activities.
For additional information, please contact fieldtrip@geosociety.
Product Code: FT26SE01
Product Category: FTRIP