By CAROL SALDIVAR
Moapa Valley Progress
A small group of curious area residents saw a side of Mesquite that tickled the science nerd in all of them.
On Saturday morning, Nov. 16, hydrogeologist, Heidi Hadley led a science field trip called, “Stratigraphy and Art” to three of Mesquite’s natural outcroppings. The group learned about the different layers, colors, composition, and creation of the soils exhibited there.
Stratigraphy is the study of rock layers. One can’t go anywhere in Mesquite without seeing some form of layered rock formations.
Hadley shared information with the enthusiastic group about how river systems developed much of the landscape in the Virgin Valley. She pointed out and described layers, erosion, sheer faces and slopes, fractures, and colors made up of different elements.
Hadley also talked about how the landscape changes), how the layers are formed and how weather affects this process.
For the “art” piece, she asked participants to draw what they saw in sketchbooks she provided. They were then asked to describe what they drew. Hadley focused on similarities and differences between the sites.
A one page handout with photos of the sites, described many geological words in a glossary on the back.
Hadley has spent over 30 years in the field of geological science and water resources. Her passion for sharing her knowledge was quickly apparent, and she made learning enjoyable for the group.
Hadley’s excitement was contagious! She savored a few surprises for students to notice, and told of the wonders of nature and science that created different surfaces in the sedimentary rock at the three sites visited.
“I learned some new things today,” said Grant Gunn, Hadley’s husband who was among the group. Gunn said that he is steadfast in support of his wife’s passions.
The next field trip, entitled “Down by the River,” will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7. Participants can meet at 10 am at the Women’s History and Culture Center, 225 N. Willow St. in Mesquite.
